Regional Cooperation and International Expertise: A Step Toward Responsible Mining Legislation

Today in Skopje, Novi treći put achieved a key milestone in improving the regional legislative framework for mining and energy. In a meeting with North Macedonia's Minister of Energy, Mining, and Mineral Resources, Sanja Božinovska, and her team, we officially presented the findings of our independent expert review on the proposed Law on Mining and Law on Geology.

International Expertise & European Standards

The independent review was organized and coordinated by Novi treći put, bringing together top international experts:

• Prof. Dr. Vječislav Bohanek (University of Zagreb)

• Kristi Disney Bruckner (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance – IRMA, USA)

During the session, the experts outlined concrete recommendations and proposed amendments based on European Union legislation, international standards, and comparative best practices from Austria, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Finland, and Croatia.

The discussion also included key institutional stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry, the Geological Survey, and the State Inspectorate for Energy and Mineral Resources of North Macedonia.

Driving Meaningful Policy Reform

For Novi treći put, this initiative represents the culmination of months of dedicated work. It stands as a clear model of how regional collaboration, expert technical review, and constructive dialogue with government institutions can deliver modern, actionable, and environmentally responsible laws.

This project is implemented with the support of Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans.