National and regional story (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) - Climate Change in the Republic of Macedonia

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as a country with candidate status for full membership of the European Union, has founded its development on the observation of the EU's priorities. Climate change is one of the four top priorities of the EU, which has taken a leader’s role in international negotiations aimed at reaching political agreement on climate change mitigation and adaptation. Within its ability and status under the United Nations Framework Climate Change Convention, the Republic will contribute to the implementation of the EU’s efforts and the international community in general. The government has committed itself to place climate change-related issues at the proper position on its political agenda and incorporate them into the overall strategy for the planning and development in order to abate an increase of the emission under the national development plans.

The government endeavours to integrate the recommendations contained in climate change reports – the Second National Communication on Climate Change adopted in December 2008 and National Strategy for Clean Development Mechanism during the first 2008-2012 commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol – into other strategic and planning documents at the central level, including the National Strategy for Sustainable Development and the National Strategy for Waste Management. Observation of the recommendations and conclusions during the development of land, energy, agriculture, forestry and other planning documents is also recommended.

The period following the first period of commitment under the Kyoto Protocol will pose particular challenges to the Republic, as intensified activities will need to be taken to mitigate climate change and these should be balanced with the mitigation potential of the country and share of the relevant activities in its Gross Domestic Product