Bosnia passes emergency law to preserve Nova Željezara Zenica steel plant

The Federal Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina convened an emergency session to consider a proposal for special administration of the state‑owned steel producer Nova Željezara Zenica. In the House of Peoples, 70 deputies voted in favour, three abstained and none opposed, enabling the law to pass after individual statements were requested by SDP, SDA and DF clubs.

The legislation, described by federal Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry Vedran Lakić as of "systemic importance", aims to avoid bankruptcy, restructure the company and safeguard jobs and industrial stability in the Federation. Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić announced his attendance at the session, responding to opposition demands for the presence of both the premier and the minister, given the plant's strategic role.

Critics warned against investors such as Gordana Pavlović and highlighted local opposition to plans for a waste‑incineration facility at the site. The government indicated it would rather pursue consolidation and restructuring than allow the steel mill to go into liquidation.