Skopje, 30 July 2026 (MIA) – We will not allow any negative impact on the environment in order to build data centers. There will be no cutting of trees, nor will any harmful impact on nature, including water and air, be allowed in order to gain any benefit. I think these were backward arguments and attempts by certain individuals to create a false sense of hysteria, Minister of Digital Transformation Stefan Andonovski said Thursday.

Andonovski said at a press conference that one of the options being considered is to place the data centers in technological-industrial development zones, in locations with existing industrial facilities, as part of brownfield investments.

“There are ongoing discussions and debates regarding advantages and disadvantages of building larger data center facilities. We will never compromise environmental protection for the sake of any investment in the country. Every construction project must undergo an environmental assessment, particularly foreign investments and will not allow any harmful impact on nature. After consulting with relevant experts from the IT sector, mechanical engineering and industry, I have not encountered anyone opposing the construction of a data center. The question is its size and the potential environmental impact, but we will not take any action that would lead to environmental harm or threaten water, air or nature in order to gain benefits from such a facility,” Andonovski said.

Photo: MIA