Public Announcements

Climate Finance Study Tour – Development Bank of North Macedonia

27/05/2026

As part of its ongoing cooperation with the French Development Agency (AFD), a delegation from the Development Bank of North Macedonia (DBNM), led by Chief Executive Officer Efimija Dimovska, PhD, undertook a study visit to Paris and Brussels focused on climate finance. The study tour was organized by the consortium comprising IPC – Internationale Projekt Consult as lead partner, Adelphi, and iC – CES Clean Energy Solutions, which AFD has engaged to provide technical assistance in support of DBNM’s lending activities.
 
     


During the visit, the DBNM delegation held a series of high-level meetings with institutions playing a key role in advancing climate finance, green transition policies, and sustainable development banking in France and across the European Union. These included AFD, Bpifrance, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and several Directorates-General of the European Commission, namely DG Enest, DG Fisma, DG Clima, and DG Growth.
 

     


In several working sessions with AFD, the host and organizer of the study tour, discussions focused on increasing the utilization of the AFD credit line, strengthening cooperation through technical assistance, environmental and social risk management standards, financing mechanisms for the energy transition, and collaboration under the PEEB Cool Public Buildings Energy Efficiency Project. The parties also explored the possibility of DBNM joining the global network of public development banks through the Finance in Common Summit (FiCS).

Representatives of the French public investment bank BPIFrance presented their institution’s products, operational model, and strategic approach to development financing. They also shared valuable experiences and best practices that could contribute to the future development and strengthening of DBNM’s activities. 

Meetings with OECD representatives focused on opportunities to mobilize private capital for sustainable development, the implementation of green taxonomies, methodologies for measuring green key performance indicators (KPIs), financing instruments for green investments, and the role of public development banks in supporting the energy transition in the Western Balkans. 

Discussions with representatives of the European Commission highlighted DBNM’s contribution to implementing the national Reform Agenda, the implications of the Green Agenda for the country, and the range of EU sustainable finance instruments and opportunities available to both the state and DBNM. Particular attention was given to the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework for the 2028–2034 period and its potential relevance for future financing initiatives.
 

     


The study visit provided an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the rapidly evolving field of climate finance and sustainable development banking. It further underscored the importance of institutional dialogue, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation in advancing the green transition and strengthening sustainable financing capacities.