AGP Executive Report

EU Accession Pressure: The European Parliament’s AFET committee urged North Macedonia to step up EU-related reforms, warning progress is still insufficient on rule of law, judicial reform, and the fight against corruption, while stressing constitutional changes and electoral reform are overdue. EU-Western Balkans Momentum: European Council President António Costa told Skopje that enlargement momentum is real, but negotiations depend on implementing what was agreed in 2022—no more, no less—calling for constructive dialogue and trust-building. Roaming Deal Talks: EU ambassadors approved talks to end roaming charges with the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia, with formal approval expected on 4 June and possible removal next year if talks finish in 2026. Energy & Security: The Energy Community says gas security across the region is improving as storage rules are implemented; for countries without storage like North Macedonia, the focus is securing access to gas stored abroad. Culture & Film: North Macedonia’s Film Agency announced 2026 production grants worth €1.5m, backing 14 projects including major feature and documentary titles. Sports (Football): Turkey beat North Macedonia 4-0 in a World Cup warm-up, while Rangers striker Bojan Miovski said a move can’t be ruled out but he’s ready to fight for more minutes. Tourism Data: Eurostat showed Albania’s tourist overnight stays rose 11.2% y/y in Q1, while North Macedonia’s increase was just 0.1%.

EU Migration & Enlargement: EU lawmakers backed tougher return rules, including stricter obligations for people ordered to leave, as Brussels pushes enlargement talks with Western Balkans leaders including North Macedonia. EU Accession Conditions: European Council President António Costa told Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski Skopje must implement the 2022 constitutional changes to unlock EU negotiations. Government Shake-up: North Macedonia’s deputy PM for good governance, Arben Fetai, resigned ahead of a planned reshuffle this month. Politics & Disinformation: An International IDEA report warns foreign-linked actors are using environmental and cultural issues to spread disinformation across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia. Culture & Film Funding: The Film Agency announced first 2026 production grants worth €1.5m for 14 projects, including major feature and documentary awards. Sports (Football): Turkey routed North Macedonia 4-0 in a World Cup warm-up in Istanbul. Sports (Player Watch): Rangers striker Bojan Miovski says a move can’t be ruled out, but he’s ready to fight for more minutes. Business/Competition: Sport Vision’s expansion via BDS Co was filed with North Macedonia’s antimonopoly commission to gain control of eight companies.

EU Enlargement & Migration: EU leaders push enlargement as “real” this week, while lawmakers back tougher migration “return hubs” and stricter return rules after deportations fall short. Disinformation Watch: An International IDEA report warns foreign-linked actors use environmental, ethnic and cultural issues to spread disinformation and weaken trust in institutions across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia. Government Shake-up: North Macedonia’s deputy PM for good governance, Arben Fetai, resigns ahead of a planned reshuffle this month. Diplomacy: President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova visits Slovakia to discuss trade, investment, energy and transport, with renewed support for North Macedonia’s EU path. Culture & Film Funding: The Film Agency announces first 2026 production grants worth €1.5m, backing 14 projects including feature debuts and documentaries. Aviation & Tourism: Wizz Air launches Ljubljana–Podgorica flights and already serves Skopje; separate coverage highlights a 7% tourism rise and growing interest in Skopje and Ohrid. Sports—World Cup Prep: Türkiye routs North Macedonia 4-0 in Istanbul as the World Cup approaches; Turkey names its 26-man squad. Sports—Local Youth: North Macedonia’s teams are listed for upcoming FIBA youth tournaments in Europe, including U18 EuroBasket Division B.

Turkey vs North Macedonia: Türkiye crushed North Macedonia 4-0 in Istanbul in a World Cup warm-up, with Orkun Kökçü, Can Uzun, Deniz Gül and Barış Alper Yılmaz scoring as North Macedonia struggled to create chances. EU Enlargement Push: European Council President António Costa told Western Balkan leaders the EU enlargement process is “real,” co-chairing a summit in Montenegro with North Macedonia among the candidate states. Local Politics: The Alliance for Albanians’ Ziadin Sela has launched a new party, the Albanian League, after a congress in Tetovo. Energy Transition: North Macedonia’s just transition platform says it has reached €1.7 billion, with dozens of renewable projects identified and hundreds of millions already secured. Sport Vision Deal: The North Macedonian antimonopoly commission reviewed a concentration where Serbia’s BDS Co (Sport Vision group) will gain control of eight companies, expanding sports retail operations across the region. Tourism Glimpse: North Macedonia is still off the main tourist radar, but reports point to a 7% rise in visitors and new direct Wizz Air flights to Skopje and Ohrid.

EU Enlargement Push: EU Council President António Costa says this week’s summit with Western Balkan candidate states is meant to prove enlargement is “real,” with leaders from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia and Montenegro meeting in Tivat. Energy Transition: North Macedonia’s Just Energy Transition Investment Platform (JETIP) has reached about €1.7 billion in identified projects, with €460 million already secured, including major solar work like Bitola 3. Politics: The Alliance for Albanians’ Ziadin Sela has launched a new party, the Albanian League, after a Tetovo congress. Elections Pressure: A Serbian opposition figure argues Serbia’s government is avoiding elections and instead relying on rallies to project support. Sports—Turkey vs North Macedonia: Turkey hosts North Macedonia in a World Cup warm-up friendly, with match viewing details circulating ahead of the game. Environment: Europe removed a record 602 obsolete river barriers in 2025, including North Macedonia’s demolition of a long-blocked Pčinja River concrete structure in Kumanovo. Regional Connectivity: Serbia’s environmental process for a high-speed rail upgrade on Corridor 10 through North Macedonia is underway, with works planned near the Tabanovce crossing.

EU Enlargement Watch: EU lawmakers say North Macedonia’s EU accession process is still stuck, while urging Bosnia to stop blocking reforms and praising Moldova’s progress. Transport & Trade Links: Serbia has published details for a high-speed rail upgrade on Corridor 10 through North Macedonia, with an environmental impact process starting near the Tabanovce border crossing. Energy Security: Serbia plans new gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania in the next two years, aiming to diversify routes and strengthen supply during crises. Football (North Macedonia): Bosnia and Herzegovina drew 0-0 with North Macedonia in a World Cup warm-up, with Bosnia creating more chances but failing to score; Turkey and North Macedonia also meet in a friendly in Istanbul. Legal/Politics: Reports say former PM Nikola Gruevski obtained Hungarian citizenship, while Skopje says it has no confirmation. Travel & Daily Life: A mobile operator cut roaming data prices across 115 countries, including North Macedonia.

Rail & Infrastructure: Serbia has published details for a double-track high-speed upgrade on Corridor 10 through North Macedonia, with an environmental impact process now in early screening after the notice was filed under the ESPOO convention; the plan targets about 195 km of electrified track and aims to replace older, speed-limiting tunnels. Energy Security: Serbia’s mining and energy minister says new gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania are planned within two years, alongside pipeline, compressor and storage capacity upgrades, to diversify supply routes and strengthen resilience. Sports (Friendlies): Türkiye and North Macedonia meet again in a friendly in Istanbul, while Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia played out a goalless draw in Sarajevo as both sides fine-tune squads ahead of major tournaments. EU & Politics: Bulgaria’s foreign minister tells Skopje that EU progress depends on fulfilling 2022 commitments, warning against escalating tensions with Sofia. Legal/Extradition Watch: Reports say former PM Nikola Gruevski received Hungarian citizenship in 2022, while Skopje says it has no confirmation. Regional Mobility: A roaming-price cut now sets data at £2 per GB in North Macedonia and other destinations, according to a mobile operator update.

EU Accession Standoff: Bulgaria’s foreign minister Velislava Petrova told Skopje that EU progress depends on fulfilling commitments agreed in 2022, warning against escalating tensions with Sofia. EU Politics: The European Parliament’s agenda flags Western Balkans enlargement debates, with North Macedonia described as still at a standstill in the accession process. Football—Bosnia vs North Macedonia: In Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia played a goalless friendly (0-0) as BiH coach Sergej Barbarez said it was a warm-up to “try a lot,” while North Macedonia’s side faced a serious test ahead of the World Cup. Sports—Youth National Teams: U.S. youth call-ups include Seattle Sounders’ Snyder Brunell (U-19) and Stuart Hawkins (U-20), with Hawkins’ June camp in Bulgaria featuring friendlies against Georgia and North Macedonia. Domestic Safety—Femicide: Bitola mourns Ajnet Vejsel, stabbed to death by her estranged partner; authorities say the suspect was arrested, adding to a worrying domestic-violence toll. Legal/Extradition Watch: Reports say former PM Nikola Gruevski received Hungarian citizenship in 2022, complicating possible extradition, while Skopje says it has no confirmation. Security Abroad: U.S. prosecutors linked Iran to alleged terror plots targeting Jewish sites in Europe and Canada, including the case of Mohammad Baqer al-Saadi.

EU Accession Pressure: Bulgaria’s foreign minister Velislava Petrova told Skopje not to seek conflict with Sofia and to fulfil EU commitments, warning the enlargement “open window” is there to be used. EU Politics at Work: In Brussels, the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee agenda includes Western Balkans progress checks, with North Macedonia described as still stuck in the accession process. Gruevski Extradition Twist: Reports say former PM Nikola Gruevski received Hungarian citizenship in 2022, complicating any extradition; North Macedonia’s Justice Ministry says the extradition procedure is still ongoing and the PM says the government has no info confirming the citizenship. Domestic Rights Debate: Albanian students protest over taking the bar exam in Albanian, arguing the language law should apply, while the law requires the exam in Macedonian Cyrillic. Public Safety & Justice: Another femicide case in Bitola has been reported, with a suspect arrested after a woman was killed by her estranged partner. Sports (Local Interest): Bosnia and North Macedonia play a friendly in Sarajevo, with Bosnia’s coach calling it a “test of character” ahead of the World Cup. Energy & Business: A Serbia-focused panel urged companies to start with energy efficiency, then shift toward renewables, while regional gas interconnection plans keep North Macedonia in the picture.

EU Politics: North Macedonia’s government says it won’t hold an EU membership referendum, arguing there’s no money for it, after opposition SDSM renewed calls for citizens to vote. Language & Justice: Albanian-nationality students in Skopje are protesting over the bar exam being taken only in Macedonian and Cyrillic, despite the broader right to use Albanian with state institutions. Safety & Women’s Rights: A Bitola case labeled femicide—31-year-old Ajnet Vejsel killed by her estranged partner—adds to a growing list of domestic-violence deaths this year, with the suspect arrested. Economy: Retail sales in North Macedonia grew 2.1% year-on-year in April, with food and essential goods driving the strongest gains while fuel sales fell in real terms. Sports (Local focus): Bosnia and Herzegovina hosts North Macedonia in a friendly in Sarajevo ahead of the World Cup, with coach Sergej Barbarez calling it a “test of character.” Regional Energy: Serbia’s energy minister discussed gas links that include interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania.

EU Accession Politics: North Macedonia’s government says it is not considering an EU referendum, after opposition leaders called for citizens to vote on EU membership and warned the country is being pushed into “concessions.” Opposition Push: SDSM leader Venko Filipce renewed the referendum demand, arguing the public—not the ruling elite—will “pay the price” for stalled EU integration. Domestic Economy: Retail sales in North Macedonia grew 2.1% year-on-year in April, down from 8.1% in March, with food sales still leading while fuel sales fell sharply in real terms. Justice & Safety: A Bitola case labeled femicide—an estranged partner stabbing a mother of four—adds to a worrying domestic-violence pattern, with the suspect arrested. Sports & Diplomacy: Bosnia and Herzegovina hosts North Macedonia in Sarajevo for a friendly ahead of the World Cup, with the match framed as a “test of character.” Regional Security: A transnational Cuban-smuggling network was dismantled across Spain and Serbia, with routes reportedly passing through North Macedonia.

EU Accession Debate: North Macedonia’s government says it won’t hold an EU membership referendum, arguing there’s no money and stressing the country is already implementing reforms under the EU Growth Plan. Opposition Push: SDSM leader Venko Filipče calls for citizens to vote, saying the public will “pay the price” for PM Hristijan Mickoski’s EU stance and constitutional conditions. Regional Cooperation: Croatia’s PM Andrej Plenković is visiting Skopje, with a strategic cooperation agreement expected to deepen ties in energy, transport, infrastructure and business. Energy Corridor VIII: Bulgaria and the US discussed Corridor VIII, aviation modernization and 6G, including coordination with North Macedonia on a cross-border railway tunnel. Economy Watch: North Macedonia retail sales grew 2.1% in real terms in April, with food and essential goods driving demand while fuel sales fell. Crime & Migration Route: Spanish police, with Europol and Serbian partners, dismantled a network smuggling Cuban nationals into Spain via the Western Balkans, including routes through North Macedonia. Sports: Bosnia’s Barbarez calls the friendly vs North Macedonia a “test of character,” while Seamus Coleman’s Ireland future talk keeps North Macedonia in the spotlight.

EU Accession Politics: SDSM leader Venko Filipče called for a referendum on whether North Macedonia should join the EU, arguing citizens should decide after Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the government is ready to “pay the price” for constitutional changes tied to EU talks. Constitutional Dispute: Mickoski reiterated his stance that there will be no further concessions on identity and that constitutional amendments won’t move forward, keeping the EU timetable in limbo. Regional Diplomacy: Croatia’s PM Andrej Plenković is on an official visit to Skopje, with both sides set to sign a strategic cooperation agreement and a business forum in Ohrid focused on energy, infrastructure, transport and investment. Energy Cooperation: North Macedonia and Croatia also signed an energy-sector memorandum, stressing energy security as a geopolitical issue and the need for regional interconnections. Security & Migration: Spanish police with Europol and Serbian investigators dismantled a network smuggling Cuban nationals into Spain via the Western Balkans, with routes reportedly passing through North Macedonia. Culture & Society: North Macedonia’s cinemas saw admissions fall in 2025, while a separate cultural spotlight includes a cross-border theatre project that recently opened in North Macedonia.

Croatia–North Macedonia Deal: Croatian PM Andrej Plenković is visiting Skopje for talks with PM Hristijan Mickoski, with a strategic cooperation agreement and a business forum on energy, infrastructure, transport and investment. EU Path Pressure: Mickoski says his government won’t move ahead with constitutional changes and is ready to “pay the price” to keep identity red lines as EU talks remain blocked. Energy Focus: North Macedonia and Croatia also signed an energy-sector memorandum, stressing energy security as both a geopolitical and economic issue. Regional Security & US Shift: A new US State Department report says the “nation-building era” is over, with Washington prioritizing stability, economic partnerships and projects like Corridor 8—while warning Russia and China exploit regional vulnerabilities. Migration Crackdown: The Netherlands is pushing “return hubs” for failed asylum seekers outside the EU, with the Balkans and North Africa mentioned. Crime Probe: Spanish police, with Europol and Serbian investigators, dismantled a network smuggling Cuban nationals into Spain via routes through North Macedonia and Greece. Culture & Society: North Macedonia’s cinemas saw admissions fall 10.4% in 2025, while Eid al-Adha drew mass early-morning prayers worldwide. Sports & Community: Bosnia’s World Cup preparations include a friendly against North Macedonia in Sarajevo; Albanian students in Tirana protested for Albanian-language law exam rights, echoing Skopje demands.

Energy Diplomacy: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Croatia’s Andrej Plenković signed an agreement to upgrade strategic cooperation, with energy ministers also striking a memorandum aimed at stronger regional interconnections and energy security. EU Pressure & Identity Politics: Mickoski says North Macedonia will not move ahead with constitutional changes tied to EU talks, even if it means “paying the price,” while the language-rights fight keeps spilling into public life. Language Rights on the Streets: Albanian students in Tirana marched under “Albanians stand with Skopje,” backing demands that the professional law exam be offered in Albanian; Mickoski says a solution is possible soon. Digital Economy Push: Legal amendments to enable data centre investment are nearing completion, as the government tries to attract higher-value tech projects. Culture & Cinema: Cinema admissions fell in 2025, while North Macedonia’s film scene still draws attention through international programming and events. Regional Context: The US signals a shift toward “mutually beneficial partnerships” in the Western Balkans, while migration hardliners in Europe push faster deportation plans.

EU Roadblock Fallout: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski says his government will not move on constitutional changes tied to the “French proposal,” and is ready to “pay the price” to keep identity lines firm as EU talks remain blocked. Language Rights Tension: Albanian students staged a fresh protest in Tirana—“Albanians Stand with Skopje”—backing demands to take the professional law exam in Albanian; Mickoski now says a solution is possible soon, while Justice Minister Igor Fillkov still opposes it. Regional Security & Tech: NATO tested glider drones for resupply during a major special operations exercise in North Macedonia. Data Centre Push: Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski says legal amendments for data centres are near completion, aiming to attract digital infrastructure investment. Diplomacy & Influence: The US signals a shift from “nation-building” to economic partnerships and projects like Corridor 8, warning Russia and China exploit regional vulnerabilities. Culture & Mobility: A major international theatre production, “Agamemnon: The Circle of Blood,” lands in Brussels on 17 June. Civil Protection Note: Rade Rajkovchevski joins Crisis Lab’s advisory board, strengthening regional crisis and policing expertise.