Skopje, 29.04.2026 — The Deputy Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, Ane Lashkoska, gave an introductory speech at the Regional Waste Management Forum – “Together for a Waste-Free Region: Towards a Functional and Sustainable Regional System”, which was held today in Skopje.
The forum focuses on improving the regional waste management system in the Pelagonija and Southwest regions and is an important step toward creating a modern, functional, and sustainable system that will provide better quality services for citizens and stronger environmental protection.
The event was opened by H.E. Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden, Ola Sollström, whereas the Minister of Local Self-Government, Zlatko Perinski, the Executive Director of “ZELS”, Dushica Perišić and the Director of “SALAR International”, Ryan Knox, also gave introductory speeches.
In her speech, Lashkoska highlighted that the regional waste management plan is not just an administrative requirement, but a key tool for solving one of the biggest challenges municipalities face—illegal dumps, lack of infrastructure, and limited capacity for proper waste management.
“By working together, we can build a modern and sustainable system that will provide better services for citizens, protect the environment, and use financial resources more efficiently. This project is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in the future of our municipalities,” Lashkoska emphasised.
She pointed out that funding has been secured through a loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), as well as significant grants from Sweden and Switzerland, while the necessary equipment and machinery are already in use on the ground.
“The conditions for implementation have been set - now the critical factor is our commitment, coordination and determination at the local level. The support and active participation of municipalities are essential for the success of this process,” Lashkoska stressed, calling for a strong inter-municipal partnership and consistent implementation of the decisions made.
The event is organised within the framework of the project “Sustainable Waste Management at the Local Level”, funded by Sweden and implemented by SALAR International in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, the Ministry of Local Self-Government and ZELS.
The Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning highlights the long-term successful cooperation with the Kingdom of Sweden and the EU in the process of establishing regional waste management systems, as one of the most significant infrastructure and environmental reform processes in the country.”
