Andonovski: National Data Center to be built near technology parks

Minister of Digital Transformation Stefan Andonovski announced that the most likely location for the National Data Center is near Skopje’s technological-industrial development zones, specifically in the vicinity of Bunarxhik. He explained that the site in question does not contain productive agricultural land, but offers ample space for future expansion should the government decide to invest in a photovoltaic power plant to supply the center with electricity.

According to the minister, the geographical location is highly favorable: it is situated on the outskirts of the capital, near the Skopje 1 and 2 Technological and Industrial Development Zones, and is surrounded by a highway and an optical line. These factors make the site the most suitable choice for establishing the center.

The project will be financed from the state budget, but a 30% grant component is also envisaged. However, the government faces the challenge of identifying an international financial partner. Andonovski explained that, despite preliminary talks, the World Bank cannot participate in the initiative because of its incompatibility with European Union directives.

“We are in communication with several financiers that comply with European standards for this type of project. For the EU itself, this is also new ground. The Growth Plan is a new financial instrument that they are applying. Consequently, the funding will come from international financial institutions. We enjoy cooperative relations with many of them. So far, we have not finalized any agreement, except in one case where discussions are at an advanced stage with the Council of Europe Development Bank,” he told Telegraf.

The minister added that negotiations are also under way with other interested parties. “In the period ahead, we will review the offers in order to select the most favorable proposal and the partner most motivated to cooperate,” Andonovski concluded.