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North Macedonia to adopt AI strategy and build National Data Center
North Macedonia is advancing its digital infrastructure through the development of a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and a National Data Center. Minister of Digital Transformation Stefan Andonovski expects the AI strategy to be adopted by the end of the year, which may include legislation focused on the ethical and principled use of AI rather than its production.
The proposed National Data Center is planned for a location near Bunarčik, close to Skopje, utilizing state-owned land. To support the high energy demands of such facilities, the government plans to integrate photovoltaic power plants to supply 30% to 40% of the center's electricity consumption.
These technological ambitions have met political opposition. The SDSM party, represented by Keti Šterjova, has criticized the government's direction, alleging that the administration is ‘selling out’ national resources. The opposition has raised concerns regarding the environmental impact of data centers on water resources and the potential risks associated with proposed antimony mining projects, calling for a public referendum on such developments.
Entities
Bunardzik · Christian Mickoski · Ministry of Digital Transformation · North Macedonia · Rumble · Skopje · Stefan Andonovski
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The national artificial intelligence strategy is expected to be adopted by the end of the year. nezavisen.mk · republika.mk · vecer.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] The National Data Center will be built near Bunardzik, close to Skopje. nezavisen.mk · republika.mk · vecer.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Discussions with potential financiers for the National Data Center project are underway. nezavisen.mk · republika.mk · vecer.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] The proposed AI law will focus on ethical and principled use rather than regulating production or creation. nezavisen.mk · republika.mk · vecer.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] A law regarding the use of artificial intelligence will be part of the strategy's activities. nezavisen.mk · republika.mk · vecer.mk
- [● 3 SOURCES] A solar power plant is planned to provide 30 to 40 percent of the National Data Center's electricity consumption. nezavisen.mk · republika.mk · vecer.mk