In order to achieve the goals defined in the European Commission`s Reform and Growth Instrument for the Western Balkans (2024-2027), the Ministry of Digital Transformation informs that four draft laws have been prepared.
With the adoption of these laws, a total of more than 19 million euros are unlocked for Macedonia, of which more than 5.7 million euros in grants will be made available to the state budget as direct budget support.
Three of them have been published and available on the Electronic National Register of Regulations (ENER), where any interested party, despite the consultation process so far, can submit opinions, comments and suggestions regarding the published draft laws within 30 days from the date of publication.
- Law on Electronic Communications - This law aims to align the national legal framework with European standards, through alignment with the European Electronic Communications Code 2018/1972 and the Gigabit Infrastructure Law 2024/1309. The law will provide for an update of the regulatory framework for electronic communications, by promoting investments in high-quality high-speed networks, consumer protection and the promotion of competitiveness; it will establish a comprehensive framework to support the faster, more economical and simpler deployment of very high-capacity networks, known as gigabit networks. This lays the foundation for the development of a robust digital infrastructure in the country.
- Law on Amendments to the Law on Electronic Documents, Electronic Identification and Trust Services: This law provides for the harmonization of the Law on Electronic Documents, Electronic Identification and Trust Services with EU Regulation 2024/1183 in accordance with the Reform and Growth Instrument. The primary objective of the law is to establish a single, unified system for digital identities in the country that will enable easy and secure access to public and private services. This will facilitate the use of electronic services and increase electronic transactions between users.
- Draft Law on Archival Material and Archival Activity - This law establishes a modern legal basis for the management of archival activities, including electronic handling of archival documents, which will improve the preservation and operational efficiency of archival institutions in the country.
At the same time, the Law on Security of Networks and Information Systems, which is the basis for harmonization with the NIS 2 Directive of the European Union, was published for the second time on 29.01.2025, after which a public debate was held and it is expected to enter the government procedure in the second half of March. The law aims to ensure a high level of cyber resilience, by providing for the integration of cybersecurity in every segment of the digital transformation.
Through this package of laws, the Ministry of Digital Transformation is laying the legal foundation for comprehensive, fundamental and tangible reforms in the field of information and communication technologies and the digital transformation of the country. The timely implementation of the envisaged steps will provide significant funds for accelerated reforms and development, which will improve economic growth and help the country on its path to the EU.