The Interreg Promoter project has Kocani (North Macedonia) as its guest partner. This approach is becoming increasingly common in the European Union, with the aim of extending the European spirit to countries that are not yet EU members. Therefore, the latest meeting of this project was held in Kocani on December 2nd and 3rd.
PROMOTER, which is the acronym for PROMOstrategy development TERTerritorial initiatives for sustainable mobility through green energy prosumer hubs bring us closer to achieving climate neutrality and repowering by pursuing innovative and decarbonized mobility, thus contributing to a greener territorial quality. To contribute to this change, it promotes the development of green energy hubs at the local level, supporting sustainable transport.
The Macedonia meeting consisted of two distinct parts.
On the one hand, Kocani, a guest partner, showcased three best environmental practices they are developing that are helping North Macedonia approach European environmental standards. The first, concerning geothermal energy, involves harnessing this resource as a source of energy and heating since 1998, using the thermal springs around Kocani, which reach temperatures of up to 73°C (163°F).
The second topic, wastewater treatment, was North Macedonia's ongoing water modernization process. The country is seeking technical and financial solutions to manage its wastewater using European Union funds through the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA III) for the period 2021-2027 and in collaboration with international companies. To illustrate this, the hosts showcased the Gorni Podlog wastewater treatment plant. Finally, the discussion focused on optimizing public lighting in rural areas.
The second part of the meeting aimed to jointly examine the development levels of the main phase of the Interreg PROMOTER project, in which all partners must focus their efforts on improving the mobility and sustainable energy policies of each of their areas of influence.
The Federation of Municipalities of the Region of Murcia is working, in this phase, on two lines. On the one hand, on the influence and improvement in the Regional Public Transport Strategy with the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, for which a joint committee has been created.
And on the other hand, the FMRM, It aims to influence the various Urban Mobility Plans (PMUs)whether new or in the process of renewal, so that they include measures or actions adapted to the needs of citizens in the various good practices approved by the European Commission.
