Skopje, 12 February 2026 The Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Muamet Hoxha, addressed the event “Pathways for Skills and Inclusion in the Solid Waste Sector,” organized by the office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in North Macedonia, held at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Skopje.
In his address, Minister Hoxha referred to the systematic policies in the field of waste management, emphasizing that the Regional Waste Management System is already transitioning from a concept into reality.
“It is very important that the Regional Waste Management System is no longer just an idea on paper. We are already building the infrastructure that forms the foundation of this system. Therefore, 2026 is the year of real change. This means an end to improvisations,” Minister Hoxha emphasized.
He recalled that since the beginning of his mandate, he has set waste management as one of the key priorities, emphasizing that long-term and sustainable solutions are necessary.
“We no longer have time for temporary solutions. We need a sustainable system that will protect citizens’ health. In building that system, it is essential to have a workforce and skills that match the needs,” Hoxha emphasized.
The Minister also highlighted the significant role of European partners in the process of establishing a sustainable waste management system.
“Our partnership with the EBRD and the European Union is not a formality, but a tool for addressing real, decades-long problems. Waste management today is not only an environmental issue- it is an economic opportunity, a matter of decent work, and social justice,” he said.
In conclusion, Hoxha stated that waste management must become a source of growth and innovation rather than an environmental problem, adding that the green transformation must be implemented on the ground through the construction of modern infrastructure, as the only way towards a cleaner environment and a better quality of life for all citizens.