Press Release II: Voices for Change – Exploring Solutions for the Veles Stack

The press release announces the first citizen dialogue of the EU-funded FIC-FIGHTERS project, held in Veles, North Macedonia, to address the environmental and social impacts of phosphogypsum (PG) stacks—a legacy of the former Chemical Industry Veles fertiliser plant. The site, containing 3.7 million tonnes of gypsum across 70,000 m², is one of the country’s major environmental hot spots. The dialogue aims to empower local communities by mapping risks, sharing experiences, and co-creating strategies for sustainable remediation. FIC-FIGHTERS seeks to transform PG waste into valuable raw materials for sectors such as paper, cement, batteries, fertilisers, and detergents, while also valorising aluminium industry residues. This approach integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, promoting circular economy practices that mitigate health risks and foster cross-border cooperation. The initiative underscores the urgency of addressing PG stacks, framing them as both a hazard and an opportunity for innovation and socio-economic development. By combining scientific research with citizen engagement, the project aspires to deliver solutions that are technically sound and socially inclusive, setting a precedent for participatory environmental governance across Europe.