Could you describe the main activities of the Geological Survey of Macedonia and its public role in FYROM? The Geological Survey of the Republic of Macedonia is an expert, independent, administrative organization, established for doing basic geological research of public interest in the Republic of Macedonia. Most of our activities are focused mainly on the development of geological research related in particular to the preparation of basic geological, hydrogeological, engineering-geology, geochemical and seismotectonic maps and other geological maps, making them available to the public . All the work that we carry out is done on the basis of – and following the – priorities of the Republic of Macedonia We are very active also in the determination of the legal regularity of concentration and distribution of natural mineral resources in the Earth’s crust. In particular, we take part in the preparation of the Strategy for geological research, use and sustainable exploitation of minerals. Moreover our geological knowledge is essential for physical planning, construction, water supply, agriculture, forestry, urbanization and construction of infrastructure facilities, helping policy makers to make the best choices for the development of our country. We really believe in the exchange of geological information and experiences with international geological institutions in order to prepare and develop common research projects and to unify synergies for the implementation of the International Geological Information System, a single Geological Information System, able to provide information and data to the users of geological research results. We are also developing a Programme for basic geological research of the area of the Republic of Macedonia for the Government of the Republic of Macedonia The basic geological research is developed through an Annual Programme, which is adopted by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia upon advice of the Geological...

The Geological Survey of Serbia (GZS) became a full member of EuroGeoSurveys (EGS) in March 2015. What are the priorities and needs for GZS in order to grow further within EuroGeoSurveys? The Geological Survey of Serbia, which dates back to 1930, has a long and well established history, with internationally recognised professional expertise. Being a full member of EuroGeoSurveys is very important for us. This is in accordance with the strategy of our Survey too. It is an occasion to follow the latest professional trends worldwide, which represents an advantage and a way for every European Geological Survey to increase its international presence. Geology has no borders, and geological practice needs international cooperation. Our priority is to see EGS and GZS in a mutually beneficial ‘win-win’ situation. In order to exchange professional experiences, especially within the new technologies domain, we need well-established cooperation with other Geological Surveys across the EU. Our Survey is going to support our colleagues to join the existing EGS Expert Groups. Serbia is officially a candidate country to become a member of the EU and negotiations with Serbia have already been opened. How would you describe the benefits/consequences of such a milestone for geological survey cooperation? It is clearly important to harmonize EU and RS regulations , and in this instance, those that apply to our profession. EGS provides a focal point for various appropriate professional experiences and this will be another advantage. Our Survey has obligations and plays an active role in creating national regulations relevant to geology. In the landscape of Balkan countries, the Geological Survey of Serbia is quite a large institution and could potentially put cooperation on the right track in several geological domains with neighboring countries. How would you see such a role? For the...