North Macedonia advances law to screen foreign direct investments

The Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia has passed a proposal for a law on the reporting and screening of foreign direct investments (FDI) to a subsequent reading with 81 votes in favor. The legislation aims to establish a national screening mechanism to protect national security, public order, and strategic interests.

Under the proposed law, foreign investments that involve acquiring at least 10% of the basic capital or voting rights, in an amount of no less than 50,000 euros in a company, sector, or critical infrastructure, may require a positive or conditionally positive decision from the Government. The law will allow the Government, upon a proposal from the Ministry of Defense, to define sectors and types of critical infrastructure.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is proposed as the competent authority for reporting and checking these investments. This process will involve consultations with various institutions, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Finance, and the National Bank of North Macedonia.