Macedonian government pledges €10 billion for infrastructure over next decade

10 billion euros infrastructure Macedonia highway projects Bechtel ENKA

The government of North Macedonia announced a €10 billion plan for capital infrastructure projects to be completed within the next ten years. The programme includes the simultaneous construction of six highway sections, new express roads, railway upgrades and the refurbishment of health and energy facilities. Prime Minister Christian Micic highlighted that the investments aim to raise GDP growth by more than 5 percent.

Key highway works focus on the Kičevo‑Ohrid corridor, with the Izvor‑Vrbijani segment expected to open by September‑October 2024, coinciding with the national Independence Day on 8 September. Remaining sections, including the stretch to Botun and connections to the Bukoje‑Kičevo segment, are slated for completion by the first quarter of 2027. Financing combines domestic bank syndicates—following the cancellation of a loan from China’s Exim Bank—with €175 million from local banks, €220 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for the Bukoje‑Kičevo segment, and additional EBRD loans for other projects. The consortium Bechtel‑ENKA is overseeing multiple highway contracts, and the first 11.5 km of the Prilep‑Bitola segment is expected to be operational by September 2027.