AGP Executive Report

Ohrid Under UNESCO Watch: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid after concerns over unchecked construction, pollution and threats to biodiversity and public access. Diplomatic Pressure on Iva Mihaylova: North Macedonia’s President Iliana Iotova says she will raise the case of Iva Mihaylova with the Council of Europe Secretary General in Strasbourg in mid-September, after doctors in North Macedonia said they couldn’t provide needed treatment and Bulgaria’s authorities were asked to help. US Immigration Ruling With Balkan Names Included: A US federal judge struck down a Trump administration policy suspending immigrant visas for 75 countries, including North Macedonia, saying it was unlawful and exceeded the State Department’s authority. Health Alert: West Nile Virus: North Macedonia reported 43 West Nile fever cases, with authorities spraying and focusing on higher-risk areas after detections in Skopje districts and a dead crow. Football & Youth Talent: Leeds United signed 18-year-old North Macedonian striker Ditmir Hodja, set to join the club’s academy. Sports Travel Costs for Fans: Scotland’s Tartan Army will pay £22 for tickets in Slovenia and £26 for the trip to North Macedonia in the Nations League, with allocations confirmed by the SFA.

West Nile Alert: North Macedonia reports 43 confirmed West Nile fever cases, with the first infections detected in Skopje districts Centar and Čair and the virus also found in a dead crow; authorities are stepping up mosquito-control spraying as Europe sees a wider spread. Diplomatic/Health Rights: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry says it has taken urgent steps to protect Iva Mihaylova’s rights after a court upheld a ban on her leaving Kocani for treatment abroad, arguing local medical conclusions weren’t properly weighed. Migration at the Border: Bulgarian border police detained 35 people who identified as Afghan nationals in a vehicle in the Burgas region; the driver is a 22-year-old citizen of North Macedonia, and migrants were held under new screening rules. EU Funding & Local Politics: The DUP says the EU Commission rejected Belfast City Council’s request for access to European funding, a dispute tied to Northern Ireland’s post-Brexit alignment rules. Sports & Talent: Leeds United signed 18-year-old North Macedonian striker Ditmir Hodja on a three-year deal, set to join the club’s Academy. Culture & Film: CineLink Industry Days wrapped at the Sarajevo Film Festival with awards including a North Macedonia-linked project, while director Milcho Manchevski discussed his documentary on the Kočani nightclub disaster. EU Growth Plan: Albania leads Western Balkans in EU Growth Plan funding so far, with North Macedonia listed among recipients.

West Nile alert: North Macedonia reported 43 West Nile fever cases, with 40 fully confirmed and three positive on a single test; the first infections were logged in Skopje districts Centar and Čair, and authorities also detected the virus in a dead crow while stepping up mosquito-control spraying. Regional health picture: The EU health agency says 12 European countries have now recorded locally acquired West Nile virus cases this year, urging stronger mosquito control as there are no approved human vaccines or specific treatments. Diplomacy and protocol: Albania’s PM Edi Rama rejected a nationalist response after Albania’s anthem was omitted at an event attended by North Macedonia’s PM, while Albania’s Foreign Ministry called the omission a serious breach of protocol. Migration pressure: Bulgarian border police detained 35 Afghan migrants in a van near the border; the driver is a 22-year-old North Macedonian, and migrants were held under new screening rules. EU funding update: Albania leads the Western Balkans in EU Growth Plan funding so far, while North Macedonia has received €141 million by May 2026.

Irregular Migration: Bulgaria’s Malko Tarnovo Border Police detained a van driver and 35 men who said they were Afghan nationals; the driver is a 22-year-old North Macedonia citizen and no identity documents were found on the migrants. Public Health Alert: North Macedonia reports 38 West Nile fever cases since the start of the year, with four deaths—three in the past week—mostly among people over 60 and concentrated around Skopje; health authorities say mosquito control and public protection efforts are being intensified. Diplomacy & EU Alignment: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed eight non-EU countries, including North Macedonia, pledging to align with EU restrictive measures against Belarus. Energy Deal: Kosovo and North Macedonia’s state energy companies signed a three-year coal deal for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq mine at €24.40 per tonne to support additional power generation. Foreign Service Appointment: Career diplomat Krum Efremov is set to become North Macedonia’s new ambassador to Bulgaria, replacing the outgoing post after the procedure reached an unclassified stage. Regional Context: Albania leads Western Balkans EU Growth Plan funding so far, with North Macedonia listed behind Serbia and Albania.

EU Funding Watch: Albania has received the most money so far under the EU’s Western Balkans Growth Plan (€212m by May 2026), with Serbia (€168m) and North Macedonia (€141m) next, while Bosnia and Herzegovina has received nothing yet; payments hinge on completing reforms tied to rule of law and public institutions. Public Health Alert: North Macedonia is on heightened alert after West Nile fever deaths rose to four among 38 confirmed cases this year, with three fatalities in the past week; most infections are in the Skopje area and mainly affect people over 60, as authorities intensify mosquito control and public protection efforts. Diplomacy & Appointments: Career diplomat Krum Efremov is set to become North Macedonia’s new ambassador to Bulgaria, as Skopje stresses ongoing dialogue with Sofia on issues linked to EU integration. Regional Energy Deal: Kosovo and North Macedonia’s state energy firms signed a three-year coal agreement for about 3 million tonnes at €24.40 per tonne to support additional electricity generation. Sports Diplomacy: The Mediterranean Games open Friday in Taranto, with Türkiye set to face North Macedonia in women’s volleyball before the official opening ceremony.

West Nile Alert: North Macedonia’s health ministry reports 38 confirmed West Nile fever cases since the start of the year, with four deaths—three occurring in the past week—most infections around Skopje and all cases hospitalized, as authorities intensify mosquito-control and public protection efforts. Cross-Border Security: Greek police dismantled a cannabis smuggling network using recycling-paper shipments from Albania to Turkey via Greece; 324kg of raw cannabis was allegedly hidden in compartments, with two suspects arrested and a third at large. Diplomatic Alignment: Eight non-EU countries, including North Macedonia, agreed to align with the EU’s latest sanctions against Belarus over support for Russia’s war, expanding restrictions on military-linked goods and related crypto-asset activity. Energy Deal: Kosovo and North Macedonia’s state energy companies signed a three-year coal deal for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq at €24.40 per tonne to support additional power generation. Culture & Film: Macedonian director Teona Mitevska is preparing a sequel to “God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya,” while Milcho Manchevski’s documentary “Good People” returns to the Sarajevo Film Festival with survivor-focused accounts of the Kočani nightclub tragedy.

Belarus Sanctions Alignment: The EU welcomed eight non-EU countries—including North Macedonia—agreeing to align with the bloc’s latest restrictive measures on Belarus over support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Diplomacy: Krum Efremov was named North Macedonia’s new ambassador to Bulgaria, with Skopje stressing ongoing dialogue on European integration issues. Energy Deal: Kosovo and North Macedonia signed a three-year coal deal for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq mine at €24.40 per tonne to support power generation. Border Traffic: Heavy queues were reported at Kalotina (cars toward Serbia) and Kapitan Andreevo (trucks toward Türkiye), while crossings with Greece, Romania, and North Macedonia were normal. Public Health: Health authorities across Europe are on alert for West Nile virus; Greece’s Attica accounts for about 70% of cases, with nine deaths reported so far. Culture & Film: Sarajevo Film Festival coverage highlights Macedonian director Teona Mitevska prepping a sequel to God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya.

Diplomacy: Career diplomat Krum Efremov has been named North Macedonia’s new ambassador to Bulgaria, with Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski stressing ongoing Skopje–Sofia dialogue on European integration and outstanding issues. Energy: Kosovo and North Macedonia’s state energy companies signed a three-year coal deal for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq mine, priced at €24.40 per tonne, to support roughly 800 GWh of extra electricity annually. EU alignment: North Macedonia agreed to align its national policies with the EU’s latest sanctions against Belarus, expanding restrictions on military/tech-related goods and crypto-asset services. Culture & film: Director Teona Mitevska is preparing a sequel to “God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya,” with “Petra Doesn’t Want to Die (Anatomy of Masculinity)” set to revisit her feminist satire through a new story. Public safety & health: A West Nile virus update from Europe highlights rising cases and deaths in Greece, while Skopje’s own water-safety concerns are also being discussed amid broader regional risk. Sports: North Macedonia’s football scene intersects with regional headlines as Hibs’ Josh Mulligan faces transfer speculation and the club’s European campaign continues.

EU Sanctions: Eight non-EU countries, including North Macedonia, agreed to align with the EU’s latest sanctions against Belarus, expanding limits on goods and technologies tied to Minsk’s military and defence capabilities. Diplomacy: Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka is set to visit Ohrid and Skopje on 19–20 August, meeting top officials and taking part in a digitalization and cybersecurity seminar. Border Watch: Heavy traffic was reported at Kalotina (Serbia) and Kapitan Andreevo (Türkiye) crossings, with ferry services affected by low Danube water levels. Culture & Film: North Macedonian director Teona Mitevska is preparing a sequel to “God Exists, Her Name is Petrunya,” with “Petra Doesn’t Want to Die” set to explore a Belgian teen’s return to North Macedonia. Arts & Society: Milcho Manchevski’s documentary “Good People” screens at the Sarajevo Film Festival, giving voice to survivors and families after the Kočani Pulse nightclub tragedy. Public Health: West Nile virus cases are rising in Greece, with Attica accounting for 70% of infections and nine deaths reported so far.

Skopje & Region Sports: Macedonian filmmaker Marjan Gavrilovski has started shooting “Ants,” a black comedy-thriller about a homophobic policeman nearing retirement who teams up with a trans woman to solve a murder, with filming led by Nikola Kuzelov and Senko Velinov. Skopje & North Macedonia Football: North Macedonia’s presence in European football stays in focus as Hibernian’s run includes a hard Skopje battle versus Shkendija, while Scotland’s new national team coach Sebastien Pocognoli is set to begin work with Nations League fixtures that include North Macedonia. Local Environment: In Sar Mountain National Park, dismantling has begun in the Leshnica Valley after hydropower plans for Pena 84 and Pena 85 were scrapped, aiming to restore disturbed river ecosystems. EU & Foreign Policy: North Macedonia is among countries aligning with the EU’s extended sanctions against Iran over military support for Russia, joining Ukraine and eight others. Health & Travel: The EU health agency ECDC warns West Nile virus is spreading across Europe, urging people to avoid mosquito bites as cases and deaths rise in the region.

Skopje’s Regional Pulse: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski is keeping distance from Serbia’s latest Orthodox Church remarks, signaling a “soft landing” toward Belgrade while staying firm against Sofia. EU Foreign Policy: Nine countries including North Macedonia have aligned with the EU’s extended sanctions against Iran, citing Tehran’s military support for Russia and regional armed-group activity. Health Watch: The EU health agency ECDC is urging extra protection against West Nile virus as new local transmission areas emerge across Europe. Environment & Energy: In Sar Mountain National Park, dismantling has begun on leftover infrastructure tied to scrapped small hydropower plans in the Leshnica Valley, aiming to restore the disturbed landscape. Border & Travel: Heavy traffic hit Kalotina (Serbia) and Kapitan Andreevo (Türkiye), while Danube ferry services faced temporary suspensions due to low water levels. Sports (Local angle): Hibernian’s week included a North Macedonia trip to face Shkendija, and the club is now set for a Conference League playoff first leg against Gent. Crime & Security: Greek police dismantled a drug network moving raw cannabis from Albania to Türkiye via Greece, with cooperation involving North Macedonia authorities.

Skopje Sports Spotlight: Hibernian wrapped up a gritty week that included a North Macedonia trip, beating FK Shkendija and then returning home to defeat Partick Thistle 1-0 in the Premier Sports Cup, with Owen Elding scoring early as Hibs pushed for more clinical finishing ahead of the next European step. Scotland Coaching News: Sebastien Pocognoli was confirmed as Scotland’s new men’s head coach on an initial two-year deal, set to start with Nations League fixtures that include matches against North Macedonia. EU Foreign Policy: North Macedonia joined Ukraine and eight other countries in aligning with the EU’s extended sanctions against Iran, tied to Iran’s military support for Russia and regional armed-group activity. Local Cross-Border Watch: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry prepared a diplomatic protest note over the case of Iva Mihaylova in North Macedonia, after concerns that she was denied timely medical treatment. Health & Food Safety: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency ordered the return of an 11.6-ton shipment of peppers imported from North Macedonia after pesticide residues were found above permitted levels. Crime & Security: Greek police dismantled a drug network moving raw cannabis from Albania to Turkey via Greece, with cooperation involving North Macedonia and Kosovo. Football Talent Link: Jamaican defender Richard Brown left for a 15-day trial with newly promoted FK Skopje, adding another international pathway into North Macedonia’s top flight.

UE Sanctions on Iran: Ukraine and eight other countries, including North Macedonia, have aligned with the EU’s decision to extend sanctions against Iran over its military support for Russia and backing of armed groups, with the EU saying national policies must be brought into line. Diplomatic Fallout: The same Iran executions issue is driving a wider international response, with a joint statement condemning Tehran’s use of the death penalty and executions of protest participants, listing North Macedonia among signatories. Skopje Sports Spotlight: Hibernian’s European run stays alive after a tense Skopje battle versus Shkendija, setting up a Conference League playoff with Gent, while the club’s staff points to recovery planning after travel. Local Football Move: New Raiders defender Richard Brown, 25, has started a 15-day trial with North Macedonian First League side FK Skopje. Health & Safety: Bulgaria’s food safety agency says an 11.6-tonne pepper shipment from North Macedonia was returned after pesticide residues were found above permitted levels. Regional Peace Memory: Coverage marks 25 years since the Ohrid Framework Agreement, highlighting its role in peace, coexistence, and institution-building.

Conference League: Hibernian held firm in Skopje’s blistering heat, drawing 0-0 with KF Shkendija to win 2-1 on aggregate and set up a play-off tie against Belgian side Gent, with coach David Gray praising discipline and a vital clean sheet. Diplomacy & Health: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry prepared a protest note over Iva Mihaylova’s case in North Macedonia after a court in Kocani refused her exit for treatment; officials say they used all communication channels and continue consular support. EU Sanctions: North Macedonia joined a group of European countries aligning with an EU decision adding six people to Iran-related restrictive measures. Public Health: Greece reported a sharp rise in West Nile virus cases, with 45 new infections in a week and nine deaths, prompting stepped-up mosquito-control efforts in Athens. Cross-border Crime: Greek police dismantled a Turkish-Albanian drug network smuggling raw cannabis from Albania to Turkey via Greece, arresting two suspects and naming another as wanted. Regional Peace Reminder: Multiple pieces marked 25 years since the Ohrid Framework Agreement, highlighting its role in peace, coexistence, and institutional rights.

EU Sanctions Alignment: North Macedonia joined a new EU Council decision adding six people/entities to Iran-related restrictive measures, signaling continued alignment with Brussels. Diplomatic Pressure on Medical Case: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry prepared a protest note over Iva Mihaylova’s treatment in North Macedonia after a Kocani court refused her exit for medical care; Bulgarian officials say they’re using all communication channels and that consular support continues. Public Health Watch: Greece reported a sharp West Nile rise—45 new cases in a week, bringing totals to 110 infections and 9 deaths, with Athens stepping up mosquito-control measures. Football—European Push: Hibernian held firm in Skopje, drawing 0-0 with Shkendija to reach the UEFA Conference League play-off against Gent, after a 2-1 first-leg lead. Local Justice: Prosecutors charged former First Deputy PM Artan Grubi and seven others over alleged abuse of office tied to illegal video lottery terminal purchases costing the State Lottery over €8.2m. Trade Safety: Bulgaria’s food safety agency ordered the return of 11.6 tonnes of peppers from North Macedonia after pesticide residues exceeded permitted levels.

Diplomatic Pressure Over Iva Mihaylova: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry says it has issued a protest note and is using “all available channels” with North Macedonia after a Kocani court refused to let dual citizen Iva Mihaylova leave for needed treatment abroad, with Bulgarian officials and MEPs warning of serious humanitarian and legal concerns. EUalive Backs Threatened Journalist: EUalive condemned death threats and ethnically targeted insults against journalist Erol Rizaov, urging police to identify those behind the comments and refer the case for prosecution if criminal acts are found. Ohrid Agreement at 25: Multiple pieces mark the 25th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, highlighting its role in peace, coexistence and EU/NATO orientation, while renewed political debate focuses on whether key language and representation mechanisms are being undermined. Skopje Sports Spotlight: Hibernian secured a 0-0 draw with Shkendija in Skopje to reach the UEFA Conference League play-off against Gent, with the club praising discipline and recovery after the heat. Food Safety: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency ordered the return of 11.6 tonnes of peppers from North Macedonia after pesticide residues exceeded permitted levels. Public Health Watch: Greece reported a significant West Nile rise, with 45 new cases in a week and nine deaths, prompting stepped-up mosquito control in Athens.