North Macedonia strengthens path to EU electricity market with intraday trading 

New market will boost system flexibility and support the integration of renewable energy 

On Wednesday, 6 May, North Macedonia’s National Electricity Market Operator, MEMO launched its intraday electricity market—marking a key step forward in the country’s path toward decarbonisation and integration with the European Union internal electricity market. 

Building on the day-ahead market launched three years ago, the intraday market introduces greater flexibility by enabling trading closer to real time. This will become increasingly important as solar and wind energy reshape the generation mix, requiring producers to better manage variability, reduce imbalances and maximise the value of their output. 

“An operational intraday market is a milestone on two counts: it is both a  prerequisite for proceeding with the market coupling into the EU, and will  contribute to a better integration of renewables and system balancing, contributing to the regional operational security,” said Martin Martinoski of the Energy Community Secretariat, who attended the opening. “We congratulate MEMO, BSP as service provider, and the national institutions whose commitment has made this possible. We look forward to continuing this path together toward integration with the EU’s Internal Electricity Market.” 

The launch builds on the strong performance of MEMO’s day-ahead market since its introduction on 10 May 2023. Trading volumes have grown rapidly—from 335 GWh by the end of 2023, nearly 970 GWh in 2024, and over 1,370 GWh in 2025, with around 40 active members. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, volumes were already 19% higher than the same period the previous year—establishing the market as a key reference for price formation and a solid foundation for the intraday market. 

With both day-ahead and intraday markets now operational, North Macedonia is well positioned for future market coupling with the EU internal electricity market, even ahead of joining the EU. To start this process, North Macedonia must finalise the adoption of EU-aligned legislation—the Energy Integration Package – which will then need to be verified by the Energy Community Secretariat and the Commission.