Skopje’s battle with air pollution intensifies as authorities launch an electric car-sharing initiative aimed at reducing emissions. However, environmental groups remain skeptical, warning the plan could worsen traffic and fail to tackle the city’s pollution crisis.
(TIR-FAX) – The capital of North Macedonia remains at the top of Europe’s most polluted cities, with air quality dangerously affecting residents. Authorities have introduced an electric vehicle (EV) sharing initiative in a bid to combat pollution, but environmental activists express doubts about its effectiveness.
The new project, announced by Environment Minister Izet Mexhiti and Energy Minister Sanja Bozhinovska, aims to reduce air pollution, ease traffic congestion, and provide an accessible, modern transport option for citizens. It will allow government institutions, businesses, and individuals to rent electric vehicles through a mobile app, with payment based on minutes and mileage.
Despite the optimistic outlook, the initiative faces criticism. Activists from the ‘GoGreen’ movement argue that the plan will only add to the number of vehicles on the road, exacerbating the already limited parking space and worsening traffic. They stress the need for investment in public transportation, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian spaces instead.
“This initiative will not improve transport in the city. It will lead to more cars, more traffic jams, and only marginal improvements in air quality,” said Darko Arsovski Petrovski, an activist with ‘GoGreen.’
Currently, Skopje faces alarming levels of air pollution, which, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), contributes to the premature deaths of thousands of people in North Macedonia each year. The main sources of pollution include outdated vehicles, the use of low-quality heating fuels, industrial emissions, and inadequate green spaces.
While the government has announced other measures, such as subsidies for energy-efficient homes and cleaner energy, citizens and activists argue that more aggressive action is needed to address the root causes of pollution.
“The solution lies in reducing the number of private vehicles on the road, improving public transport, and making the city more pedestrian-friendly,” said Arsovski Petrovski.
The electric vehicle-sharing project is just one part of a broader plan to tackle air pollution, which includes the introduction of 120 electric buses and various energy efficiency measures. However, many are skeptical that these efforts will be enough to bring about significant change.
