{"id":2989,"global_id":"wbcirculareconomy.com\/bs?id=2989","global_id_lineage":["wbcirculareconomy.com\/bs?id=2989"],"author":"2","status":"publish","date":"2025-09-12 12:30:03","date_utc":"2025-09-12 12:30:03","modified":"2025-09-12 12:32:27","modified_utc":"2025-09-12 12:32:27","url":"https:\/\/wbcirculareconomy.com\/bs\/event\/first-citizen-dialogue-of-the-fic-fighters-project-exploring-solutions-for-the-veles-phosphogypsum-stack\/","rest_url":"https:\/\/wbcirculareconomy.com\/bs\/wp-json\/tribe\/events\/v1\/events\/2989","title":"First citizen dialogue of the FIC-FIGHTERS project &#8211; Exploring solutions for the Veles phosphogypsum stack","description":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The EU-funded <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">FIC-Fighters project<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is proud to announce the launch of its first <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">citizen dialogue<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, taking place in Veles under the title <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cVoices for Change \u2013 Exploring Solutions for the Veles Stack.\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> This interactive workshop marks the beginning of a series of dialogues designed to bring local voices to the forefront of environmental decision-making.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Veles session will engage local residents and grassroots organisations, in an open exchange about the environmental and social impacts of the <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">phosphogypsum (PG) stacks<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> left as a by-product from the\u00a0 factory for production of chemical fertilisers, Chemical Industry Veles. The PG site also represents one of the 16 environmental hot spots in North Macedonia. Participants will share experiences, identify risks, and co-develop future scenarios and strategic proposals for managing these sites. The event will intentionally focus on <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ordinary citizens\u2019 perspectives<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, avoiding power imbalances and ensuring a safe and inclusive space for dialogue.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At the heart of FIC-Fighters lies a strong vision: to <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">transform environmental and social challenges into opportunities for sustainable development and community empowerment<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The project integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) perspectives into PG stack remediation, with the ambition to achieve a circular economy that not only mitigates environmental and health risks but also strengthens cross-border cooperation and local governance models. \u202fFIC-Fighters researchers develop methods for the valorisation of\u202fphosphogypsum\u202fwaste to produce sustainable raw materials for the\u202fpaper,\u202fcement,\u202fbatteries,\u202ffertilisers, and\u202fdetergent\u202findustries. In addition to revalorising phosphogypsum, the project will also make use of residues from the aluminium industry. This will enable one of the project\u2019s chemical routes\u2014based on a patent owned by the partner CapturaCO2, S.L.\u2014to generate new value from two types of residues that are currently only stored. In this way, the project supports the development of a circular economy in major industrial sectors such as detergents, apparel, and cement manufacturing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"video-shortcode\"><iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"FIC-Fighters Introductory Video\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27675%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201200%20675%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27675%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7P0bWxS7w9g?start=3&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why now?<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> The urgency is clear. PG stacks pose significant threats to both the environment and human health. Yet, they also present opportunities for innovation, knowledge-sharing, and sustainable economic development. By engaging local communities directly, the project ensures that solutions are not only scientifically robust but also socially just and reflective of lived experiences.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">During the dialogue, participants will:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"47\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Learn about phosphogypsum and the FIC-Fighters project objectives<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"47\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Map and prioritize risks and impacts from the community\u2019s perspective<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"47\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Contribute to data and knowledge collection, bridging local insights with scientific research<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"47\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Co-create <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">strategic proposals and future scenarios<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> for sustainable management of the Veles site<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Chemical Industry Veles factory, opened in 1979 and closed in 2003, left behind approximately <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">3.7 million tons of gypsum over 70,000 m\u00b2<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, located near the Vardar River. With equipment and facilities now destroyed, the area remains a pressing environmental challenge but also a unique opportunity for sustainable waste reduction strategies, alternative product applications, and local economic benefit.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The FIC-Fighters citizen dialogue in Veles will be a crucial <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">step toward redefining sustainable development and governance<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> in complex environmental contexts. By empowering citizens and valuing their knowledge, the project sets a precedent for inclusive and forward-looking environmental action in Europe and beyond.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The lead partner in North Macedonia is the Civil Engineering Institute of Macedonia (CEIM), which is organising the event in Veles together with the other project partners. The event is by invitation only, however, if you are interested in attending, please contact CEIM\u2019s representative, Azra Misini (<\/span><a href=\"mailto:azra.misini@gim.com.mk\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">azra.misini@gim.com.mk<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">), to enquire whether additional places are available.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For more information, please visit <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fic-fighters.eu\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">fic-fighters.eu<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Follow the project on LinkedIn, BlueSky, and Instagram: @FICfighters.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">About FIC-Fighters<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The FIC-Fighters project is a groundbreaking initiative focused on advancing sustainable waste management solutions across Europe. By converting phosphogypsum waste into useful materials, the project supports the EU&#8217;s Green Deal objectives and promotes sustainable urban development practices. Through innovative technologies and stakeholder collaboration, FIC-Fighters aims to set a benchmark in circular economy practices.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Contact<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">IDENER.AI<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mar\u00eda Gonz\u00e1lez Moya, Project Manager: <\/span><a href=\"mailto:maria.gonzalez@idener.ai\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">maria.gonzalez@idener.ai<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Andrea Prieto Pab\u00f3n, Scientific Coordinator: <\/span><a href=\"mailto:andrea.prieto@idener.ai\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">andrea.prieto@idener.ai<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">European Federation of Geologists<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Anita Stein, Project communications:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"mailto:anita.stein@eurogeologists.eu\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">anita.stein@eurogeologists.eu<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span 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12:30:03","url":"https:\/\/wbcirculareconomy.com\/bs\/venue\/europe-house-veles\/","venue":"Europe House Veles","slug":"europe-house-veles","website":"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/o8HwED1aBGbKaGMYA","json_ld":{"@type":"Place","name":"Europe House Veles","description":"","url":"","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress"},"telephone":"","sameAs":"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/o8HwED1aBGbKaGMYA"},"show_map":true,"show_map_link":true,"global_id":"wbcirculareconomy.com\/bs?id=2991","global_id_lineage":["wbcirculareconomy.com\/bs?id=2991"]},"organizer":[],"custom_fields":[],"json_ld":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Event","name":"First citizen dialogue of the FIC-FIGHTERS project &#8211; Exploring solutions for the Veles phosphogypsum stack","description":"&lt;p&gt;The EU-funded FIC-Fighters project is proud to announce the launch  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