Recent months in North Macedonia have brought notable proposals and draft laws for legislative changes and have seen thriving energy and financial sectors – but also a concerning lack of progress on the rule of law, impacting businesses and investment – according to Law Office Lazarov Managing Partner Dragan Lazarov.

On Friday, 17 November, the Minister for transport and communications of North Macedonia, Mr Blagoj Bochvarski, and the Minister for construction, transport and infrastructure of Serbia, Mr Goran Vesić, signed a Memorandum for the Construction of a Fast Railway from Niš to Skopje.

The concept of a digital workplace, characterized as an employment environment allowing employees to complete tasks, collaborate, and function as part of a team, irrespective of location, has been around for some time but has gained significant traction in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge in popularity can be substantially attributed to the measures enacted by the Macedonian Government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

Tender Opportunities in North Macedonia

North Macedonia continues to align its laws with EU directives while introducing a solidarity tax and a food price freeze – both of which raise concerns, according to Debarliev, Dameski & Kelesoska Partner Jasmina Ilieva Jovanovik.

The end of September 2023 not only marked the close of the month but also heralded the replacement of Macedonia’s previous Law on Advocacy with a new substantially amended law. The new law, which entered into force on 3 October 2023, introduced significant amendments designed to elevate the level of practice of law in Macedonia.

In the era of digital technology, it is natural to contemplate the potential effects of the digital revolution on various aspects of life. Generative AI, although still in its development stage, is already causing the anticipated revolution in the markets. Generative AI is beginning to revolutionize the delivery of services and products and has already made significant strides in transforming how markets operate. It is not yet clear whether generative AI will cause competition law issues; however, based on experience with digital revolutions, it is worth noting that a few scenarios are possible that will disrupt the current competition law framework everywhere, including in North Macedonia.

Clifford Chance has advised KKCG Group's Technology pillar on the complete refinancing of its existing bank indebtedness and the further recapitalization of its members, including those in Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Poland, and Serbia.

The summer slowdown in North Macedonia has not dented interest in the energy sector, with several renewable energy initiatives on the docket, while a new law on expert findings and data protection fines are making a splash, according to Apostolska Aleksandrovski & Partners Partner Svetlana Trendova.

In the realm of legal matters in the Republic of North Macedonia, the concept of "bankruptcy for individuals" that exists in Western countries is completely unknown. Here, a person burdened with debt could find themselves perpetually trapped, facing an ever-growing debt that seems impossible to escape.

The Public Enterprise for State Roads of North Macedonia (“PESR”) published an invitation for prequalification (“Invitation for Prequalification”) for works for the construction of a 10.5 km long sub–section of the TEN-T Route 6 Motorway (“Project”).

ODI Law has advised the owner of Macedonian supermarket chain Kit-Go on its sale to Kosovo-based company Viva Fresh. The Zeqiri Law Office reportedly advised Viva Fresh.

The Lalicic & Boskoski Law Office has advised Mr. Bricolage on relocating its business premises in Skopje across the street from its former location through a lease agreement with landlord Tinex.

ODI Law has advised Makedonski Telekom Skopje on insourcing 150 employees from the Macedonian subsidiary of Ericsson. Karanovic & Partners advised Ericsson.

Before the introduction of the latest amendments to the Company Law of the Republic of North Macedonia (Company Law) on April 29, 2022, it stipulated that only loans provided by sole shareholders to their companies may be converted into share capital.  The practice of conversion overseen by the Central Registry of North Macedonia (CRM) was strict. For example, loans taken over by the shareholder from the companies of the same group were considered ineligible for conversion. 

Paksoy, working with Gowling WLG, has advised UK-listed Volex on its acquisition of Turkish complex wire harness manufacturer Murat Ticaret Kablo for a total consideration of up to approximately EUR 178.1 million. Kinstellar and its Turkish affiliate Gen Temizer Ozer advised the Gora family on the sale of 100% of their shares in Murat Ticaret.

The Macedonian real estate market reached its greatest growth and development in the last ten years. As a result of the increased investments in the real estate market, the legislation that regulates the respective matter is constantly changing to meet the amended conditions resulting from the growth, so we can see simplified procedures for obtaining building permits and simplified procedures for the transfer of ownership rights.

A significant number of landmark energy and infrastructure projects are currently materializing in North Macedonia, with foreign direct investment interest constantly growing as well, according to Veton Qoku, Partner and Attorney-at-Law in cooperation with Karanovic & Partners.