Feb 18, 2026

Alkaloid at the “European Perspective of Macedonian Business” Forum

We forged our path to the Еuropean markets, step by step, with quality, standards, and a vision beyond borders


Business Club Europe, an advisory body within the Economic Chamber of Macedonia, hosted the “European Perspective of Macedonian Business” forum in Vinica. The CEO and President of the Management Board of Alkaloid, Mr. Zhivko Mukaetov, took part in the panel discussion titled “The EU Single Market: How Prepared Is the Macedonian Economy?”.



Referring to pharmaceuticals as one of the most strictly regulated industries worldwide, where credibility, quality, and rigorous compliance with international standards are essential, Mr. Mukaetov underlined that Alkaloid has expanded and strengthened its position within precisely such a demanding framework, consistently guided by its motto, “Health Above All”.



From EUR 53 million in sales in 2005 to EUR 339 million in consolidated sales today, with EUR 220 million generated through exports, Alkaloid employs more than 3,000 individuals and operates in over 50 markets via 27 subsidiaries across the globe, establishing itself as a prominent regional pharmaceutical producer.



A defining turning point in the company’s nine-decade trajectory was the strategic decision in 1994 to invest in state-of-the-art production facilities and implement advanced corporate governance standards. Its entry into the EU market in 2007, secured through GMP verification and the first marketing authorization for a medicinal product, created momentum that has since resulted in more than 1,000 product marketing authorizations within the European Union.



“Operating from a country outside the EU means navigating longer regulatory timelines and having more limited access to financial instruments. We continue investing in technology, expertise, and quality. Our expansion is driven by strategy, persistence, and a vision that extends beyond national borders. The path to European markets was not laid out for us; we forged it ourselves, step by step, through dedication, discipline, and unwavering adherence to the highest standards.” – said Mukaetov in his address.



The discussion also included contributions from Gligor Cvetanov from Makprogres Vinica, President of Business Club Europe; Maria Kanellopoulou, First Counsellor and Head of Section for Economic Issues, Institution Building and Cross-Border Cooperation at the EU Delegation; and Dragan Tilev, State Counsellor for European Affairs.



Founded at the initiative of Chamber President Branko Azeski, Business Club Europe serves as a forum for dialogue among the business sector, academia, representatives involved in the European integration process, and European diplomatic stakeholders. Its activities center on EU-related topics, the integration of the Macedonian economy in European developments, and the formulation of EU-focused policies from a business standpoint.