The Parliament of North Macedonia has adopted this new law as an important step towards aligning national legislation with European Union standards in the field of environmental protection.
In line with Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions, the new law fully implements the Polluter Pays Principle, establishing a solid legal framework that obliges polluters to cover the costs of eliminating environmental hazards and restoring affected areas.
The purpose of the Act is to regulate industrial activities, tackle pollution at its origin, and promote the responsible use of natural resources, while also taking into account economic conditions and local factors in the areas where these activities are carried out.
By introducing a comprehensive approach to permitting and supervising industrial facilities, the Act sets clearer and more consistent rules both for large industrial plants and for smaller facilities.
The new law promotes the advanced application of the Best Available Techniques (BAT) concept, whereby national BAT will be defined in line with the list adopted by the European Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Bureau.
Furthermore, the Act allows greater flexibility in adapting the requirements included in environmental permits, based on the specific characteristics of each facility and the environmental conditions at the site.
The law reduces administrative barriers in the permitting process and provides for the establishment of General Binding Environmental Protection Requirements, while local municipalities remain responsible for issuing permits.
This approach ensures a unified regulatory framework at the national level, tailored to the specificities of each facility’s activities, while at the same time fostering a competitive market environment.
Boosting monitoring and accountability
The Act also strengthens the framework for monitoring and controlling industrial emissions by clearly defining the responsibilities of industrial operators and regulatory bodies, establishing consistent oversight mechanisms, and promoting greater transparency and accountability to protect public health and the environment.
The implementation of the Act will begin two years after it comes into force, giving industry, regulatory authorities and local governments sufficient time to adjust their processes, comply with the new requirements, and ensure the smooth and effective application of the updated regulatory framework.
(EUpravo zato)
