North Macedonia energy procurement corruption allegations

The SDSM political party in North Macedonia has alleged corruption regarding a 13.2 million euro energy deal involving the procurement of electricity meters by EVN Macedonia. The opposition claims the selected Serbian company, METER&CONTROL, is linked to the Rudnap Group. SDSM further alleged a conflict of interest involving Energy Minister Sanja Božinovska, citing her previous role as an executive director for Rudnap Group companies between 2011 and 2014.

Minister Božinovska has denied these allegations, stating she has had no business or private relationship with Rudnap for over 12 years. She maintained that she has no connection to the procurement process, which she noted was conducted independently by EVN. Characterizing the claims as a “smear campaign” intended to damage her integrity, Božinovska demanded a public retraction from SDSM within 24 hours and threatened legal action.

In response to the demand for an apology, SDSM President Venko Filipce stated the party will not retract its claims, asserting they are based on official documentation. Filipce cited records indicating Božinovska served as a manager for Rudnap Bulgaria and was identified in documentation for a Rudnap entity in Zagreb. He further questioned her interests by citing her previous professional engagements and her possession of a Bulgarian passport.