AGP Executive Report

EU Accession: Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski says Skopje is discussing the country’s EU path with Bulgaria, EU institutions and member states, but no bilateral meeting with Bulgaria’s foreign minister is planned. The comments come as Bulgarian presidential candidates Iliana Iotova and Andrey Gurov debate whether North Macedonia is meeting commitments on Bulgarian citizens’ rights. Serbia Ties: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski calls his recent conversation with Serbia’s student-list leader procedural and says he hopes to deepen economic cooperation; he says he has not spoken with Aleksandar Vučić. Banking Scrutiny: Opposition SDSM is urging prosecutors to investigate allegations that Serbian bank funds were transferred to Skopje after Serbia’s election. North Macedonia’s National Bank says it supervises domestic banks within its legal powers and cited the Serbian central bank’s response. Jobs and Culture: North Macedonia and the ILO have launched a 2026–2030 decent-work programme focused on skills, job quality and women’s employment. Broadcaster MRT will return to Eurovision in 2027 after a four-year absence.

Serbia Fallout: North Macedonia’s National Bank says it supervises banks within its legal powers, after claims that money linked to Serbia’s former ruling circle was transferred abroad, including to North Macedonia. Opposition SDSM has called for an investigation. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expects ties with Serbia to remain friendly and economic cooperation to deepen. Digital Services: The government promoted the free m.Services app, which offers digital ID and driving licences and is set to add 10 services with the Interior Ministry. Jobs and Skills: North Macedonia and the ILO signed a 2026–2030 programme to improve job quality, skills and women’s employment, tackling labour shortages and emigration. Eurovision Return: North Macedonia will compete in Eurovision 2027 in Bulgaria’s Burgas, returning after a four-year absence; 36 countries have confirmed participation. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Western Balkan growth of 3.1% in 2026, with North Macedonia expected to grow slightly above that pace.

Regional Politics: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and opposition leader Venko Filipče traded accusations over ties to Serbia’s ousted ruling party after the student movement’s election victory. Eurovision: North Macedonia will return to the contest in 2027 after a four-year break. It joins 35 other countries in Burgas, where Canada will make its debut. Jobs and Skills: North Macedonia and the International Labour Organization launched a five-year programme to improve working conditions, skills and women’s employment, amid labour shortages and emigration. Foreign Policy: North Macedonia was among 17 countries voting against a UN resolution condemning the US embargo on Cuba, as support for the resolution fell sharply. EU Path: Bulgaria’s new envoy presented his credentials, with both sides highlighting dialogue and a planned cross-border railway tunnel. Bulgaria has also said North Macedonia’s EU progress depends on protecting Bulgarian rights.

Eurovision Return: North Macedonia will compete in Eurovision 2027 after a four-year absence. The contest is set for Bulgaria’s Burgas in May, with 36 countries confirmed and Canada making its debut. Jobs and Workers: North Macedonia and the ILO have signed a 2026–2030 programme to improve job quality, workers’ rights and skills, and boost employment for women and young people. Mobile Market: Active mobile connections edged up to 1.98 million in the second quarter, regulatory agency AEK reports; A1 Makedonija narrowly leads the concentrated market. EU Integration: Bulgaria says North Macedonia’s progress toward EU membership depends on meeting existing commitments, including protecting Bulgarian rights. The two countries also point to work on a cross-border railway tunnel along Corridor VIII as a sign of what cooperation can deliver. Regional Economy: The World Bank forecasts Western Balkan growth of 3.1% in 2026, but says lowering trade costs and improving business rules will be key to creating better jobs.

Bulgaria Ties: North Macedonia’s new ambassador to Bulgaria, Krum Efremov, presented his credentials as Sofia reiterated support for the country’s EU path, linking progress to existing commitments and constructive dialogue. Officials also highlighted work on a cross-border railway tunnel for Corridor VIII. A memorial service near Stracin marked the 82nd anniversary of Bulgarian soldiers killed in the 1944 battles. Jobs and Labour: North Macedonia and the International Labour Organization launched a 2026–30 programme targeting labour shortages, emigration, skills mismatches and low participation among women and young people. Environment: North Macedonia is among nine countries set to receive projects under a global biodiversity fund’s latest $4.5 million round; the amount for each country was not specified. EU Integration: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said constitutional amendments are needed for North Macedonia to advance toward membership. Rule of Law: The OSCE says nearly half of rulings in major corruption cases in North Macedonia are overturned, raising concerns about accountability.

Environment: North Macedonia is among nine countries set to receive a biodiversity conservation project funded by the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, part of a $4.5 million round of grants. Serbia Vote: The student-led opposition won a parliamentary majority, and Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat after years in power. Serbian citizens in North Macedonia voted in Skopje and Kumanovo; regional observers say the result could reshape Belgrade’s ties with its neighbours and the EU. EU Accession: Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said North Macedonia’s progress depends on politicians delivering constitutional amendments, while the EU and Western Balkan partners pledged closer research and innovation cooperation. Rule of Law: The OSCE reported that nearly half of rulings in major corruption cases in North Macedonia are overturned. Separately, an Ohrid court acquitted two men accused of beating Bulgarian club secretary Hristijan Pendikov, drawing criticism from Bulgaria’s foreign ministry. Frontex: Proposed EU reforms would let the border agency support returns in non-EU countries; its existing cooperation agreements include North Macedonia.

Film and Accountability: Macedonian director Milcho Manchevski’s new feature, Sister Brother Manhole Cover, is screening in competition in Tokyo. He says he was sidelined from making films at home after reporting alleged corruption at the Macedonian Film Agency. Bulgaria’s Election: In North Macedonia, the Iotova-Valchev ticket led the first round with 39.5% of votes cast by Bulgarian citizens, ahead of Gurov-Kandev at 24.8%. Seven polling stations recorded 352 voters; the two tickets meet again in Bulgaria’s November 1 runoff. Serbia’s Political Shift: Student List’s projected election win and Aleksandar Vučić’s concession mark a major change in the region. The outcome could reshape political ties across the Western Balkans, including with North Macedonia. EU Accession: Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos again urged North Macedonia to amend its Constitution, including recognition of Bulgarians, to advance its EU path. A Contested Commemoration: North Macedonia’s Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Stoiljković attended a ceremony near Kumanovo marking Serbia’s 1912 victory—a battle that preceded the occupation of Vardar Macedonia.

Bulgarian Election: The Iotova-Valchev ticket led with 39.5% of votes cast by Bulgarian citizens at seven polling stations in North Macedonia. Gurov-Kandev placed second with 24.8%; the two tickets advance to a November 1 runoff. EU Accession: Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged North Macedonia to amend its Constitution, saying recognition of Bulgarians among the country’s state-forming peoples is the key step to move the accession process forward. Serbia’s Vote: A student-backed list was projected to win a parliamentary majority after Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat, a result that could reshape regional politics. Serbian citizens in North Macedonia also voted in Skopje and Kumanovo. Cross-Border Crime: North Macedonia joined a 26-country Frontex operation that seized more than 700 vehicles and 34 boats and led to 334 arrests. Matka Record: Polish diver Bartłomiej Pitala reached 338 metres in North Macedonia’s Matka Vrelo cave system, surpassing the previous cave-diving record.

Regional Voting: Serbian citizens voted in Skopje and Kumanovo, while Bulgarian citizens cast ballots at polling stations in seven North Macedonian cities for Bulgaria’s presidential election. Voting was reported to be proceeding smoothly. Press Freedom: Serbian authorities turned back an ALSAT TV crew from North Macedonia at the border, citing missing accreditation, despite the team saying it did not plan to cover polling stations. Film: North Macedonian director Georgi Unkovski’s DJ Ahmet won the Rising Star award at the Adriatic Film and TV Awards; Mother, by Teona Strugar Mitevska, earned Noomi Rapace the Best Leading Actress prize. EU Accession: Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged North Macedonia to amend its Constitution to include Bulgarians among recognized communities, calling it the key step needed to advance toward EU membership. Pendikov Case: An Ohrid court acquitted two men charged in the 2023 beating of Hristijan Pendikov, prompting renewed criticism from Bulgaria, which said it would continue to support his fight for justice. Court Proceedings: A Kočani court ordered Iva Mihaylova to be tried in absentia over a fatal road crash; her case has also stirred tensions between Skopje and Sofia.

Voting Abroad: Serbian citizens registered in North Macedonia are voting today at polling stations in Skopje and Kumanovo. Bulgarian citizens can vote at seven locations in North Macedonia; 91-year-old Ohrid resident Angel Kurtelov cast his ballot. Junior Eurovision: North Macedonia finished last in the 2026 contest with 57 points, as Armenia took the win. EU Path: Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged North Macedonia to amend its Constitution to include Bulgarians among recognized communities, calling it the key step to move accession forward. Pendikov Case: An Ohrid court acquitted two men accused of beating Hristijan Pendikov. Bulgaria condemned the ruling, saying a serious hate crime had gone unpunished. Justice System: An OSCE report found nearly half of first-instance decisions in monitored high-level corruption and organized-crime cases were overturned. Record Dive: Polish cave diver Bartłomiej Pitala reached 338 metres in North Macedonia’s Matka Vrelo cave, surpassing the previous cave-diving record.

EU Accession: Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged North Macedonia to amend its Constitution to include Bulgarians among recognized communities, saying the change would allow the process to move forward without further political decisions. Pendikov Case: An Ohrid court acquitted two men in the beating of Hristijan Pendikov, saying their responsibility and an ethnic motive were not proven; Bulgaria condemned the ruling, and an appeal is expected. Rule of Law: An OSCE report found nearly half of first-instance rulings in monitored major corruption and organized-crime cases were overturned, while proceedings average about two years. Research Cooperation: North Macedonia and five other Western Balkan partners endorsed a new EU declaration to strengthen research careers and innovation, and prepare a joint action plan. Matka Record: Polish diver Bartłomiej Pitala reached 338 metres in the Matka Vrelo cave system, surpassing the previous underwater cave-diving record, though the result has not been officially ratified.

EU Accession: Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged North Macedonia to amend its Constitution, saying the change is the key step to move its EU bid forward. Minister Bekim Sali said integration should deliver practical benefits for citizens and businesses. Regional Cooperation: EU and Western Balkan partners agreed to strengthen research and innovation ties and prepare a joint action plan. At the Berlin Process summit, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz backed enlargement but called for reforms; Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski criticized what he called an “artificial” blockade of North Macedonia’s accession. Courts and Rights: An OSCE report found nearly half of monitored first-instance rulings in major corruption and organized-crime cases were overturned. Separately, an Ohrid court acquitted two men in the beating of Hristijan Pendikov, drawing criticism from Bulgarian officials. Iva Mihaylova, wanted over a fatal road crash, will be tried in absentia. Matka Vrelo: Polish diver Bartłomiej Pitala says he reached 338 metres in North Macedonia’s cave system, exceeding the previous cave-diving record; the claim has not been officially ratified. Culture: North Macedonia’s National Opera will join a 150-performer production of Verdi’s Nabucco in Heraklion in November.

EU Integration: North Macedonia must amend its Constitution to move forward with EU accession, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said after meeting European Affairs Minister Bekim Sali in Brussels. The change would recognize Bulgarians among the country’s communities; Sali said integration should deliver tangible benefits for citizens and businesses. Research Links: The EU and six Western Balkan partners, including North Macedonia, endorsed a declaration to deepen research and innovation cooperation and prepare a joint action plan. Matka Cave Record: Polish diver Bartłomiej Pitala reported reaching 338 metres in North Macedonia’s Vrelo cave, surpassing the previous cave-diving mark; the record has not yet been officially ratified. Legal Cases: A Kočani court ordered Iva Mihaylova tried in absentia over a fatal road crash, with a hearing set for 9 November. In Ohrid, two men were acquitted in the 2023 beating of Hristijan Pendikov, prompting criticism from Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry. Corruption Trials: An OSCE review found nearly half of monitored first-instance rulings in major corruption and organized-crime cases were overturned, while proceedings averaged about two years.

EU Accession: Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos urged North Macedonia’s government to adopt constitutional amendments, saying this would allow its EU process to advance without further political decisions. EU leaders are also preparing to press Western Balkan governments to speed up reforms at a November summit. Pendikov Case: An Ohrid court acquitted two men accused of beating Bulgarian club secretary Hristijan Pendikov. Bulgaria condemned the ruling, while Pendikov’s lawyers say prosecutors are expected to appeal. Iva Mihaylova Case: A Kočani court ordered Mihaylova tried in absentia over a fatal road accident; her presence in Bulgaria has sparked a diplomatic dispute. Rule of Law: An OSCE report says nearly half of first-instance rulings in monitored high-level corruption and organized-crime cases were overturned. National Day: Officials and diplomats, including Bulgaria’s ambassador, laid wreaths at Skopje’s monument to IMARO founders on the Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle. Matka Record: Polish cave diver Bartłomiej Pitala reported a 338-metre descent in the Matka Vrelo cave system, surpassing the previous cave-diving record; official ratification is pending.

EU Accession: At a Berlin Process summit in Montenegro, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz backed swift EU accession for the Western Balkans but urged reforms. North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski called his country’s accession blocked by an “artificial” dispute with Bulgaria. Pendikov Case: An Ohrid court acquitted two men in the 2023 beating of Bulgarian club secretary Hristijan Pendikov, reversing their earlier convictions. Bulgaria condemned the ruling as leaving a hate crime unpunished; the prosecution is expected to appeal. Rule of Law: An OSCE report found nearly half of first-instance rulings in monitored high-level corruption and organized crime cases in North Macedonia were overturned. Proceedings averaged about two years, while recent Criminal Code changes may make complex cases harder to prosecute. Iva Mihaylova: North Macedonia has ordered a trial in absentia for the Bulgarian-North Macedonian dual citizen, who is accused in a fatal traffic case. Her next hearing is set for November 9.

EU Accession: At the Berlin Process summit, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz backed swift EU membership for the Western Balkans, while urging reforms. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski again blamed Bulgaria’s “artificial” blockade for North Macedonia’s stalled accession. Bulgaria Ties: An Ohrid court cleared two men in the retrial over the 2023 beating of Bulgarian club secretary Hristijan Pendikov, a case that has strained relations. Meanwhile, bilateral trade has climbed from €712 million in 2011 to €1.317 billion in 2025, the Macedonian-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce said at its Skopje anniversary event. Rule of Law: North Macedonia ranked 65th among 143 countries in the 2026 World Justice Project index, placing it third among Western Balkan countries. Regional Cooperation: Albania’s parliament passed laws covering joint border checks with North Macedonia amid clashes between government and opposition lawmakers.