Skopje, 15 September 2026 (MIA) - Our goal is not just formal alignment with European legislation. We want to adopt a law that will be functional, applicable, and modern. A law that will establish clear rules and legal security, enable development of the mining sector and responsible investments, while also guaranteeing that the public interest, citizens, environment, and local community won't be overlooked, said Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources Sanja Bozhinovska at a presentation Tuesday of the results of an independent expert revision of the draft-law on geology and the draft-law on mining.

The revision stated that the proposed legislation is modern, comprehensive, and aligned with European standards and best international practices to a significant degree.

The Minister said the country has potential to develop its mining sector and make use of its mineral resources but noted that future development must be based on high standards, transparent procedures, clear rules, and responsible management with natural resources.

"Mining should be a driver of economic development, but the benefits of the investments must be broader – for the country, for the economy, for the local self-government, and above all for the citizens. That is why we are insisting on a system in which there will be both development and protection, both investments and responsibility, efficient procedures and high standards," Bozhinovska stressed. 

In a press release, the Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources said the revision was drafted by Prof. Dr. Vječislav Bohanek and Kristi Disney Bruckner in cooperation with civil organization "New Third Way". The process also involved representatives of the Ministry, Geological Survey, and the State Inspectorate for Energy and Mineral Resources.

The Ministry said the experts provided a very positive assessment of the legislation, noting that they establish a modern, clear, and mutually aligned framework for geological exploration and mining activities.

Additionally, a comparative analysis was conducted with the legislation of six EU member states – Austria, Germany, Poland, Czechia, Finland, and Croatia, which noted that the proposed Macedonian model is aligned with relevant European practices, the Ministry said. 

The Ministry pointed out that expert revision is an important step in the process of finalizing legislation since it enables additional expert assessment and comparison with the experiences of EU member states.

Photo: Ministry of Mining, Energy, and Mineral Resource