AGP Executive Report

NATO Spotlight: The commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, Admiral George Wikoff, visited North Macedonia and met Deputy PM/Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski, focusing on regional security, training opportunities, and interoperability with the North Macedonian Army. Sports—EuroVolley Build-Up: The 2026 CEV Men’s EuroVolley runs Sept. 9–26 across four host nations, with North Macedonia in Pool B in Sofia alongside Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, Portugal and Israel. Health—West Nile Update: Skopje hospitals reported eight patients with neuroinvasive West Nile virus, as deaths linked to the virus rise. Energy Investment: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close on the Štip wind farm (131.25 MW), a €180m project backed by major lenders including the EBRD and IFC, aiming for full operation by 2028. Culture & Film: “DJ Ahmet” leads nominations for the Adriatic Film and TV Awards, with North Macedonia among the eligible countries and filmmakers in the running.

Independence & Diplomacy: North Macedonia marked 35 years since independence on September 8, with major public events including a David Guetta stadium concert in Skopje, while foreign leaders sent congratulations and Skopje reiterated its EU path. EU Integration: The foreign minister said North Macedonia is ready to share its EU accession experience with Ukraine and warned against “intimidation” and unilateral concessions during talks. Energy & Investment: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close on the 131.25MW Štip wind farm, a €180m project backed by EBRD/IFC and Erste, aiming for full operation by 2028. Health: Reports say eight patients in Skopje were hospitalized with neuroinvasive West Nile virus, as deaths from the virus rise. Sports (North Macedonia in focus): Bulgaria opened the EuroVolley 2026 in Sofia with a 3-0 win over North Macedonia; in football, Scott McTominay’s successful heart ablation keeps him out of early Scotland Nations League matches including the trip to North Macedonia. Regional Cooperation: North Macedonia’s military contingent in EUFOR Althea celebrated Independence Day alongside international partners.

Health Watch: Skopje’s Infectious Diseases Clinic reports 8 hospitalized patients with neuroinvasive West Nile virus and a new weekend death, bringing fatalities to 8 as cases rise nationwide; authorities have launched intensified mosquito spraying and issued extra guidance for people over 60 and those on immunosuppressive therapy. Independence & Diplomacy: North Macedonia marked 35 years of independence on Sept. 8, with EUFOR Althea noting the country’s Independence Day and multiple leaders sending congratulations, including Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan. EU Path & Ukraine: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski says Skopje is ready to share its EU accession experience with Ukraine and rejects accession “intimidation” or unilateral concessions. Sports (Local Connection): In Sofia, Bulgaria opened EuroVolley 2026 with a 3-0 win over North Macedonia, while the North Macedonian military contingent in EUFOR celebrated Independence Day. Business & Investment: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close on the €180m Štip Wind Farm, targeting full operation by 2028. Culture: The “Maškari Amende” festival returns Sept. 11-12 in Šuto Orizari, celebrating 30 years of the municipality with music and community events.

Independence Day Focus: North Macedonia marked 35 years since independence on September 8 with major public events, including a sold-out David Guetta concert at Toše Proeski Arena and earlier cultural programming; President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova also laid flowers at key leaders’ graves and awarded honours. EU & Neighbours: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski said Skopje is ready to share EU accession experience with Ukraine, stressing reforms without intimidation or unilateral concessions. Health Alert: Skopje’s Infectious Diseases Clinic reports eight hospitalized neuroinvasive West Nile virus cases and an eighth death; authorities have intensified mosquito spraying and emergency measures, especially for people over 60. Energy Transition: North Macedonia has started building battery energy storage systems (BESS), including standalone units and storage integrated with solar plants, to improve returns and market flexibility. Sports & Local Interest: EuroVolley 2026 opens in Sofia with North Macedonia set to play Bulgaria in the tournament’s first match day. Business: TGI Fridays signed a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, planning 10 restaurants across the three markets.

Independence Day Focus: North Macedonia marked 35 years since the Sept. 8, 1991 referendum and declaration of independence, with events across the country and official ceremonies led by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, including flower-laying at key leaders’ graves and cultural programming. Public Health: Skopje’s Infectious Diseases Clinic reported eight hospitalized cases of neuroinvasive West Nile virus, alongside the weekend’s eighth death; authorities say no new admissions in recent days and have intensified mosquito control and guidance for people over 60. Energy & Industry: Solar Macedonia says construction of battery energy storage systems (BESS) has started, including standalone projects and batteries integrated with solar plants, aimed at improving returns through energy arbitrage. International Ties: Qatar and North Macedonia signed a labour-sector MoU to share expertise, strengthen labour market regulation, and improve working conditions. Sports (Local Interest): Napoli confirmed Scott McTominay’s heart ablation was a “complete success,” with a two-week rest period; he is expected to miss Scotland’s Nations League matches including against North Macedonia. Business (Regional): TGI Fridays signed a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, targeting 10 restaurants across the three markets.

West Nile Virus Update: North Macedonia reports eight neuroinvasive West Nile virus deaths, with eight patients hospitalized at Skopje’s Infectious Diseases Clinic; two are in intensive care and all patients are over 60, prompting intensified emergency measures including mosquito spraying and updated guidance for older and immunosuppressed people. Independence Day 35 Years: North Macedonia marks September 8 as Independence Day with flowers laid at the graves of Kiro Gligorov, Boris Trajkovski and Nikola Kljusev, plus cultural events planned across the month. Energy Transition: Solar Macedonia says construction of battery energy storage systems (BESS) has started, including standalone units and batteries integrated with solar plants to improve market performance and investment returns. Labour Cooperation: Qatar and North Macedonia sign an MoU to strengthen labour-sector cooperation, including exchange of expertise, labour inspection, occupational safety and health, and a joint committee to oversee implementation. Business & Tourism: TGI Fridays™ announces expansion into the Balkans with Devolli Group, including North Macedonia. Sports (Local Interest): Napoli confirms Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay’s successful heart ablation; he will rest two weeks and miss early fixtures, while he’s also set to miss Scotland Nations League matches including against North Macedonia.

Labour & Diplomacy: Qatar’s labour minister met North Macedonia’s top officials in Skopje and the two countries signed a memorandum to boost cooperation in the labour sector, including labour-market expertise, labour inspection, and occupational safety. Economy & Jobs: A new ILO snapshot shows labour productivity remains a Western Balkans challenge, with North Macedonia listed at 34 dollars per hour worked (middle of the regional range). Public Health: North Macedonia confirmed its 8th West Nile virus death, with 58 cases reported so far. Energy: The Vertical Corridor is expanding: North Macedonia’s NOMAGAS and Serbia’s Transportgas joined the initiative, aiming to strengthen cross-border gas flows and supply security from Greece onward. Digital Safety: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse, with risk especially high in Mexico and North Macedonia. Telecom: Makedonski Telekom launched its 5G Standalone (5G+) network, rolling out features in phases.

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.