AGP Executive Report

Diplomatic Push in Doha: North Macedonia’s Timcho Mucunski met Qatar’s top officials, with talks covering bilateral cooperation and three agreements signed on political consultations, diplomatic training, and visa-free entry for diplomatic/special/official passport holders. EU Roadmap Reality Check: A Vienna Institute study says Western Balkan countries are moving toward EU laws, but most will need decades—sometimes over a century—to catch up on EU economic and social standards, with North Macedonia noted for stronger governance, healthcare and digitalization. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Europol-led “Operation GLOBAL CHAIN” across 59 countries led to 1,024 arrests and the identification of 2,070 potential victims, including a focus on underage cases. Court Case in Kocani: The trial began against Iva Mihaylova over a road traffic safety case tied to an October 2025 crash, where she says she was barred from travel for treatment. Sports—EuroBasket: North Macedonia beat Luxembourg 80–66 in EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers, ending Luxembourg’s campaign. Skopje Tennis: Vladyslav Orlov reached the WTT M25 final in Skopje after a semifinal comeback, setting up a final against local player Kalini Ivanovski. Regional Security: Qatar also hosted a meeting between its deputy prime minister for defense affairs and North Macedonia’s defense leadership to discuss security developments.

Diplomacy in Doha: Qatar and North Macedonia held political talks and signed three agreements, including political consultations, diplomatic training, and visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic/special/official passports. Foreign Ministers Meet: Prime Minister and foreign affairs officials also met in Doha to review bilateral cooperation and shared priorities. EuroBasket 2029 Knockout Picture: Luxembourg’s EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers ended after a 66–80 loss to North Macedonia in Kirchberg, with North Macedonia advancing while Luxembourg missed the next round. Skopje Sports Spotlight: FK Vardar begin their UEFA Champions League 2026-27 first qualifying round at home in Skopje against KuPS, returning to the qualifying phase after years away. Local Tennis in Skopje: Vladyslav Orlov reached the WTT M25 final in Skopje after a comeback win, where he will face North Macedonian player Kalini Ivanovski. Regional Infrastructure Watch: A new ITF bulletin ranks Azerbaijan top for transport infrastructure investment share of GDP, listing North Macedonia among countries investing over 2% to expand and modernise networks. Qatar Sustainability Forum in Skopje: Qatar took part in a Skopje forum on sustainability as a competitive advantage, with discussions involving PM Hristijan Mickoski, FM Timcho Mucunski, and UN officials.

Diplomacy in Doha: Qatar and North Macedonia held political talks in Doha between foreign ministers Timcho Mucunski and Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, agreeing to set up regular consultations, expand diplomatic training, and introduce visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic/special/official passports. Energy Security: Greece and North Macedonia reaffirmed the natural gas interconnector schedule, saying the pipeline is expected to be completed in 2027. Regional Economy & Sustainability: Qatar took part in a sustainability forum in Skopje focused on turning sustainability into a competitive advantage and strengthening resilient institutions, with PM Hristijan Mickoski and FM Timcho Mucunski in attendance. Transport & Trade Links: A new logistics and warehouse complex is planned at Constantine the Great Airport in Nis to serve southern Serbia and the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia. EU Border Friction: A major airport boss urged the EU to pause its entry/exit border system (EES), blaming a “design flaw” for doubled processing times and border chaos. Sports (Skopje): WTT M25 tennis in Skopje set up a final after Vladyslav Orlov beat Stefan Popovic in a comeback; local player Kalini Ivanovski awaits in the decider. Integrity Watch: A think tank warned that North Macedonia’s integrity crisis is visible when institutions meant to uphold ethics fail to do so.

Qatar–North Macedonia Diplomacy: Doha and Skopje held foreign ministry talks in Doha, then signed three agreements on political consultations, diplomatic training, and visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic/special/official passports. Energy Corridor Update: Greece and North Macedonia confirmed the gas interconnector schedule, with completion expected in 2027, aimed at boosting regional energy security and giving Skopje access to diversified supplies via Greece. EU Border Friction: A major airport chief urged the EU to pause the entry/exit system, saying border processing has “doubled” and blamed a “design flaw” for border chaos. Skopje Sports: Vladyslav Orlov reached the WTT M25 final in Skopje after a comeback win, setting up a final against local player Kalini Ivanovski. Local Integrity Debate: A Bitola cultural group urged Prime Minister Mickoski to “tell the truth” on an EU progress report, renewing pressure over minority rights and historical issues. Regional Mobility: BlaBlaCar expanded to 20 new countries, including North Macedonia, as shared travel demand grows. Tennis (Skopje): Nikola Keremedchiev and David Simeonov finished runners-up in the Skopje M25 doubles final.

Foreign Policy: Two years into PM Hristijan Mickoski’s rule, critics say Skopje’s foreign policy has shifted toward isolation and sharper anti-Bulgarian rhetoric, with EU talks and constitutional issues still driving friction. EU Accession & Funding: The EU warns Western Balkan governments they could lose Growth Plan money if reforms miss deadlines, while debate continues over how funds may be reallocated to faster “front-runners,” including North Macedonia. Energy Security: Greece and North Macedonia reaffirm the gas interconnector schedule, with completion expected in 2027, aiming to diversify supplies via LNG routes through Greece. Digital & Telecom: A1 North Macedonia begins staged shutdown of its 3G network, starting with Kavadarci and Probistip on 6 July. Integrity & Governance: A think tank and civil groups highlight an “integrity crisis,” arguing institutions meant to uphold ethics are failing to do so. Sports: North Macedonia’s national team advanced in FIBA EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers after beating Ireland 77-56 in Skopje. Business & Society: Qatar took part in a sustainability forum in Skopje, while UNICEF reports 20 million children across 10 countries are already using AI—faster than safeguards can keep up. Culture & Travel: A new small-group Balkans tour includes North Macedonia, and a report notes the country remains among Europe’s least-visited destinations despite rising visitor numbers.

Digital Media Watch: A new regional study on how social media platforms and recommendation systems shape access to news across Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye highlights growing regulatory pressure and audience gatekeeping. Transport & Energy: Greece and North Macedonia reaffirm the natural gas interconnector schedule, targeting completion in 2027, while Skopje also sees A1 begin staged 3G shutdowns in Kavadarci and Probistip. EU Accession & Funding: Western Balkan governments face EU Growth Plan funding risks if reform targets aren’t met by July 15, and North Macedonia’s election law debate heats up over diaspora e-voting and integrity concerns. Regional Politics & Integrity: A Bitola cultural centre urges PM Mickoski to “tell the truth” on an EP report, while another think tank warns North Macedonia’s institutions are eroding integrity. Business & Travel: Qatar takes part in a sustainability forum in Skopje; Greek retailer Vero Holding announces new store plans in North Macedonia and Serbia; BlaBlaCar expands further across Europe. Sports: North Macedonia beat Ireland 77-56 in EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers in Skopje, keeping their perfect run alive.

Energy & Infrastructure: Greece and North Macedonia reaffirm the Greece–North Macedonia natural gas interconnector is still on schedule, with completion expected in 2027, after talks in Skopje between DESFA and NOMAGAS leaders and North Macedonia’s energy minister. EU Accession & Funding: Hungary agreed to open another EU accession cluster for Ukraine but keeps opposing any acceleration, while the EU is also set to reallocate Western Balkans reform funds toward “frontrunners” like North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania after missed targets. Politics & Elections: Parliament’s debate on a new election law was suspended after thousands of opposition amendments, with a key dispute over diaspora e-voting and concerns about safeguards and party financing. Governance & Integrity: A think-tank warns that integrity failures in North Macedonia go beyond corruption and points to ethics breakdowns inside institutions meant to uphold standards. Security: Researchers report a new malware loader, SharkLoader, using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers, with alleged victims including North Macedonia. Education & Society: Trakia University says 972 foreign students from 57 countries are enrolled for 2025/2026, highlighting international study links across the region. Sports: North Macedonia advanced in FIBA EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers after beating Ireland 77-56, keeping a perfect run.

EU Budget Talks: Ireland’s EU Council presidency is trying to bridge the gap between “frugal” states and those pushing for a bigger next EU budget, with negotiations aimed at an end-of-year deal. Payments & EU Ties: Turkey has submitted a letter of intent to join SEPA, the euro payments system, a move framed as faster and cheaper transfers and linked to broader EU relations. EU Accession Funding: The EU is set to reallocate Western Balkans Reform and Growth Facility money toward frontrunners—Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia—after missed reform deadlines. Local Governance & Integrity: A Skopje-based think tank warns that integrity failures go beyond corruption and points to ethics breakdowns inside institutions. Minorities & EU Report Pressure: A deregistered Bulgarian cultural group in Bitola urges North Macedonia’s PM to “tell the truth” about an EP progress report, arguing it contradicts earlier government claims. Telecom Change: A1 North Macedonia begins phasing out 3G, with Kavadarci and Probistip switching off on 6 July. Storm Disruptions: Heavy rain flooded parts of Skopje on July 1, including Srbija Boulevard, causing major traffic chaos. Sports: North Macedonia beat Ireland 77-56 in FIBA EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers, keeping a perfect run. Business Expansion: Greek retailer Vero Holding plans new stores in Strumica and Borca, expanding across North Macedonia and Serbia. Youth & AI: UNICEF says 20 million children in 10 countries are already using AI, including in North Macedonia, while safeguards lag behind.

Basketball in Skopje: North Macedonia kept its perfect run in FIBA EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers, beating Ireland 77-56 at Lazar Lecic Sports Hall to reach 5-0 and qualify for the next phase, with Andrej Jakimovski shining (19 points, 13 rebounds). EU accession pressure: The European Commission says Western Balkan governments risk losing Growth Plan money if reforms aren’t fully delivered by July 15, with North Macedonia among the “frontrunners” likely to benefit from reallocated funds. EU-Turkey payments: EU officials say Turkey has formally expressed interest in joining SEPA, the euro payments system that could cut the cost and speed up cross-border transfers. Local telecom change: A1 North Macedonia has started switching off its 3G network, with Kavadarci and Probistip set to lose 3G on July 6. Storm hits Skopje: A strong summer downpour flooded major roads, including Srbija Boulevard, causing major traffic chaos as drainage systems were overwhelmed. Minority rights row: A deregistered Bulgarian cultural group in Bitola urged Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski to “tell the truth” about an EP report, arguing it supports constitutional recognition of Bulgarians in North Macedonia.

Election Watch: North Macedonia’s election law debate was suspended after thousands of opposition amendments, with SDSM warning diaspora e-voting could enable controlled or fraudulent voting without safety safeguards. Government Reshuffle: PM Hristijan Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle, adding the Democratic Party of Turks and scrapping the deputy PM post for good governance, while keeping VMRO-DPMNE in control of key ministries. EU Funding Push: The EU plans to reallocate Western Balkans Reform and Growth Facility money toward accession frontrunners—Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia—if reform deadlines aren’t met. Storm Disruptions: A severe summer storm flooded parts of Skopje, including Srbija Boulevard, triggering major traffic chaos as drainage systems were overwhelmed. Public Health Update: West Nile virus monitoring shows two locally acquired human cases in Italy and one in North Macedonia (Vardarski), with all three patients hospitalized and no deaths reported. Regional Economy Snapshot: A Vienna Institute outlook revised growth in North Macedonia up to 2.9% for 2026, while most other Western Balkans economies were marked down.

Severe Weather in Skopje: A sudden summer storm on July 1 flooded key roads, including Srbija Boulevard, turning lanes into “shallow lake” conditions and triggering major traffic chaos as drainage systems were overwhelmed. Government Reshuffle in Skopje: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle, adding the Democratic Party of Turks with a minister without portfolio, while scrapping the deputy PM post for good governance and shifting those duties to the PM’s cabinet. Public Health Update: North Macedonia reported its first-ever human West Nile virus case in Vardarski, with two other European human cases also recorded as of June 24 and all three patients hospitalised. Basketball Qualifiers: Luxembourg’s men’s team plays Azerbaijan first, then North Macedonia on Sunday, with North Macedonia topping the group and looking to keep momentum. Local Sports Spotlight: At Wimbledon, North Macedonia’s Lina Gjorcheska was beaten by Amanda Anisimova in the women’s draw, while Iga Swiatek advanced after a scare.

Government Reshuffle: North Macedonia PM Hristijan Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle after coalition talks, adding the small Democratic Party of Turks with one minister without portfolio and keeping VMRO-DPMNE in control of key ministries; the deputy PM post for good governance is being scrapped, with those duties moved into the PM’s cabinet. Anti-Corruption: Police arrested a 39-year-old university lecturer at Goce Delcev University in Stip over alleged bribery, after he allegedly demanded EUR 300 from a student for an additional exam; marked money was seized. Wimbledon Spotlight: Serena Williams returned to singles at Wimbledon but was beaten 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3 by Maya Joint, while defending champion Iga Swiatek advanced after a tough 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 win over Taylor Townsend; North Macedonia’s Lina Gjorcheska lost to Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-2. Regional Accountability: A BIRN report says Freedom of Information requests are rising across the Western Balkans, but access is still often blocked by delays and refusals in practice. Wildlife Crime: Serbia’s eastern imperial eagle “Feliks” returned home after a kidnapping and illegal trafficking ordeal across the Middle East, highlighting the scale of profit-driven wildlife trade.

Local Justice: Police in Stip arrested a 39-year-old university lecturer at Goce Delcev University on bribery suspicions, after a 26-year-old Turkish student allegedly paid EUR 300 for an extra exam; the money was seized and charges are expected once the case is documented. Wimbledon Spotlight (North Macedonia tie-in): At Wimbledon, defending champion Iga Swiatek advanced after a scare against Taylor Townsend, while Amanda Anisimova beat North Macedonia’s Lina Gjorcheska 6-3, 6-2 to reach the second round; Serena Williams also returned to singles but lost to Australia’s Maya Joint. Regional Transparency Watch: A new BIRN report says freedom of information requests are rising across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia, but access is still routinely blocked through delays, refusals, and weak enforcement. Wildlife Rescue: Serbia’s “Feliks” the eastern imperial eagle returned home after being kidnapped and illegally traded across the Middle East, with activists and partners coordinating a cross-border rescue. Sports Finance: UEFA fined 14 clubs, including Juventus and Newcastle, for breaching financial sustainability rules.

Government Reshuffle: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski says VMRO-DPMNE and coalition partners VLEN and ZNAM have reached an agreement in principle on changes to the cabinet, with new minister names expected to be announced Tuesday. Heatwave Watch: Balkan temperatures are nearing 40C, with Skopje residents cooling off in the Vardar River as authorities urge extra care for the elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses. Culture Spotlight: A new photography exhibition, “Inspirations,” has opened at Europe House Bitola, featuring Cities of Culture 2025—Chemnitz, Nova Gorica and Gorizia—and runs until July 5. Sports (Local Connection): At Wimbledon, North Macedonia’s Lina Gjorcheska is set to play on Day Two, while Serena Williams returns to Centre Court against Maya Joint. Human Interest: Silvia Duminuco’s long search for her origins—born in North Macedonia and adopted in 2003—has ended with her tracing her biological family. Politics Abroad: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić says he will resign in weeks, but critics doubt it’s genuine.

Government Reshuffle: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski says VMRO-DPMNE and coalition partners VLEN and ZNAM have reached an agreement in principle on cabinet changes, with new minister names expected to be announced Tuesday after VMRO-DPMNE’s executive meeting. Heatwave Watch: A Europe-wide heatwave is pushing Balkan temperatures toward 40C, with Skopje residents cooling off near the Vardar River and health warnings urging people to limit outdoor activity. Cross-Border Travel: Albania and North Macedonia signed an agreement to speed up border crossings with a “One Stop” joint control system at Qafe Thane (later this month) and Blate (next month). NATO Summit: NATO parliamentary leaders meeting in Istanbul urged stronger defense, alliance unity, and continued support for Ukraine. Local Governance Lessons: Skopje Mayor visited Israel’s MUNI EXPO to study crisis management and city services, focusing on practical resilience. Remembering Vlado Janevski: North Macedonia mourns music legend Vlado Janevski, whose songs spanned decades and included representing independent Macedonia at Eurovision in 1998. US Sanctions: The US sanctioned 131 Western Balkan targets, with Serbia the most affected and North Macedonia listed among those hit.

Skopje mourns Vlado Janevski: North Macedonia’s music scene is grieving the death of pop legend Vlado Janevski, 65, who died after a short illness in a Skopje hospital. Tributes poured in from fellow artists and public figures, with fans recalling his romantic ballads and his role as Macedonia’s first Eurovision representative in 1998. Heatwave danger across the Balkans: The region remains on alert as Europe’s record-breaking heat wave moves east, with health warnings and wildfires reported in multiple countries, including forecasts of up to 40°C in parts of the Balkans. Cross-border travel gets easier: Albania and North Macedonia signed an agreement to streamline border crossings with a “One Stop” system at two points, aiming to cut waiting times and speed up movement of people and goods. Skopje mayor studies crisis management abroad: Skopje Mayor Danela Arsov? (Gjorgjievski) visited Israel’s MUNI EXPO to learn how cities handle emergencies, water, traffic and digital services under pressure. US sanctions hit Western Balkans: The US sanctioned 131 people and entities across the region, including 12 in North Macedonia, targeting alleged organised crime, corruption and terrorism. Local identity dispute in Tetovo: Albanians in Tetovo protested after a court ruling could reverse street and square names adopted in 2007, potentially restoring Marshall Tito Square.