On 24 September 2025, as part of the FIC-Fighters project, a meeting was organised with 15 engaged citizens of Veles (aged 17–80) to explore their perceptions of the phosphogypsum (PG) stack, its impact, and their vision for the future of this area.
Through participatory workshops and hands-on mapping, they shared stories, concerns, and hopes:
Key Concerns
– Pollution’s invisible effects on water, soil, and air
– Health impacts (anemia, chronic and respiratory illness)
– Lack of transparency and citizen engagement
– Agricultural decline and migration
Who’s Most Affected?
– People with chronic illness
– Farmers
– Pregnant women, children, and the elderly
– Former workers exposed to PG
Priorities for Action
– Recycling initiatives (voted top priority!)
– Transparent environmental monitoring
– Meaningful citizen consultation
– Turning the PG site into green and recreational space
Opportunities & Challenges
– Potential rare metals in PG – a resource or a risk?
– Green transformation seen as possible, but high costs and institutional inertia are major barriers
– Hope lies in stronger youth engagement and multistakeholder collaboration
The message was clear: citizens want to be heard, involved, and part of the solution. The future of “White Hill” can be brighter, with the right support and commitment.
Would you like to learn more? Don’t miss the next edition of the FIC-Fighters Monthly Networking Day, focusing on the experiences from the first citizen assembly in Veles:
WHEN: 20 November 2025, 09:30–10:00 CET
TOPIC: “Citizen Engagement in PG Redevelopment” by Marzia Cescon from ALDA:
REGISTRATION: https://fic-fighters.eu/go/fic-fighters-connect
For more information, please read the press release announcing the first citizen assembly held in Veles: https://fic-fighters.eu/go/press-release-2
