European mining models show ecology and industry can coexist

The organization ‘I Zдравје и Работа’ argues that environmental protection and mining development are not mutually exclusive, citing European experiences as evidence. According to the group, countries with high ecological standards are successfully developing modern mining sectors and investing in their own mineral resources.

In Brussels, results are expected from a second call for financial support for mining projects, which received 160 applications. The European Union is currently accelerating permit procedures for critical mineral extraction to reduce dependency on third countries, while maintaining strict scientific assessments, monitoring, financial guarantees, and land reclamation obligations. In 2025, the first selection resulted in 47 strategic projects within the EU and 13 in partner countries. Sweden is highlighted as a model for balancing active mining with high environmental performance.

The group suggests that Macedonia should follow these European examples to ensure it does not remain excluded from these processes, noting that the ‘Ilovica–Štuka’ project remains the only significant new investment in the country's mining sector.