Saubermacher Austria, Saubermacher Slovenia, Saubermacher North Macedonia, and Man & Mountain Skopje took part in the professional workshop “Creating Green Jobs in North Macedonia,” held on 12–13 November at Europe House Skopje.
The event, organized by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection in cooperation with the Austrian Embassy in Skopje, gathered experts in waste management and high-level government representatives to discuss opportunities for sustainable employment and the transition towards a circular economy.
Mr. Andreas Opelt, Board Member and COO of Saubermacher, provided an insightful overview of the wide range of green job opportunities the waste management sector offers — from site workers and drivers to operators of specialized equipment, chemists, researchers, administrative staff, and managerial positions. He emphasized the transformative potential of the circular economy, stating that “the green transition and implementation of circular economy, according to the most recent studies of an Austrian university, will produce substantially more and better-paid green jobs than if we don’t implement it. Ecology drives the economy, and innovation endures the domestic market!”
Mr. Opelt also presented the current state of operations at Saubermacher Tetovo, highlighting benefits for employees, future development plans, and new opportunities the company envisions in North Macedonia. He further underlined the importance of advancing through the key phases of the waste management process in order to apply circular economy principles and achieve an environment worth living in.
Representatives from Man & Mountain Skopje, Mr. Hannes Jaekl and Ms. Gordana Sofija, shared the success story of “Generalka Weekend” – the largest eco-initiative in North Macedonia, organized annually for the past five years. They stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders – central and local government, state institutions, NGOs, and academia – to raise awareness about waste management and environmental protection.
Mr. Vaitkus Zygimantas, representing the European Investment Bank (EIB), reaffirmed the Bank’s readiness to support serious initiatives and projects in the field of waste management in North Macedonia, noting the strategic importance of such efforts for the country’s sustainable growth.
In the concluding discussion, participants agreed that the waste management sector holds significant potential for green job creation but stressed the need for strong commitment and support from authorities, as well as closer cooperation between all stakeholders – including citizens – to achieve long-term environmental and social benefits.
