{"id":340639,"date":"2025-12-31T18:36:21","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T08:36:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.railfreight.com\/?p=68367"},"modified":"2025-12-31T18:36:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-31T08:36:21","slug":"ebrd-approves-21-million-euro-loan-for-north-macedonia-rail-freight-modernisation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=340639","title":{"rendered":"EBRD approves 21 million euro loan for North Macedonia rail freight modernisation"},"content":{"rendered":"

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is lending North Macedonia 20.9 million euros for new electric locomotives and a rail resource planning system. The loan will be to the benefit of rail freight operations.<\/strong>
\n<\/span>The money will go to Macedonian Railways Transport Joint Stock Company Skopje (MRT), which will be able to acquire five new electric locomotives with it. A modern enterprise resource planning system will help streamline MRT\u2019s core business processes by driving improvements in operational effectiveness, says EBRD.<\/p>\n

According to EBRD, the funding project seeks to boost MRT\u2019s performance through the implementation of a corporate development plan. That should improve the company\u2019s efficiency and financial sustainability, the bank says.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe plan will include the creation of an efficiency action plan, with specific measures to refine the company\u2019s tariff methodology, as well as updates to and the harmonisation of its public service obligation methodology in accordance with EU requirements.\u201d It also hopes to boost gender equality and inclusivity at the company.<\/p>\n

An important step for the industry<\/h2>\n

EBRD\u2019s loan represents a significant step in moving North Macedonian rail freight forward, according to Fatih Turkmenoglu, EBRD Head of North Macedonia. \u201cBy supporting the renewal of rolling stock and corporate improvements to the national railway operator, the EBRD is helping boost the competitiveness, safety and sustainability of the country\u2019s transport network\u201d, says Turkmenoglu.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe project will not only deliver tangible environmental benefits but also set new standards for operational excellence and equal opportunity in the sector. It is an important investment that will enable the country\u2019s export-oriented businesses to integrate into global value chains. This will enhance private-sector competitiveness and create jobs, ultimately supporting the country in tackling population outflows.\u201d<\/p>\n