Mickoski Defends Data Center Push, Cites 17,000 New Jobs in Two Years
Speaking from Berovo, the PM called data centers an irreversible global process while touting employment growth from 691,000 to 708,000 workers.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, speaking today from Berovo, once again firmly defended the development of the data center industry in Macedonia, describing it as an irreversible global process the country must position itself within if it wants to be a regional leader.
Addressing the initiative in Pehčevo specifically, Mickoski clarified that it's a private initiative, with the decision now in the hands of the local council and municipality, which he said have already stated their position on the matter.
17,000 New Jobs in Two Years
Responding to a reporter's question, the Prime Minister noted that over the past two years, from the third quarter of 2024 through the second quarter of 2026, employment grew by 17,000 new jobs — from 691,000 to 708,000 employed. According to him, that's more than the previous government achieved over a full seven years.
Mickoski said he expects the opening of data centers to further boost that figure and potentially enable some young people who left the country in recent years in search of better opportunities to return.
MKNews Hub · Economy · August 29, 2026