[REVISION HISTORY]

North Macedonia environmental protection debate

2 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-19 05:56 UTC → 2026-10-28 12:45 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In September 2026, activists in Ohrid launched a petition demanding improved environmental protections in North Macedonia. The initiative called for systematic policies to address air pollution, water safety, waste management, and nature conservation. Activists highlighted severe health risks, noting that nearly all children in the country are exposed to harmful air pollution. By October 2026, the focus shifted to proposed amendments to the Law on Environment. While the Ministry stated these changes are necessary to align with European Union legislation, critics and environmental organizations argued the revisions could weaken protections. Key points of contention include a proposal to allow the reconstruction of heavy, polluting industrial facilities near residential areas or protected sites, which would modify a 2022 prohibition. Additionally, experts raised concerns over the removal of protocols for managing contaminated sites and a reduction in transparency regarding public hearings and documentation for polluting projects. On October 18, 2026, the ecological organization ‘Eko-Svest’ called on the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning to urgently publish a draft law for soil protection and begin public consultations. The group warned that recent legislative changes removed provisions for managing contaminated ~~areas,~~ sites, leaving multiple sites without a legal framework for remediation. Identified locations include the former OHIS chemical complex in Skopje, lead and zinc smelters in Veles, and various mining sites such as Llojanas, Sasa, Zletovo, and Toranica. On October 28, 2026, Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning Muhamet Hoxha introduced the ‘Green Turn through Digitalization’ initiative. This program includes five modules intended to increase transparency, improve administrative efficiency, and enhance environmental data management. Specific components include providing citizens access to ministry project information, digitizing archives for electronic case tracking, and digital mapping of illegal landfills to assist in cleanup planning.

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