The Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning will organize a public hearing on the procedure for renewing the operating permit of the Usje Cement Factory. A request for a new integrated A-permit has already been submitted.

The civic initiative "Stop for Usje" organized a protest in front of the ministry, demanding transparency in the permit process. Environment Minister Muamet Hodza stated he "respects and supports peaceful protests as a democratic right of citizens" and confirmed the public hearing will be held.

"Representatives of civic organizations, initiatives and the expert public will be invited to the public hearing" - the minister announced, emphasizing the importance of a transparent process for environmental protection. The integrated environmental permit, issued by the ministry, will be valid for 7 years and sets the conditions under which the factory can operate.

Previously, Skopje councilors proposed relocating the factory outside urban areas. Experts proposed Usje should operate on gas with independent monitoring.