In the framework of the project "Strengthening the central and local level capacities for environmental management in the area of air quality", the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning has enhanced capacities for servicing and calibration of air quality monitoring instruments and processing of data obtained from monitoring stations.

"The project focused on local capacity strengthening, resulting in the development of a draft-programme and action plan for air protection during alarming states in Bitola. These documents contain measures for improvement of the air quality, but also represent a good model for development of programmes and plans in other municipalities and the city of Skopje", stressed Minister Abdilaqim Ademi at Monday's final event of the project.

Head of the EU Delegation to Macedonia, Ambassador Aivo Orav stressed clean air is crucial for the health of every individual, but also for the environment in general.

"Joint efforts are required at all levels - national, regional and local - in order to secure clean air for us and future generations", said Orav, adding the country has achieved progress in the field, as noted in the latest EC Progress Report.

Finnish Ambassador Juha Ottman also assessed there is good progress in reforms of national legislation with regards to climate change and environmental protection.

"There is good progress in the development of air quality monitoring system, but this is not sufficient, due to the lack of funds for its functioning", added Ottman.

Seventeen air quality measuring stations have been installed throughout Macedonia, two of which in Skopje municipalities Centar and Karpos.