Draft 2040 spatial plan for Southeastern region raises fears of new mines

The draft Spatial Plan 2040 for the Southeastern Planning Region has triggered public concern after civic activists warned it could open the door to new mining projects in the area.

Zdrava Kotlina, a local citizens' association, urged broad mobilisation against the opening of new mines. The group argued that the plan's wording creates possibilities to reclassify land as G1 — heavy industry — and warned about potential damage to agricultural land and the wider environment.

In a written appeal Zdrava Kotlina said: "The mere presence of a given location or mineral resource in spatial or planning documentation does not automatically mean that a mine will be built at that location. For the realization of a specific mining project, other procedures, permits and compliance with legal requirements are also necessary. Protection of water is a particularly important issue for the Strumica Valley. The spatial plan includes several areas related to water management, agriculture, nature, infrastructure and climate change."

Political responses and demands

SDSM announced it would block adoption of the new plan unless changes are made. SDSM leader Venko Filipche said "North Macedonia is not for sale", argued that the country cannot be traded away for private interests at the expense of citizens' health, and called for enlargement of the plan.

The Left (Levica) reiterated its long-standing demand for a moratorium on granting new concessions and on all procedures linked to planned mines. MP Borislav Krmov said "It is unacceptable to play with the environment and with nature."

The Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning has notified the public that a cycle of regional public hearings on the Draft Spatial Plan of the Republic of North Macedonia 2040 is beginning. The ministry stressed that "The public debate represents an opportunity to learn about the proposed planning solutions, as well as to provide opinions, proposals and comments in the process of preparing one of the most important strategic documents for the spatial development of the country."

Photo: press material from the event