AGP Executive Report

EU Enlargement Stalled: The European Commission is preparing a “membership-lite” approach, offering candidate countries selected funding and Single Market access while full talks drag on, with North Macedonia named among the nine official candidates. Diplomatic Fallout: North Macedonia’s Foreign Ministry says it is checking facts after Bulgaria publicly circulated a diplomatic note involving Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski’s family travel, while Bulgaria denies disclosing any formal correspondence. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports a new malware campaign, StrikeShark, using a previously unknown SharkLoader dropper to deploy Cobalt Strike Beacon, with victims including organizations in North Macedonia and the wider region. Sanctions Watch: The US has 71 Western Balkan individuals and firms on its sanctions list, including 12 from North Macedonia, mainly tied to corruption, organized crime, destabilisation and malign influence. Energy & Investment: EIB data says CESEE banks—including North Macedonia—are showing strong profitability and robust credit demand, while credit supply may soften slightly. Climate Pressure: A heatwave is driving record-breaking June temperatures across Europe, with warnings extending to the Balkans including North Macedonia.

Diplomatic Row: Bulgaria has ordered a check into how North Macedonia’s diplomatic note was handled inside its Foreign Ministry, after a public dispute over a note circulating online about Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski’s family travel to Pamporovo. EU Integration Pressure: The Alliance for Albanians warns EU accession is stuck due to constitutional amendments not being delivered, saying lost years mean fewer investments and more youth emigration. Skopje Tech Push: North Macedonia officially launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking universities, institutions and firms to European AI infrastructure with a ~€6.2m budget. Anti-Corruption Probe: The State Commission for Prevention of Corruption is investigating the assets of Government Secretary General Igor Janushev, after foreign media reports about a company in Bulgaria. Energy Pipeline: North Macedonia is preparing to integrate a gigawatt-scale solar project pipeline, with approvals for dozens of projects pushing capacity growth. Security Alert: A new malware campaign, StrikeShark, is targeting organizations including in North Macedonia using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers. Culture & Community: A photo exhibition by Vihra Velkova opened in Skopje, while the Breške Art Colony continues bringing regional artists together.

EU Health Cooperation: North Macedonia officially joined the EU4Health programme, with retroactive access from 1 January 2026 and funding for areas like cancer, cardiovascular care, mental health and medicine stockpiling. EU Enlargement Roadblock: Hungary’s renewed opposition forced the EU to scale back Ukraine and Moldova accession plans, with only two negotiation chapters expected to open now, putting the rest on hold. Energy Pipeline Boost: North Macedonia is preparing a gigawatt-sized solar project pipeline after approvals for dozens of new plants, following a regulatory shift that briefly slowed development. AI Push in Skopje: The Vezilka project launched a national AI centre, linking universities, institutions and the private sector to European AI infrastructure via a three-year, €6.2m plan. Anti-Corruption Watch: Skopje’s anti-corruption commission is investigating Government Secretary General Igor Janushev’s assets, after foreign media raised questions about property and a company link abroad. Security & Cyber Threats: A new StrikeShark malware campaign uses fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver SharkLoader and Cobalt Strike Beacon, with reported victims including North Macedonia. Culture & Infrastructure: Bitola’s former Partizan cinema is being rebuilt into a multifunctional cultural centre, aiming for completion by end-2027.

AI & Digital Transformation: Skopje officially launched the Vezilka project, a national AI center linking universities, public institutions and the private sector to Europe’s AI infrastructure, with a three-year budget of about EUR 6.2 million (half EU-funded via Horizon Europe and EuroHPC) and access to European supercomputers through a Greece-based affiliated network. Anti-Corruption Watch: North Macedonia’s State Commission for Preventing Corruption is investigating Government Secretary General Igor Janushev’s assets after Bulgarian media reports alleged a company in Bulgaria, with the probe tied to discrepancies in his earlier declarations. EU Health Funding: The EU signed an agreement associating North Macedonia to the EU4Health programme, allowing retroactive access from 1 January 2026 for public and private health entities to funding for prevention, cancer and cardiovascular care, mental health and cross-border threats. Diplomatic Row: Bulgaria denies it distributed a diplomatic note about family members of North Macedonia PM Hristijan Mickoski visiting Bulgaria, saying the circulated information concerns an old verbal note and does not indicate an immediate security threat. Environment & EU Path: Dojran Lake’s bird sanctuary status is in focus as it may be added to Natura 2000, but shrinking habitats and water-level swings threaten its chances. Cybersecurity: A malware campaign using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers has reached victims including North Macedonia, targeting government and diplomatic bodies.

EU Health Funding: The EU has signed an agreement associating North Macedonia with the EU4Health programme, letting public and private health entities access funding from open calls, direct grants and joint actions—retroactive to 1 January 2026. EU Security Crackdown: The European Commission proposes stronger Europol and Eurojust mandates, updates to the European Investigation Order and changes to data rules to speed cross-border crime and terrorism cases. EU Accession Friction: Hungary has blocked a procedural step for Ukraine and Moldova’s next EU negotiation phase, raising doubts about opening all clusters by mid-July. Gas and Interconnectors: Serbia’s Srbijagas says its Russia gas arrangement is extended for three months (with expectations to run to year-end), warning that missing interconnectors with Romania and North Macedonia could push prices up sharply. Coal Pollution Watch: A Bankwatch report says Western Balkans coal plants—including in North Macedonia—breached sulphur dioxide limits 6.6 times in 2025, with dust pollution also spiking. Retail Expansion: SPAR is expanding in North Macedonia with a new store in Bitola, as Viva Fresh Group invests over €45 million over the next three years. Wildlife Rescue: Skopje Zoo says it repeatedly takes in confiscated or injured wild animals, but calls for dedicated rescue centres with proper space and conditions.

EU Accession Blocked: Hungary has opposed a key procedural step needed to advance EU accession talks for Ukraine and Moldova, putting at risk Kyiv’s goal of opening all six negotiation clusters by mid-July. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Bulgaria’s National Assembly Speaker Mihaela Dotsova met North Macedonia’s Afrim Gashi, warning about anti-Bulgarian incidents and insisting EU accession conditions and required constitutional changes are “not subject to renegotiation.” Cross-Border Help: Ombudsmen from Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia agreed to jointly assist citizens facing problems across borders, covering healthcare, documents, family decisions and vulnerable groups. Wildlife Rescue: Skopje Zoo says it keeps stepping in when wild animals are confiscated or injured, but argues dedicated rescue centres are a better long-term solution. Environment Watch: A Bankwatch report says Western Balkans coal plants breached sulphur dioxide limits in 2025—North Macedonia included—highlighting ongoing public health costs. EU Enlargement Mood: New EU polling finds support for EU membership remains high across enlargement partners, with North Macedonia above 60%.

Bulgaria–North Macedonia EU talks: Bulgaria’s National Assembly Speaker Mihaela Dotsova met North Macedonia’s Afrim Gashi in Sofia, urging closer parliamentary cooperation and warning that anti-Bulgarian incidents—including an arson attack on Bulgarian diplomatic vehicles in Skopje—must be met with “fair punishment.” She also reiterated that the 2022 EU accession conditions for Skopje are not up for renegotiation and called for required constitutional changes. Domestic politics probe: North Macedonia’s opposition SDSM is calling for an investigation into alleged undeclared Bulgarian business links tied to Government Secretary General Igor Janushev, citing Bulgarian media reports about a Kyustendil-registered firm connected to his circle. Cross-border citizen help: Ombudsmen from Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia agreed to jointly assist people facing problems across borders, covering healthcare, civil documents, family decisions and education credentials, with a yearly regional human-rights report planned. EU enlargement mood: New EU perception polling shows strong public support for EU accession across most enlargement partners, including North Macedonia (over 60%), while Serbia lags far behind. Environment pressure: A Bankwatch report says Western Balkans coal plants—including in North Macedonia—breached sulphur dioxide limits in 2025 at 6.6 times the allowed level, with dust pollution also spiking. Heat risk: UN and WMO warn Europe is entering another extreme heat phase, with impacts expected to spread across large parts of the continent.

Environment & Health: Bankwatch says Western Balkans coal plants—including in North Macedonia—breached 2025 pollution limits badly, with sulphur dioxide at 6.6 times permitted levels and dust at 2.9 times, despite Energy Community deadlines and legal cases. EU Politics & Identity: Bulgaria’s SEECP parliamentary chair Mihaela Dotsova told North Macedonia’s assembly president Afrim Gashi that anti-Bulgarian incidents and the arson on Bulgarian diplomatic cars in Skopje must face “fair punishment,” while stressing EU accession conditions aren’t up for renegotiation. Regional Diplomacy: Dotsova is set to open the SEECP Parliamentary Assembly plenary in Sofia, with cooperation and good-neighbourliness on the agenda, and a bilateral meeting with Gashi expected to focus on parliament-to-parliament communication. Public Safety: A BIRN report highlights gaps in Skopje’s “Safe City” traffic cameras, with residents in Butel saying enforcement is weaker where cameras aren’t installed—after a child was hit and protests demanded more police presence. Housing Costs: Eurostat data show Skopje among the cheapest European capitals for renting a two-room flat (around €470), as Europe’s housing squeeze continues alongside a wider “spare rooms” problem across the EU. Culture & Rights: Skopje Pride returned for its eighth year, with organisers calling for visibility and against forced silence. Heritage Under Pressure: New reporting warns uncontrolled construction and tourism pressure around Ohrid could push Lake Ohrid toward UNESCO’s “World Heritage in Danger” list.

Bilateral Politics: North Macedonia’s Assembly President Afrim Gashi will meet Bulgaria’s National Assembly Chair Mihaela Dotsova in Sofia on Tuesday, aiming to improve direct parliamentary communication after recent political turbulence and elections in Bulgaria. EU Accession Tensions: Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova said she has “serious doubts” Skopje’s leadership wants EU membership, arguing the EU’s framework was agreed in 2022 and that blockage comes from within North Macedonia. Diplomatic Security: The Council of Europe’s parliamentary body has been alerted to repeated attacks on Bulgarian institutions in North Macedonia, linking the latest arson on Bulgarian embassy vehicles in Skopje to a wider pattern. Regional Culture & Identity: A Bulgarian nationalist plaque honoring Goce Delchev was installed without permission in northern Greece, reigniting disputes over his legacy across the Balkans. Local Life & Rights: Skopje Pride returned for its eighth year under “Let Everyone Know,” while in Bitola thousands marched to defend Orthodox family and Christian upbringing. Public Safety: Europe’s record-breaking heatwave is driving emergency measures, with heat alerts also issued in North Macedonia and neighboring countries.

EU Accession Tensions: Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova said she has “serious doubts” North Macedonia’s leadership truly wants EU membership, arguing the EU’s framework was agreed in 2022 and Skopje is blocking its own path. Diplomatic Security: The arson case targeting vehicles outside the Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje has been escalated to prosecutors for organized crime and corruption, with charges tied to endangering persons under international protection. Traffic Safety Debate: A “Safe City” camera rollout is showing mixed results: residents in Butel say cameras aren’t installed on their street, so drivers feel they won’t be recorded—while traffic deaths remain high. Heatwave Watch: Europe is bracing for record-breaking June heat, with emergency measures in multiple countries; North Macedonia is among those under heat alerts. Pride in Skopje: Skopje Pride returned for its eighth year under “Let Everyone Know,” with organizers pushing back against silence and exclusion. Housing Costs: Eurostat data puts average two-bedroom rents from about €470 in Skopje to €3,350 in Geneva, highlighting how sharply costs vary across Europe. Broadband Update: North Macedonia’s fixed broadband market grew modestly in Q4 2025, up 1.61% year-on-year, with Makedonski Telekom leading.

EU Accession Pressure: Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova said she has “serious doubts” North Macedonia’s leadership truly wants EU membership, arguing the EU’s 2022 framework is clear and Skopje’s “blockage” is self-defeating. Diplomatic Security in Focus: The arson attack on Bulgarian embassy vehicles in Skopje has escalated, with the case moved to prosecutors for organized crime and corruption and charges framed as endangering people under international protection. Border Tensions Ease: The Macedonia Foundation called off a planned June 21 civil blockade of three Bulgaria–North Macedonia border crossings after appeals from Bulgaria’s ambassador and talks with Skopje’s foreign ministry. Western Balkans EU Push: EU leaders at a recent summit backed faster enlargement momentum, while also keeping no firm timelines for Moldova’s next accession steps. Climate Shock Across Europe: A new heatwave is hitting Europe with record-breaking June temperatures, prompting emergency health measures in parts of France and disruptions to events and transport. Local Economy Spotlight: A report highlights North Macedonia’s growing industrial push, including an Ohrid-based Kostal plant producing electric-vehicle components and mechatronics for major global carmakers. Sports—Women’s Champions League: Athlone Town will face North Macedonia’s ŽFK Skopje 2014 in the first qualifying round of the 2026/27 UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Diplomacy & Security: The EU strongly condemned the arson attack on vehicles outside the Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje and backed a swift investigation, while North Macedonia’s probe was upgraded to organized-crime prosecutors after the suspect was charged with endangering persons under international protection. EU Integration & Rights: The European Parliament adopted an amendment urging North Macedonia to ensure Albanian-language exams in state testing, including the bar exam, are implemented in line with the Ohrid Framework Agreement, and pushed back on claims that student protests were politically motivated. EU Enlargement Context: EU leaders set no firm timelines for Moldova’s next accession steps, reiterating a merit-based approach—an update that keeps attention on how the EU manages enlargement for the Western Balkans and beyond. Sports (Local Link): UEFA’s 2028 futsal qualifying draw placed North Macedonia in a group with Spain, with the tournament’s European qualifying phase now set in motion. Culture & Media: A North Macedonia–Croatia–Slovenia co-production, “Ruins,” is among the documentary nominees competing for the Golden Goblet at Shanghai.

EU Accession Talks: The EU Council set no firm timetable for Moldova’s next steps, saying progress will follow a merit-based approach after the fundamentals cluster opened on June 15. Diplomatic Security in Skopje: The arson attack on Bulgarian embassy vehicles has been escalated to an organized-crime and corruption prosecutor, with charges tied to endangering people under international protection. EU Condemnation: The EU Delegation and Germany’s ambassador in Skopje strongly condemned the attack and urged accountability. Border Tensions: The Macedonia Foundation called off a planned June 21 civil blockade of three Bulgaria–North Macedonia border crossings after appeals from Bulgaria’s ambassador and talks with North Macedonia’s foreign ministry. Language Rights in EU Politics: The European Parliament adopted an amendment urging North Macedonia to ensure Albanian-language exams in state testing, including the bar exam, are implemented fairly under the Ohrid Framework Agreement. EU Enlargement Pressure: MEPs and EU officials continue to debate stalled reforms and conditions for North Macedonia’s EU path, including calls for constitutional changes to open the first cluster. Sports Diplomacy: Italy’s embassy in North Macedonia highlighted sports diplomacy ahead of the 20th Mediterranean Games, with a North Macedonia delegation of over 130 athletes and staff. Women’s Football: Athlone Town will face North Macedonia’s ŽFK Skopje 2014 in the Women’s Champions League qualifying semi-final on July 22.

Diplomatic Security: The EU strongly condemned the arson attack on vehicles outside the Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje and welcomed the swift arrest, while North Macedonia’s prosecutor has transferred the case to the organized crime unit and opened an investigation for endangering persons under international protection. EU Accession Pressure: Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev said North Macedonia is “doing everything possible” to delay EU talks, arguing Skopje must prove it respects human rights and guarantees diplomatic mission security. EU Language Rights: The European Parliament adopted an amendment urging North Macedonia to ensure Albanian-language exams are practically available, including the bar exam, and to treat student protests as rights-based rather than destabilizing. EU Enlargement Signals: EU leaders at a summit set no timeframes for Moldova’s next accession steps, using a merit-based approach—while the broader enlargement agenda was discussed without new binding decisions. Sports & Skopje: UEFA’s futsal qualifying draw placed North Macedonia in a group with Spain and Finland. In women’s football, Athlone Town will face ŽFK Skopje 2014 in the Women’s Champions League qualifying semi-final on July 22. Regional Mobility: The EU is pushing to extend roaming-free rules to six Western Balkan countries, including North Macedonia, though no timeline is set.

Diplomatic Security: The EU and Germany condemned the June 15 arson on Bulgarian embassy vehicles in Skopje, and North Macedonia’s probe has now been upgraded to organized crime prosecutors, with charges reframed as endangering people under international protection. EU Enlargement & Reforms: The European Parliament warned Skopje it is falling behind on rule-of-law, anti-corruption and judicial independence reforms, urging constitutional changes and action against hate speech and air pollution. Language Rights: MEPs adopted an amendment urging North Macedonia to ensure Albanian-language access in state exams, including the bar exam, and to treat student protests as rights-based rather than destabilizing. EU Pressure on Identity: PM Hristijan Mickoski called for guarantees that no new bilateral conditions be added to EU talks, stressing identity, language and culture as “indisputable facts.” Border Tensions: The Macedonia Foundation called off a planned June 21 civil blockade of three Bulgaria–North Macedonia border crossings after appeals from Bulgaria’s ambassador and foreign ministry talks. Sports (Skopje on the European map): UEFA’s futsal qualifiers for the 2028 World Cup placed North Macedonia in a group with Spain, while in women’s Champions League qualifying, Athlone Town will face ŽFK Skopje 2014 on July 22. Culture: North Macedonia’s MRT confirmed Ana Stojanoska as its Junior Eurovision 2026 representative in Malta.

Women’s Champions League Draw: Athlone Town will face North Macedonia’s ŽFK Skopje 2014 in the first qualifying round semi-final on July 22, with the winner moving on in the mini-tournament format; the tie comes as Athlone unveiled new head coach Lily Agg. Diplomatic Security in Skopje: The EU Delegation and Germany condemned the June 15 arson attack on Bulgarian embassy vehicles in Skopje, praising swift arrests and urging accountability. Border Protest Called Off: Bulgaria-North Macedonia border blockades planned for June 21 by the Macedonia Foundation were cancelled after appeals from Bulgaria’s ambassador and talks with North Macedonia’s foreign ministry officials. EU Enlargement Pressure: European Parliament moves keep spotlight on North Macedonia’s stalled reforms, including the need for constitutional changes to open the first negotiating cluster, while language rights and Albanian in state exams remain a live issue. Energy & Industry: North Macedonia’s ESM signed a World Bank grant for preparatory work on the REK Bitola 1 cogeneration plant, aimed at modernising the lignite complex and expanding district heating. EU-Wide Legal Scrutiny: A new report warns money laundering enablers across the Western Balkans, naming North Macedonia among the countries where weak enforcement lets professionals facilitate illicit finance.