AGP Executive Report

Kočani Court Drama: The trial of Bulgarian citizen Iva Mihaylova continues in Kočani, with the defence saying a key prosecution expert relied on a police officer who lacked the required qualifications, while courtroom tension rose after the prosecutor threatened a witness over testimony that could undermine the case. Medical Treatment Fight: A decision is expected soon on whether Mihaylova can travel to Bulgaria for treatment after the court hears arguments that North Macedonia cannot provide the needed surgery. Regional Heat Relief: People are cooling off in the Treska River near Skopje as summer temperatures push residents to seek quick relief outdoors. Ohrid Film Win: At Ohrid’s Beach Film Festival, Czech/Slovak co-production “Broken Voices / Sbormistr” won the Large Wave Award for Best Film, with a Macedonian student film also taking a prize. Serbia–North Macedonia Talks: Serbian PM Djuro Macut met North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid, focusing on transport, rail upgrades, energy links, agriculture and tourism. Cashless Push: Nayax launched its cashless payment services in North Macedonia, expanding card acceptance for unattended retail like vending and self-service kiosks.

Heat Relief in Skopje: People are cooling off in the Treska River near Skopje as summer temperatures push residents to seek quick escapes outdoors. Serbia–North Macedonia Talks in Ohrid: Serbian PM Djuro Macut met North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid, highlighting growing cooperation in transport, rail, energy connectivity, agriculture and tourism, with a focus on upgrades to the Serbia–Greece rail link. Energy Sanctions Update: Serbian energy officials say there are indications NIS may receive a new US operating licence after OFAC extensions tied to its Russian ownership. Local Diplomacy Watch: Russia-linked influence claims continue to draw attention, with commentary alleging Russian messaging in North Macedonia adapts through Serbian narratives. Cashless Push: Nayax launched its cashless payment services in North Macedonia, aiming to expand card acceptance for unattended retail like vending, parking and self-service kiosks. Sports Spotlight (North Macedonia in Europe): Shkendija’s European run continues after selling defender Imran Fetai to Dinamo Bucharest, while Hibs prepare to face Shkendija in the Conference League. Court Update (Kočani): Hearings in the Iva Mihaylova case continue, with prosecutors and witnesses facing contradictions as a decision on medical treatment in Bulgaria is expected soon.

Diplomacy: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut will visit North Macedonia on Friday for talks with PM Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid, with a delegation covering mining/energy, transport and agriculture. Payments & Business: Israeli fintech Nayax has launched its cashless payment services in North Macedonia, letting merchants accept card payments via its platform, with a focus on unattended retail like vending, parking and EV charging. Court Update (Kočani): Hearings continue in the case of Bulgarian citizen Iva Mihaylova, accused after a crash in North Macedonia; the court heard conflicting speed-limit documents and witness statements, and tensions rose when a prosecutor threatened a witness. EU/Region Infrastructure: Bulgaria and North Macedonia held the first joint committee meeting in Sofia on a cross-border railway tunnel under Corridor 8, setting rules and a preliminary timetable while discussing financing. Sports (Conference League): Hibs’ European comeback sets up a North Macedonia clash: they will face Shkendija next in the UEFA Conference League after progressing on aggregate. World Football Politics: UEFA confirms it will boycott FIFA competitions if FIFA pushes ahead with plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors.

Cross-Border Rail Talks: Bulgaria and North Macedonia held the first joint committee meeting in Sofia on a cross-border railway tunnel under Corridor 8, agreeing rules of procedure, a preliminary timetable, and discussing financing options. Energy Update: North Macedonia’s gasification push is moving forward as the Greece interconnector nears completion, paving the way for a more diversified natural gas supply and phased expansion of the domestic distribution network. Public Health Watch: The ECDC warns that longer, warmer summers across Europe are raising the risk of infections, with particular focus on foodborne illnesses and mosquito- and tick-borne diseases, including West Nile virus. Football Politics: UEFA says it will boycott FIFA competitions if FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors goes ahead, while multiple European associations back the move. Local Life & Culture: Skopje’s Makedonski Telekom reports six Ookla Speedtest Awards in H1, and the Ohrid region avoids UNESCO danger listing for now as environmental threats remain. Sports & Community: Hibs set up a tie with Shkendija after a 4-1 Conference League comeback, and a new documentary by Milcho Manchevski heads to Sarajevo Film Festival.

Gas & Infrastructure: North Macedonia’s gasification push is getting a boost as the Greece interconnector nears completion, paving the way for a more diversified supply and phased expansion of the domestic gas network. EU & Borders: Summer traffic is building on North Macedonia–Greece border routes, with queues reported at Bogorodica–Evzonoi as the EU Entry/Exit System adds friction for non-EU travellers. Energy Security: Romania’s energy shift highlights how Europe still faces vulnerability despite moving away from Russian supplies, with low gas storage and tighter LNG competition raising price pressure. Telecom: Makedonski Telekom says it won six Ookla Speedtest Awards in H1 2026, including top marks for mobile and fixed performance. Environment: Lake Ohrid narrowly avoids being listed as endangered, but UNESCO warns of ongoing risks like illegal construction and wastewater problems, giving a five-year deadline for fixes. Politics & Rights: A local watchdog warns North Macedonia’s judiciary is “nearing collapse,” while the PM reiterates there will be no constitutional changes in the form currently demanded. Culture & Tourism: A folk festival, Horo Se Vie, kicked off in Bosilegrad with ensembles from North Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Montenegro.

Energy & Infrastructure: North Macedonia’s gasification push gets a boost as the Greece interconnector nears completion, paving the way for a more secure, diversified natural gas supply and a phased build-out of the domestic distribution network. Economy & Policy: The National Bank of North Macedonia kept the key interest rate unchanged at 4.25%, pointing to easing inflation but warning that geopolitical tensions and energy prices still pose risks. EU & Environment: Lake Ohrid has avoided being added to UNESCO’s Danger List, but experts stress serious ongoing threats like illegal construction, wastewater problems, and shoreline damage—so both countries now have a five-year deadline to act. Politics & Elections: Serbia’s Interior Ministry is accused of withholding voting-roll address data from an electoral oversight commission, with opposition alleging it could enable election fraud. Tech & Business: Makedonski Telekom says it won six Ookla Speedtest Awards in the first half of 2026, including top mobile and fixed network rankings. Travel & Borders: Summer queues continue on North Macedonia–Greece border routes, with delays reported at Bogorodica–Evzonoi as the EU Entry/Exit System adds pressure. Culture & Heritage: A new international folk festival, Horo Se Vie, kicked off in Bosilegrad with ensembles from North Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Montenegro.

Monetary Policy Watch: North Macedonia’s central bank kept the key interest rate unchanged at 4.25%, citing easing inflation but warning that energy prices, the war in Ukraine, and renewed Middle East escalation still pose risks. EU & Borders: Summer travel is hitting the North Macedonia–Greece crossings, with queues building on the busiest Bogorodica–Evzonoi route as the EU Entry/Exit System adds friction for non-EU travelers. Ohrid Under Pressure: Lake Ohrid avoided being added to UNESCO’s “in danger” list, but experts stress illegal construction, wastewater problems, and shoreline damage remain serious, with a five-year deadline to act. Culture & Community: The first International Folk Festival “Horo Se Vie” opened in Bosilegrad, bringing ensembles from Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Montenegro for parades, concerts, and mass horo dancing. Health Alert: West Nile virus cases are rising across Europe, and WHO reports two locally acquired cases in North Macedonia. Sports Spotlight: Roberto Mancini was reappointed Italy coach for a second spell after Italy’s World Cup qualification collapse—an international football shake-up that also echoes the wider regional sports mood.

UNESCO & Ohrid: The Lake Ohrid region has avoided being put on UNESCO’s “World Heritage in Danger” list, but UNESCO says illegal construction, uncontrolled urban growth, shoreline damage, weak wastewater management and ecosystem protection gaps still threaten the site, with Albania and North Macedonia given five years to act. Monetary Policy: North Macedonia’s central bank kept the key interest rate unchanged at 4.25% as inflation cools to 3.4% but warns risks remain from energy prices, the war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East. EU Accession Standoff: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski again said there will be no constitutional changes “in the form currently demanded,” arguing the process must be guided by principles and pointing to human-rights rulings. Public Health: Gostivar’s tap water is now safe for hygiene but not for drinking or cooking after a contamination-linked stomach illness outbreak; bottled water continues while authorities investigate. Health Alert (Region): WHO says West Nile virus is rising across Europe, with locally acquired cases reported in North Macedonia among other countries. Culture & Recognition: Macedonian documentary “The Tale of Silyan / Siljan” earned Emmy nominations for cinematography and documentary filmmaking. Sports (Italy): Roberto Mancini is reappointed Italy coach after FIGC turmoil, with Claudio Ranieri named technical director.

EU Accession Standoff: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski says there will be no constitutional changes “in the form currently demanded,” arguing the goal is a sustainable path to EU membership. Rule of Law Watch: A rights monitor warns the judiciary is “nearing collapse,” citing political pressure, weak funding, and delays. Water Safety Crisis: Gostivar’s tap water is safe for hygiene but not for drinking or cooking after a coliform contamination outbreak; bottled water continues while investigations target the water system upgrade. Diplomacy & Trade: President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Skopje helped push plans to double India–North Macedonia trade and expand cooperation in tourism, filmmaking, and tech. Health Alert: West Nile virus cases are reported across Europe, with North Macedonia listed among affected countries—health authorities urge mosquito protection. Culture & Tourism: Sedat Sulejmani appointed North Macedonia’s new Minister of Culture and Tourism. Human Interest: Skopje hospital reports a first-time birth via IVF for a 61-year-old woman and her 71-year-old husband. Sports: North Macedonia-linked handball news highlights Bahrain’s U21 World Championship berth in North Macedonia.

Water Safety Crisis in Gostivar: Tap water is now safe for hygiene but still not for drinking or cooking after a coliform contamination scare triggered an epidemic and a state of emergency; hyperchlorination reduced contaminants, bottled water continues, and three utility managers are in custody. Judiciary Under Strain: A rights monitor warns North Macedonia’s judiciary is nearing collapse, citing political pressure on courts plus chronic funding and staffing gaps. EU Accession Stalled: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski says the EU path remains blocked despite ongoing talks, with no plan to make concessions on identity or history. Culture & Tourism Shake-up: Sedat Sulejmani appointed new Minister of Culture and Tourism in a government reshuffle; UNESCO also granted an Ohrid Region extension to prevent endangered listing, with deadlines through 2030. Health Alert Beyond Borders: WHO warns West Nile virus is spreading in Europe; North Macedonia is listed among affected countries. Human Stories: Skopje’s Drama Theatre mourns beloved actor Goce Todorovski, 75. Diplomacy: North Macedonia condemned Russia’s attack on Sloviansk that damaged Latvia’s mission, pledging solidarity with Ukraine.

Water Safety Crisis in Gostivar: North Macedonia declared an emergency in Gostivar after thousands reported stomach problems linked to contaminated tap water. Authorities say hyperchlorination has cut coliform bacteria levels, but the water is still not safe to drink or cook—only for hygiene—while bottled water continues. Investigators also suspect delays in completing a key pipeline connection. Judicial System Under Strain: A rights monitor warns the judiciary is “nearing collapse,” citing political pressure on courts plus chronic underfunding and staffing shortages that are slowing verdicts and raising legal costs. EU Accession Still Blocked: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski says North Macedonia’s EU path remains blocked despite talks, with no plan to make concessions on identity or history. Ohrid Gets More Time: UNESCO postponed listing the Ohrid Region as endangered, giving North Macedonia until 2030 to meet protection recommendations, with a new progress report due in early 2027. Culture Leadership Change: Sedat Sulejmani was appointed new Minister of Culture and Tourism in a reshuffle, replacing Zoran Ljutkov. Diplomacy Boost with India: President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to North Macedonia focused on doubling trade and expanding cooperation in tourism, hospitality and filmmaking, alongside cultural diplomacy including a Gandhi bust and Mother Teresa memorial. Public Health Watch: WHO reports West Nile fever cases rising across Europe; it notes two cases in North Macedonia. National Loss: Beloved actor Goce Todorovski has died at 75.

Diplomacy & Trade Boost: India’s President Droupadi Murmu wrapped up a three-nation European tour, including a historic visit to North Macedonia, where Skopje and New Delhi agreed to double bilateral trade and expand cooperation on tourism, hospitality, and filmmaking. EU Accession Pressure: North Macedonia’s foreign minister said the country’s EU path remains blocked despite two years of talks, with no plan to make concessions on identity or history. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO postponed the Ohrid Region being listed as “in danger,” giving North Macedonia until 2030 to implement protection recommendations and submit timelines and progress reports. New Government Role: North Macedonia appointed Sedat Sulejmani as the new Minister of Culture and Tourism in a reshuffle. Public Health Alert: WHO warned West Nile virus is spreading across Europe; North Macedonia is among countries reporting cases, urging people to avoid mosquito bites and watch for severe symptoms. Regional Scrutiny: Hungary launched an investigation into a €1 billion Eximbank loan to North Macedonia, citing unusually favorable terms and possible misuse.

India–North Macedonia Diplomacy: President Droupadi Murmu returned to New Delhi after a landmark three-nation state visit to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania, with Skopje agreeing to double bilateral trade and discussing cooperation in tourism, hospitality and filmmaking; she also addressed North Macedonia’s Assembly and unveiled a Mahatma Gandhi bust in Skopje. EU Accession Pressure: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski says North Macedonia’s EU path remains blocked despite two years of talks, stressing no concessions on identity or history. UNESCO Ohrid Update: UNESCO postponed listing the Ohrid Region as World Heritage in Danger, giving North Macedonia until 2030 to meet recommendations, with a new progress report due in early 2027. Culture & Tourism Shake-up: Parliament appointed Sedat Sulejmani as the new Minister of Culture and Tourism, replacing Zoran Ljutkov. Public Health Watch: WHO warns West Nile virus is spreading across Europe, with cases reported in North Macedonia, urging mosquito-bite prevention and fast medical care for severe symptoms.

Diplomacy & Trade: President Droupadi Murmu has arrived in New Delhi after wrapping up a three-nation European tour that included a landmark visit to North Macedonia (first by an Indian president) where Skopje and New Delhi agreed to double bilateral trade and discussed cooperation in tourism, hospitality and filmmaking, plus Murmu’s speeches and cultural stops in Skopje. EU Accession: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski says North Macedonia’s EU path remains blocked despite two years of talks, with negotiations continuing but no concessions on identity or history. Culture & Heritage: Parliament appointed Sedat Sulejmani as the new Minister of Culture and Tourism. Ohrid Protection: UNESCO postponed the Ohrid Region’s “in danger” listing, giving North Macedonia until 2030 to meet recommendations, with a new progress report due in early 2027. Governance & Oversight: Hungary has launched an investigation into a €1 billion Eximbank loan to North Macedonia, citing unusually favorable terms. Public Health: WHO warns West Nile virus is spreading across Europe, with cases reported in North Macedonia and other nearby countries.

EU Accession Standoff: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski says North Macedonia’s EU path remains blocked despite two years of talks, with no plan to make concessions on identity or history. Culture & Tourism Shake-up: Sedat Sulejmani has been appointed North Macedonia’s new Minister of Culture and Tourism, replacing Zoran Ljutkov after the government reshuffle. Ohrid Protection Win: UNESCO has extended the deadline to prevent the Ohrid Region from being listed as “in danger,” giving North Macedonia until 2030 to meet recommendations. Water Safety Alert: A ban on drinking tap water is in place in Valandovo after arsenic levels were found above WHO limits; the water is still for industrial use. Health Watch—West Nile Virus: WHO warns West Nile fever is spreading across Europe, with locally acquired cases reported in North Macedonia and rising alerts in tourist areas. Diplomacy & Solidarity: North Macedonia condemned Russia’s strike on Sloviansk, with Foreign Minister Mucunski expressing solidarity with Latvia and Ukraine. Regional Finance Scrutiny: Hungary is investigating two Eximbank loans to North Macedonia worth €988m, part of a wider probe into high-value deals. Sports: Bahrain’s junior handball team booked a World Championship spot in North Macedonia after beating Iran, and will face South Korea in the semis.

EU Accession Deadlock: North Macedonia’s EU path is still blocked, Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski said, adding talks with EU member states and Bulgaria continue but no solution is ready and Skopje won’t make concessions on national interest, history or identity. Public Health Alert: The WHO warns West Nile virus is spreading across southern Europe, with locally acquired cases reported in Greece, Italy, Spain, Romania and North Macedonia; officials urge mosquito bite prevention and fast medical care for high fever, rash or neck stiffness. Water Safety in Valandovo: A ban on drinking tap water was introduced in Valandovo after arsenic levels were found above safe limits; the water can be used for industrial purposes until new tests confirm safety. Border Infrastructure: Bulgaria and North Macedonia are moving ahead with the Klepalo border crossing, with construction expected to be completed by 2029 after environmental steps and funding progress. Regional Finance Watch: Hungary is investigating two Eximbank loans to North Macedonia worth €988m, citing concerns over safeguards and guarantees. Diplomacy & Culture: India’s President Droupadi Murmu visited North Macedonia, unveiling a Mahatma Gandhi bust in Skopje and highlighting peace and friendship ties. Weather Disruption: A storm in Skopje left people injured and caused outages, while heat and extreme conditions continue to affect the Balkans and wider Europe.