Spatial Plan of the Republic of Macedonia 2004-2020 (Spatial planning Strategy).

This Spatial Plan of the Republic of Macedonia (for the period from the year 2004 until the year 2020), also denominated as Spatial planning Strategy, represents a basic management document, which adopts the principles of integrated development project and which is aimed to help in defining the spatial organization of the state and its goals that shall be implemented through concepts of spatial development of individual areas. The plateau is oriented towards finding ways and opportunities for solving complex spatial problems and conflicts in interaction with development processes, flows and present or future restrictions. The basic strategic objective is to achieve a higher degree of overall functional integration on the state territory, as well as providing conditions for significant major infrastructure and economic integration with neighboring European countries. Achieving a higher level of space integration implies reduction of regional disproportions, that is, qualitative changes in the spatial, economic and social structure, especially in the areas with pronounced dysfunctions of social and economic development. Basic assumptions here identified are: 1. Respect for real factors on development; 2. Taking stimulant measures by the state and other funds and other types of support for programmes of local communities and economic actors; 3. Establishment of markets principles and formation of appropriate institutional framework in which markets can work; 4. Creating regionally differentiated environments to help with sustainable policies.
The following topics and sectors are included in the contents of this text, each with its thematic Section: Geostrategic characteristics of the Republic of Macedonia; Elements for defining the spatial-functional structure and position of the Republic of Macedonia; Traffic-geographical position and possible influence of regulations of the territory of the Republic; Organization, use and protection of space; Socio-economic bases of the spatial plan; Use and protection of natural resources; Agricultural land; Forests and forest land; Mineral resources; Water resources and water management infrastructure; Energy sources and energy infrastructure; Population projection and organization of settlements and activities; Demographic development; Urbanization and network in the settlement; Regulation of rural settlements and areas; Public related functions; Industry; Traffic and communications; Protection and improvement of the environment, natural and cultural heritage and tourism development; Environment; Natural heritage; Cultural and historical heritage; Tourism development and organization of tourism spaces; Balance of land use; Protection against military destruction, natural and technical and technological disasters; Guidelines for protection against military destruction; Measures for protection against natural and other disasters; Measures for protection against technical - technological catastrophes.