Inter-Municipal Waste Management Board Formed for the Pelagonia Region

The municipalities of the Pelagonia and Southwest regions held a constitutive session today in Skopje and officially formed the Inter-Municipal Waste Management Board (MOUO) – a formal and functional mechanism that unites the two regions into a single waste management structure. With this, the state takes a decisive step toward introducing a modern, coordinated waste management system according to European standards.

Speakers at the event included Zlatko Perinski, Minister of Local Self-Government; Ane Lashkoska, Deputy Minister of Environment and Physical Planning; Dushica Perishikj, Executive Director of ZELS; Igor Nikovski, Director of the Administration for the Environment; and Lena Falcon, Program Director at SALAR International.

Immediately following the welcoming addresses, the agreement for the establishment of the MOUO was formally signed. By establishing the MOUO, the municipalities are making a clear transition from previous ad-hoc and fragmented solutions to a stable, systemic, and sustainable approach. The new regional model enables predictable processes, clear competencies, and coordination between institutions, resulting in better organization, more efficient resource use, higher quality services, and greater security for citizens. This systemic approach is essential to ensure consistent, transparent, and professional waste management, aligned with domestic legislation and European standards.

The newly formed body will be responsible for: adopting regional waste management plans; approving key investments in regional infrastructure; coordinating activities to close existing landfills and overcoming problems with illegal dumpsites; overseeing the implementation of the Regional Waste Management System (RSUO); ensuring transparency and active citizen involvement in the process.

This mandate of the MOUO creates a strong foundation for a stable, accountable, and long-term sustainable waste management system at the regional level.

The establishment of the MOUO effectively begins the next phase of the waste management reform, which primarily includes the development of a new Regional Waste Management Plan 2026–2032, finalizing the process for forming a regional communal enterprise, coordinating the work of relevant institutions, and increasing engagement for full and timely public information. These activities are essential for establishing a fully operational RSUO.

The mayors from both regions today demonstrated a high level of unity, responsibility, and vision for modern public services and a cleaner environment. Through collective decision-making, they showed that regional cooperation is key to development and the quality of life for citizens.

Sweden and Switzerland, as long-term partners, provide support in the process, ensuring stability, expertise, and credibility in every phase of the reform.

Source:РАЦИН.мк