Bozhinovska: Nature gave us this treasure; institutions are creating a system that will give it value, protection and recognition
The Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources is completing the key institutional phase in the process of protecting and promoting “Macedonian Ruby” — from the initiative launched in 2025, through the preparation of an Expert Study and the legal protection of the geographical name, to the establishment of a Commission that will ensure professional oversight, quality and traceability.
At today’s press conference at the Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources, Minister Sanja Bozhinovska emphasized that the protection of “Macedonian Ruby” is not merely a formal administrative procedure, but rather the establishment of a system through which one of Macedonia’s natural treasures will receive clear rules, institutional guarantees and additional economic value.
“Nature gave us this treasure. Experts determine its origin and properties. Institutions provide legal protection and oversight, while craftsmen and processors give it form and additional value. Our task is to create a system in which everyone who sees the name ‘Macedonian Ruby’ will know that it stands for authentic origin, verified quality, a clear standard and an institutional guarantee,” Bozhinovska stated.
The process began in 2025, when the Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources, in coordination with the Geological Survey, launched an initiative for the institutional and legal protection of “Macedonian Ruby” as a geographical mark.
The Geological Survey prepared an Expert Study for the Protection of the Product “Macedonian Ruby” as a Geographical Indication — a semi-precious gemstone made of natural corundum; a specific variety associated with the dolomitic and calcitic-dolomitic marbles of the Prilep area.
The Expert Study was registered under No. 01-102/2 on 15 May 2026, and on the same day the Geological Survey submitted an application to the State Office of Industrial Property for the protection of the geographical name “Macedonian Ruby.”
On 17 June 2026, the State Office of Industrial Property issued a decision granting protection to the geographical name “Macedonian Ruby.”
With this, the name “Macedonian Ruby” receives legal protection, while also opening the next phase – the practical implementation of that protection and the establishment of a system that will ensure that the name is used only for products that meet the prescribed requirements.
As the next legal step, following the recognition of the geographical name, a Commission for the Control of the Quality and Specific Characteristics of the “Macedonian Ruby” product was established.
At a working meeting held at the Ministry on 3 September, the composition of the Commission was confirmed and its chairperson was elected, while on 14 September the Geological Survey issued an official decision establishing the Commission.
The Commission consists of:
- Aneta Ristovska – Chairperson
- Kika Shpritova – Member
- Mice Trkaleski – Member
- Filip Jovanoski – Member
- Dean Shkartov – Member
The Commission’s Rules of Procedure have also been drafted.
The press conference was attended by Ivica Andov, Director of the Geological Survey; Jelena Peeva, Deputy Director of the State Office of Industrial Property; as well as representatives of both institutions and members of the Commission.
Peeva noted that protection of the geographical name establishes the legal basis, but that the true value of the system is ensured through its consistent implementation.
“With the decision of 17 June, ‘Macedonian Ruby’ gained legal protection as a geographical name. The next step is to ensure that this protection functions in practice – through clear criteria, professional oversight, traceability, and compliance with the conditions for using the protected name,” Peeva stated.
Clear rules – who can use the name “Macedonian Ruby” and under what conditions?
Minister Bozhinovska stressed that the protection has a specific purpose – to prevent misuse of the name and to provide security for both producers and buyers.
“The name ‘Macedonian Ruby’ may be used only when its origin has been verified, traceability has been ensured, professional quality control has been carried out, and the requirements established by the Study and the applicable legal framework have been met,” Bozhinovska said.
The system will include the registration of the material, verification of its origin, professional quality control, traceability from the place of origin through processing to labeling and sale, as well as clearly defined conditions for the use of the protected name.
A public register of individuals and legal entities that meet the legal requirements for activities related to the extraction, processing, trade, and sale of Macedonian Ruby is also planned to be established.
Another particularly important step is the establishment of a certification system.
All relevant information concerning the origin, compliance with the requirements, and professional quality control will be included in the certificate. In addition, a QR code will be created, allowing buyers to access the information contained in the certificate with a single scan.
The first QR code is expected to be developed by the end of October.
“When a citizen, tourist, or foreign buyer sees the name ‘Macedonian Ruby,’ they should be confident that the name stands for authentic origin, verified quality, and an institutional guarantee. That is precisely why we are establishing a system of certification, registration, and traceability,” Bozhinovska said.
Alongside national protection, the institutions are also working to create the conditions for the international promotion and recognition of the “Macedonian Ruby.”
The State Office of Industrial Property has also prepared and submitted to the Government an Information Note accompanied by a Draft Decision on Macedonia’s accession to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on appellations of origin and geographical indications.
Following the adoption of the decision and completion of the necessary procedures for formal accession, the conditions will be in place to consider the possibility of obtaining international protection for the “Macedonian Ruby” geographical indication through the Lisbon System.
“Our ambition is clear – for the Macedonian Ruby to be recognized and valued in Macedonia, throughout the region, and on the international market. International recognition begins with a credible and functional system in our own country,” the Minister stressed.
The “Macedonian Ruby” also gets its own place at the Ministry. As part of the activities aimed at promoting the Macedonian Ruby, the press conference also highlighted the significance of the mini-gallery located on the premises of the Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources, dedicated to this natural resource as well as to the other mineral riches of our country.
The mini-gallery was set up in cooperation with Dejan Shkartov – Deko and the NGO “Otkritie,” with which the Ministry had previously signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.
Minister Bozhinovska stressed that the protection of the ruby does not end with the administrative decision.
“We do not want merely to protect the name. We want to protect the story, the origin, and the value behind that name. That is why, in parallel, we are working both on the control and certification system and on promoting the name and its promotion. The mini-gallery is a small space, but it carries a big message – that we should get to know our natural treasure, preserve it, and give it value,” Bozhinovska said.
At the same time, work is underway on a new Law on Mining, in which matters related to the practical implementation of the protection of the “Macedonian Ruby” geographical indication will be appropriately aligned.
The next steps will include officially informing and educating craftsmen, processors, producers, traders, and potential authorized users about the conditions for using the protected name, the registration and control procedures, as well as the obligations relating to labeling, processing, sale, and promotion.
“From geological treasure – to a protected name. From a protected name – to a certified product. From a certified product – to a recognizable national brand. And from a national brand – to new economic value for Macedonia. That is the system we are building,” Bozhinovska said.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining, and mineral resources
