AGP Executive Report

Energy Security: North Macedonia and Serbia have joined the Vertical Gas Corridor, signing a memorandum in Thessaloniki on Sept. 4 that brings NOMAGAS and Transportgas Serbia into a wider network linking Greece to Central and Southeast Europe. The expansion is aimed at diversification and stronger cross-border gas flows, with officials pointing to the North Macedonia–Greece interconnector and access to LNG supply options. Public Health: West Nile virus deaths in North Macedonia have risen to 8, with 58 cases reported so far; all fatalities were men aged 62–83 with underlying health conditions. Digital Safety: UNICEF says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries suffered tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with social media driving nearly 60% of cases; in North Macedonia, risk is reported as more than eight times higher. Telecom: Makedonski Telekom launched its 5G Standalone (5G+) network in phases, promising lower latency and improved stability for high-density use. Sports: Scott McTominay’s mild benign arrhythmia means he’ll miss over a month for Napoli and Scotland, with a return timeline tied to recovery and fitness work.

Energy Diplomacy: North Macedonia is looking at energy cooperation with Russia, with a focus on stable supplies, agriculture and investment ties, a politician said after the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Gas Infrastructure: The country has joined the Vertical Gas Corridor, formally adding NOMAGAS to the network and strengthening access to southern supply routes via Greece, with a Greece–North Macedonia pipeline planned for 2027 and a separate link to Serbia also in the works. EU/Ukraine Support: In Kyiv, North Macedonia’s FM Timco Mucunski backed US-and-Europe-led diplomacy for a just peace and said Skopje has provided Ukraine with 13 aid packages; Ukraine’s FM Andrii Sybiha also thanked North Macedonia for appointing a special representative for postwar reconstruction. Digital Safety: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries have faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse, including research that includes North Macedonia. Connectivity Deal: 4iG and SpaceX signed agreements for Starlink Mobile in Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus sovereign satellite communications support. Culture & Film: Manaki Brothers 2026 announced its competition lineup, including a Camera 300 opening in Bitola. Sports: Bojan Miovski has sacked his agent amid uncertainty over his Rangers future, while Scott McTominay is set for a minor heart procedure and will miss over a month.

Gas Security & Infrastructure: North Macedonia has formally joined the Vertical Gas Corridor, with NOMAGAS signing a memorandum alongside Serbia’s Transportgas Serbia, expanding the route from Greece into the Western Balkans and improving options for LNG-linked supply and bidirectional flows. Energy Market Planning: The government has asked electricity market operator MEMO to prepare a plan to set up a natural gas market operator, covering legal, technical, IT and financial steps. Regional Energy Expansion: Greece and Balkan partners also signed an MoU to extend the corridor toward North Macedonia and Serbia, with a Greece pipeline expected to open in 2027 and a planned link to Serbia. Child Online Safety: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 face technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse across 21 countries, with North Macedonia included in the study. Ukraine Support Diplomacy: In Kyiv, North Macedonia’s FM Timco Mucunski backed US-led and EU-supported peace efforts, while Ukraine’s FM Andrii Sybiha thanked Skopje for 13 aid packages and for appointing a special representative for postwar reconstruction. Sports Spotlight: Scott McTominay is set for a minor heart procedure and will miss over a month; in North Macedonia-linked football coverage, FK Skopje’s Richard Brown’s transfer hinges on a FedEx delivery of original documents.

Gas & Energy Diplomacy: North Macedonia has joined the Vertical Gas Corridor, with NOMAGAS formally signing a memorandum alongside Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Moldova and Serbia—aimed at boosting bidirectional flows and access to southern supply routes, including LNG options via Greece. Gas Market Planning: The government has asked electricity market operator MEMO to prepare a plan for creating a natural gas market operator, covering legal, technical and financial steps. Ukraine Support: In Kyiv, North Macedonia’s FM Timco Mucunski said the country backs US-led and European efforts for a just, lasting peace and noted 13 aid packages delivered to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion. Child Online Safety: UNICEF reports about 1 in 5 children (20 million) across 21 countries face tech-facilitated sexual abuse, with North Macedonia included in the surveyed group. Sports—Local Interest: FK Skopje’s potential signing of Jamaican defender Richard Brown is stalled by a FedEx delivery of required documents, risking the deadline. Culture & Memory: Ohrid marked the 17th anniversary of the Ilinden ship disaster that killed 15 Bulgarian tourists, with flowers laid at the lakeside monument.

Energy Security: North Macedonia officially joined the Vertical Gas Corridor, with NOMAGAS signing a new Memorandum of Understanding alongside Serbia’s Transportgas Serbia and regional TSOs, aiming to boost bidirectional gas flows, cross-border capacity, and access to supplies via Greece and LNG terminals. Gas Infrastructure: The corridor expansion follows plans for a North Macedonia–Greece pipeline opening in 2027 (1.4 bcm/year) and a planned 23 km link with Serbia, giving Skopje a second supply route after decades of relying on one connection. Diplomacy & Ukraine: North Macedonia’s FM Timco Mucunski met Ukraine’s Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv, backing US and European leadership for a just peace; Sybiha thanked Skopje for 13 aid packages and for appointing a special representative for Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports nearly 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries face tech-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, with social media driving most cases. Culture & Sports: The World Nomad Games’ ethnic music festival crowned Kyrgyz performer Nurdoolot Derkembaev, while North Macedonia’s Vasil Angelov took first place; locally, Hearts’ Josh McPake says he’s ready for a Scotland call-up after a derby standout.

Energy Corridor Deal: Greece, North Macedonia and Serbia signed on expanding the Vertical Gas Corridor, with NOMAGAS and Transportgas Serbia joining the project to boost cross-border gas flows and bidirectional capacity. Gas Market Setup: Skopje asked electricity market operator MEMO to prepare a plan for creating a natural gas market operator, covering legal, technical and IT steps as interconnectors with Greece and Serbia move toward operation. Ukraine Diplomacy: In Kyiv, North Macedonia’s FM Timco Mucunski backed US-EU-led peace efforts, while Ukraine’s FM Andrii Sybiha thanked Skopje for appointing a special representative for postwar reconstruction and for 13 packages of military aid. EU Enlargement Shock: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit after Mladić’s remains were returned and glorified, saying it clashes with EU values. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual abuse or exploitation, with North Macedonia included in the study. Culture & Sports: President Iliana Iotova opened Bulgaria’s 25th folklore festival for two-part singing with performers from North Macedonia; and Hearts winger Josh McPake says he’s ready for a Scotland call-up after a derby standout.

Ukraine Solidarity: Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha thanked North Macedonia for appointing a special representative for Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction and said the two sides also discussed Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Military Support: Sybiha added that North Macedonia has delivered 13 packages of military aid since the full-scale invasion began. Energy Moves: North Macedonia and Serbia are set to join the Vertical Corridor, while the government has asked MEMO to prepare a plan to create a natural gas market operator. EU Enlargement Tensions: Spain linked Catalan, Basque and Galician language demands to the EU enlargement timetable, raising new political friction. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse, with North Macedonia included among the surveyed countries. Regional Politics: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit over Mladić honours, underscoring how war-crimes commemoration can derail EU steps. Justice & Accountability: Hungary opened a criminal probe into Eximbank deals, including a €1bn loan to North Macedonia.

Film & Culture: Macedonian director Teona Strugar Mitevska is developing her next feature, Petra Doesn’t Want to Die (Anatomy of Masculinity), a feminist drama set in North Macedonia and inspired by her earlier hit Petrunya. Oscar Spotlight: Kosara Mitić’s debut feature 17 has been chosen as North Macedonia’s candidate for the 99th Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category. Digital Safety: UNICEF says nearly 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual abuse/exploitation in a year, with most cases happening on mainstream social media; the report also highlights huge underreporting. Online Hate & Youth Violence: Makedonski Telekom launched a nationwide campaign against online hate and violence as the school year starts. Sports: Gerson Rodrigues has left Vardar Skopje after three months. EU Path: North Macedonia marks 35 years of independence as EU membership remains tied to unresolved constitutional commitments. Regional Tech & Connectivity: UNESCO backed rights-based recommendations for digital platform governance in North Macedonia and the wider Western Balkans. Energy & Diplomacy: Energy Minister Iva Petrova is set to attend the Southeast Europe Energy Forum in Thessaloniki. Finance Watch: Hungary opened a criminal probe into Eximbank deals, including a €1bn loan to North Macedonia.

UNICEF Report: A new UNICEF study says about 1 in 5 children (20 million) aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social media. It also warns that children who experience abuse are far more likely to report suicidal thoughts or self-harm, and that most cases are never reported. Digital Safety & Prevention: The report urges stronger privacy protections, safer platform design, limits on unsolicited contact, better detection and reporting, and improved support for families, schools and communities. Local Response: Makedonski Telekom launched a nationwide back-to-school campaign, “Break the Circle of Violence. Don’t Be the Audience,” targeting online hate and youth violence. Regional Security: Hungary opened a criminal probe into Eximbank deals, including a €1bn loan to North Macedonia, after an internal audit flagged alleged irregularities. EU Path: North Macedonia’s EU membership push remains tied to unresolved constitutional commitments from the 2022 Bulgaria compromise.

Online Safety & Youth: UNICEF highlights that 1 in 5 youths aged 12–17 have faced online sexual abuse, as Meta settles a US case and agrees to limit teen access to two hours a day. Regional Security: Qatar’s Cabinet renewed its condemnation of renewed Iran attacks on Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait, calling for an immediate halt and restraint to prevent escalation. Tech & Connectivity: 4iG and SpaceX signed deals to expand Starlink Mobile in Hungary and Albania first, with next-gen V2 broadband planned for Montenegro and North Macedonia. Local Culture: “Yugo Goes to America” will screen in North Macedonia as it rolls out across the region. EU Access Pressure: Western Balkan truckers, including from North Macedonia, warn of border blockades from Sept. 14 over Schengen’s 90-days-in-180 rule. Courtroom Tension: Bulgaria’s MPs back Iva Mihaylova’s case after a crash near Kočani, with the dispute feeding into wider EU accession friction. Sports: Scott McTominay faces heart surgery and will miss Nations League matches including vs North Macedonia. Finance Watch: Hungary investigates a €1bn Eximbank loan to North Macedonia.

EU Foreign Policy Deadlock: Eleven EU member states are pushing to loosen the bloc’s foreign-policy veto culture, arguing unanimity can block action in a fast-changing world. Schengen Pressure on Western Balkans: The European Commission says Schengen rules won’t change despite protests from professional truck drivers, who warn of border blockades from September 14 over the 90-days-in-180-day cap tracked by the Entry/Exit System. Court Clash Over EU Path: A road-crash case involving dual Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen Iva Mihaylova has reignited tensions between Sofia and Skopje, with Bulgaria asking the EU Commission to monitor the proceedings as her treatment travel requests are rejected. Health & Sports Spotlight: Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay will miss games after Napoli confirmed minor heart surgery for a mild benign arrhythmia, sidelining him for Scotland Nations League fixtures including matches against North Macedonia. Regional Economy Watch: Hungary has opened a criminal probe into Eximbank, including a €1bn loan tied to North Macedonia, as EU scrutiny and political fallout continue.

EU Accession Tension: A Kočani court hearing on Iva Mihaylova’s road-crash case and her fight to get medical treatment abroad has escalated into a Bulgaria–North Macedonia dispute, with Bulgarian MPs backing her and Sofia pushing the EU to monitor the matter as part of Skopje’s accession process. Human Rights Route: Her defence is preparing a complaint that could go to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, arguing her right to health and private life should be protected. Schengen Pressure: Western Balkan professional truckers, including drivers from North Macedonia, are protesting the EU’s unchanged 90-days-in-180 rule after digital tracking via the Entry/Exit system, warning of new border blockades from September 14. Sports (North Macedonia in the spotlight): Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay will miss Nations League matches including the game against North Macedonia after Napoli confirmed minor heart surgery for a mild benign arrhythmia. Orthodox Church Life: Hierarchs from the Romanian, Serbian and Bulgarian Orthodox Churches and the Ohrid Archbishopric held joint services at the Osogovo Monastery, drawing thousands of pilgrims.

EU Accession Tensions: Bulgaria is escalating pressure on North Macedonia’s EU path via the ongoing trial of dual Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen Iva Mihaylova, accused of serious road offences after a fatal October crash near Kočani; Bulgarian MPs backed her in court, her passports were seized, and she says travel requests for medical treatment in Bulgaria (and also Turkey/Israel) were rejected, while Sofia has asked the European Commission to monitor the case. Border & Work Rules: Western Balkans truck drivers, including from North Macedonia, are protesting the EU’s Schengen 90/180 stay limit, saying it doesn’t fit their job patterns; they plan strikes and possible border blockades from September 14 unless exemptions are agreed. Local Economy & Labour: North Macedonia is increasingly relying on foreign workers despite high registered unemployment, with the employment agency issuing thousands of procedures tied to permits and demand concentrated in trade, manufacturing, services and construction. Sports: Scotland and Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay will miss matches after Napoli confirmed minor heart surgery for a mild benign arrhythmia, with Scotland’s Nations League fixtures including a trip to North Macedonia.

Iva Mihaylova Trial: North Macedonia’s Basic Court in Kocani resumed work in the case over a fatal 2025 traffic crash, hearing a police witness and starting accident-reconstruction expert testimony; the next hearing is set for September 28, when defence experts are expected to testify, while Mihaylova says her health is worsening and she wants permission to get treatment in Bulgaria. Courtroom Rights Row: Bulgarian MPs and supporters outside the courthouse argue her civil and human rights are at stake and accuse prosecutors of bias, with Mihaylova’s lawyers pushing for her medical travel. Schengen Truckers’ Protest: Hundreds of professional drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia protested outside EU delegations in Belgrade, Sarajevo, Podgorica and Skopje over the 90/180-day Schengen stay limit, warning of new border blockades from September 14 unless rules are adjusted for workers. Energy Deal: North Macedonia’s gas TSO NOMAGAS signed with Rapid Build for the design and construction of the North Macedonia–Serbia gas interconnector, a 70-kilometre link aimed at boosting supply security and regional market access. Sports Spotlight: North Macedonia’s Bojan Miovski is being linked with a move to Feyenoord after Ayase Ueda’s departure, while Rangers’ striker Kevin Kelsy’s transfer talks could shape Miovski’s future. Regional Security Crackdown: A Frontex-coordinated operation across 17 countries arrested 112 suspected migrant smugglers on the Western Balkans route and detected document fraud.

Health & Safety: A locally acquired West Nile virus case has been confirmed in Hungary, with health authorities noting the patient had not travelled abroad—raising concerns that the virus is active in local mosquito populations. Energy Infrastructure: North Macedonia’s gas TSO NOMAGAS has signed a contract for the design and construction of a 70-kilometre interconnector with Serbia, a step toward stronger regional gas links and future connectivity via Greece. Economy & Investment: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski says North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors about data centre projects, including plans tied to gas-fired power generation. International Relations: NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska is visiting Dublin for defence and security discussions, including an EU defence ministers’ format meeting. Sports: North Macedonia’s basketball team notched a win in EuroBasket pre-qualifiers, while the country’s presence also shows up in regional football and international events. Travel & Culture: The VI World Nomad Games begin in Kyrgyzstan with North Macedonia among the participating countries. Environment: A heatwave is gripping parts of North Macedonia, with temperatures soaring around Prespa.

Film & Culture: Skopje hosted the 17th MakeDox festival, where Switzerland’s Tristan Forever won the Onion Award for Best Film, with From Red Lights to Limelights taking the Moral Approach Award; the event ran across five locations and screened 71 documentaries. Sports: North Macedonia’s team kept its unbeaten run in FIBA EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifiers, with Nenad Dimitrijevic posting a triple-double in a 91-59 win over Austria. Energy & Infrastructure: North Macedonia and Serbia signed an agreement for a 67-kilometre gas pipeline, aiming for completion by 2027 and possible connectivity as early as 2028, alongside a North Macedonia–Greece interconnector expected in 2027. Politics & Justice: North Macedonia’s appeals court confirmed Nikola Gruevski’s acquittal in the “Talir 2” case, blocking attempts to confiscate the VMRO-DPMNE “White Palace” and about 30 other properties. Foreign Policy: FM Timco Mucunski visited Jerusalem, signing cooperation deals with Israel across areas including agriculture, water management, security, tourism, health and education. Business/Media: Telekom Srbija notified North Macedonia’s competition regulator of its plan to acquire River Media, expanding its regional media footprint. Health Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia covering care, prevention, surveillance, emergency management and eHealth. Environment & Travel Safety: A travel-safety piece lists North Macedonia among Europe’s safest destinations, while a heatwave report shows temperatures soaring around Prespa and Resen.