Legislative amendments facilitating development of data centers in the Republic of North Macedonia

The Republic of North Macedonia has undertaken significant legislative reforms aimed at establishing a favourable legal framework for developing and constructing data centers as infrastructure facilities of strategic importance.

In this regard, amendments to the Law on Construction and the Law on Urban Planning were published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia No. 134 dated 18 June 2026. These amendments introduce new legal provisions governing the planning and construction of facilities intended for the storage and processing of digital data (data centers).

With these amendments, data centers are, for the first time under Macedonian regulation, explicitly recognized as a distinct type of facility.

Amendments to the Law on Construction recognize data centers as Category I construction projects, i.e. as projects of national significance. This practically means that the authority to issue construction permits for data centers now rests with the Ministry of transport.

In addition, the amendments to the Law on Urban Planning establish special planning rules applicable to certain categories of infrastructure projects. In particular, they provide for expedited procedures and shortened deadlines for the preparation and adoption of urban plans necessary for development of data centers and the accompanying infrastructure and ancillary facilities necessary for their operation.

While the new legislative framework will definitely speed up the permitting procedure for development of data centers in North Macedonia, various non-governmental organizations and political entities have expressed concerns as to the possible consequences for the environment, energy infrastructure, and the use of state resources. Ultimately, the successful roll-out of date center infrastructure will depend not only on the favourable regulatory framework but also on recognizing the importance of public participation in the planning process.