Investment Screening Mechanism – preserving security and public order in the Western Balkans

The main objective of the project is to equip key stakeholders in emerging markets with quality information and expertise on investment security policies and best practices.

In the initial phase of the project, the IDSCS will actively advocate for the establishment of a governmental working group, that will develop a draft law on screening foreign direct investments in North Macedonia. To achieve this objective, the project team will embark on a study visit to Brussels and engage in meetings with relevant institutions and stakeholders. These meetings will contribute to shaping policy solutions essential for the establishment and implementation of the foreseen legislative act regulating the Foreign Direct Investment Screening Mechanism (FDISM) in North Macedonia.

The FDI data collected for the Western Balkans will be made publicly available and promoted widely through advocacy campaigns. The outreach campaign aims to increase the awareness of the FDIs among diverse target audiences, including the general public. Moreover, the campaign will serve to amplify key issues and recommendations that will come from the collaborative efforts of the governmental working group.

The project’s outcomes will be effectively communicated through various channels, including engaging debate episodes, video, data visualization dashboard and an insightful investigative story focused on the Foreign Direct Investment mechanism.

Donor: Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)

Duration: February 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024

Budget: $93.174

Project continuation
Name of the project: “Facilitating Inclusive Legislation: Investment Screening Mechanism—Preserving Security and Public Order in the Western Balkans”

The project aims to support the development and adoption of a Foreign Direct Investment Screening Mechanism (FDISM) in North Macedonia. This mechanism is crucial for safeguarding national security, preserving public order, and aligning the country’s investment policies with EU standards, an essential step on the path to EU accession.

Building on previous efforts that initiated national dialogue and formed a government working group, IDSCS will continue to work across four core pillars: political outreach, technical assistance in drafting the law, engagement of non-state stakeholders, and training and communication.

In the first phase, IDSCS will conduct political outreach to new government officials, ensuring continuity in the legislative process and maintaining momentum. Simultaneously, a technical working group, comprising institutional representatives and experts, will begin drafting the FDISM law, integrating best practices and previous research findings. The project will engage business associations, legal professionals, civil society, and media through stakeholder consultations and a regional workshop. Feedback from these consultations will be compiled in a report and fed into the legislative process. Additionally, foreign experts from the Czech Republic will participate in high-level discussions in Skopje, providing technical input based on Czechia’s experience in developing its own FDISM.

The project also includes a communication campaign to increase public understanding and support. This involves articles in economic journals, updates to the FDI data dashboard, and national TV segments highlighting the importance of investment screening.

Donor: Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)

Duration: September 1, 2024 – October 31, 2025

Budget: $67.401,95