AGP Executive Report

Energy Diplomacy: A Levica politician says North Macedonia wants cooperation with Russia across energy, agriculture, trade, investment, tourism and education, arguing Russia is a “huge market” for Macedonian business. Regional Gas Moves: Greece, North Macedonia and Serbia signed an MoU to extend the Vertical Gas Corridor, with operators set to sign in Thessaloniki and the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal highlighted as a key entry point. Gas Market Setup: The government asks MEMO to prepare a plan to create a natural gas market operator, covering organisational, technical, IT, legal and financial steps, aiming for a gradual combined electricity-and-gas market. Film & Culture: Manaki Brothers 2026 unveiled its competition lineup (51 films across Camera 300, documentary, shorts and student categories), while North Macedonia’s Oscar bid film “17” was selected as the country’s candidate. Children Online Safety: UNICEF reports nearly 20 million children aged 12–17 in 21 countries face technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, including cases in North Macedonia. Commemoration: Ohrid marked the 17th anniversary of the Ilinden ship disaster that killed 15 Bulgarian tourists. Diplomatic Appointments: Türkiye named a new ambassador to North Macedonia, Alper Aktaş.

Energy & Infrastructure: North Macedonia asked MEMO to prepare a plan for creating a natural gas market operator, covering legal, technical and IT steps, as the country pushes ahead with gas interconnectors to Greece (mid-2027) and Serbia (end-2028) to open new supply routes. Regional Gas Corridor: Greece and Balkan partners signed an MoU to extend the Vertical Gas Corridor to North Macedonia and Serbia, with operators briefing on the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal’s role in regional energy security. Film & Culture: Skopje’s “17” (co-produced with Serbia and Slovenia) was selected as North Macedonia’s candidate for the 99th Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category. UNICEF & Online Safety: UNICEF says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with North Macedonia among the places where the risk of suicidal ideation is far higher than average. Commemoration: Ohrid marked the 17th anniversary of the Ilinden ship tragedy, when 15 Bulgarian tourists died, with flowers laid at the lakeside monument.

Energy & Infrastructure: North Macedonia asked MEMO to prepare a plan for creating a natural gas market operator, aiming to build an integrated electricity-and-gas market as gas interconnectors with Greece (mid-2027) and Serbia (end-2028) move forward. Regional Energy Corridor: Greece and Balkan partners signed an MoU to extend the Vertical Gas Corridor to North Macedonia and Serbia, with operators briefing on the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal and plans to strengthen cross-border supply routes. EU & Diplomacy: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit after Mladić’s remains were received in Belgrade and glorified, saying it conflicts with EU values. Culture & Society: A North Macedonia–Serbia–Slovenia film, “17,” has been selected as North Macedonia’s candidate for the 99th Oscars in the International Feature Film category. Public Safety & Youth: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, with North Macedonia among the places where risks of suicidal thoughts were especially high. Commemoration: Ohrid marked the 17th anniversary of the Ilinden ship disaster that killed 15 Bulgarian tourists.

Energy Corridor Boost: Greece and partners signed a deal to extend the Vertical Gas Corridor to North Macedonia and Serbia, with operators briefing on the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal and ministers stressing cross-border energy security. Gas Market Setup: North Macedonia asked MEMO to prepare a plan for a natural gas market operator, aiming to build an integrated electricity-and-gas market as interconnectors with Greece (mid-2027) and Serbia (end-2028) come online. EU Enlargement Pressure: The EU enlargement commissioner cancelled a Serbia visit after Mladić honours, while Spain linked Catalan/Basque/Galician official-language demands to the enlargement timetable—raising new political friction. EU/Regional Finance Watch: Hungary opened a criminal probe into Eximbank deals, including a controversial €1bn loan tied to North Macedonia, after document seizures and alleged mismanagement. UNICEF Child Safety: UNICEF reports nearly 20 million children (12–17) across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with North Macedonia among the surveyed countries. Culture & Film: North Macedonia selected debut feature “17” as its candidate for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category. Diplomacy: Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova told Robert Fico Ukraine has no military solution and urged EU-wide responsibility for ending the conflict.

Energy Corridor Deal: Greece, North Macedonia and Serbia signed an MoU to extend the Vertical Gas Corridor, aiming to boost north-south gas flows and regional energy security as the project expands toward Western Balkans markets. Gas Market Setup: North Macedonia asked MEMO to prepare a plan for creating a natural gas market operator, covering legal, technical and financial steps, with interconnectors to Greece and Serbia planned to open in the coming years. EU Enlargement Friction: The EU’s enlargement commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit after Mladić honours and the public glorification following his death, stressing EU values require confronting the past. War-Crimes Politics: The Mladić funeral in Belgrade drew supporters and official ceremonies, keeping the EU-Serbia dispute over war crimes in the spotlight. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with North Macedonia among the places where risks are especially high. Film & Culture: North Macedonia selected debut feature “17” as its candidate for the Oscars’ International Feature Film category, a co-production with Serbia and Slovenia. Justice & Finance: Hungary opened a criminal investigation into Eximbank deals, including a controversial €1bn loan linked to North Macedonia. Digital Platform Governance: UNESCO backed adoption of multi-stakeholder recommendations to improve digital platform governance and media rules in North Macedonia and the wider region.

Child Safety Online: UNICEF says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with nearly 60% of cases on mainstream social media and fewer than 1% reported to authorities—UNICEF warns the real scale is higher due to underreporting. Film & Culture: North Macedonia selected Kosara Mitić’s debut feature “17” as its candidate for the 99th Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category, a co-production with Serbia and Slovenia. Energy & Infrastructure: North Macedonia and Serbia are joining the Vertical Corridor, with gas grid operators signing a memorandum in Thessaloniki, while the government also asked MEMO to prepare a plan to set up a natural gas market operator. Telecom & Connectivity: 4iG and SpaceX signed agreements for Starlink direct-to-device mobile services across Hungary and parts of the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia, plus a secured satellite communications track for governments. Justice & Economy: Hungary opened a criminal probe into Eximbank deals, including a reported €1bn loan to North Macedonia, after an internal audit flagged alleged irregularities. Sports: North Macedonian striker Bojan Miovski is reported likely to stay at Rangers as transfer talks continue.

Film & Culture: North Macedonia has selected the teen drama “17” as its candidate for the 99th Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category. The coproduction with Serbia and Slovenia is inspired by a real event and follows a 17-year-old grappling with identity, sexuality, and societal pressure; it was acquired by Totem Films ahead of Berlinale Perspectives 2026 and has already picked up awards including Best International Debut at Jerusalem. Digital Safety: UNICEF says nearly 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse or exploitation in a year, with almost 60% of cases happening on mainstream social media and fewer than 1% reported to authorities. Tech & Media Governance: UNESCO-backed recommendations for rights-based digital platform governance have been adopted for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, aiming to strengthen journalism as a public good and tackle disinformation. Regional Energy & Connectivity: North Macedonia is in the orbit of a wider Starlink Mobile rollout planned for the Western Balkans, with 4iG and SpaceX agreements covering Hungary and later services including North Macedonia. EU Path: As North Macedonia marks 35 years of independence, reporting highlights the stalled constitutional amendments tied to EU integration and the ongoing political dispute with Bulgaria.

Child Safety Online: UNICEF says about 1 in 5 children 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 and far fewer than 1% reported to police or helplines; UNICEF also links abuse to much higher risks of suicidal thoughts and self-harm, including in North Macedonia. EU Path & Bulgaria Veto Risk: As North Macedonia marks 35 years of independence, coverage highlights the stalled constitutional amendments tied to the Bulgaria dispute and warns the EU accession process could face renewed Bulgarian blocking. Energy Diplomacy: Energy Minister Iva Petrova is set to attend the 10th Southeast Europe Energy Forum in Thessaloniki, focused on energy security, affordability, sustainability and cross-border connectivity. Regional Tech & Satellites: 4iG and SpaceX plan Starlink direct-to-device mobile services in Hungary and parts of the Western Balkans, with a later phase including North Macedonia. Foreign Workers Debate: North Macedonia’s labour market story turns to why employers seek foreign staff despite high registered unemployment, with the Employment Agency issuing thousands of procedures for work permits. Court Case Watch: The Iva Mihaylova trial and her medical-treatment dispute continue to draw attention, with the case potentially heading to the European Court of Human Rights. Finance Probe Linked to North Macedonia Loan: Hungary’s police opened a criminal investigation into Eximbank deals, including a €1bn loan to North Macedonia, after an internal audit flagged alleged irregularities. Culture: The Manaki Brothers Film Festival unveiled its 47th edition programme in Bitola, running 19–25 September.

Digital Safety: UNICEF warns that 1 in 5 youths aged 12–17 faced online sexual abuse, highlighting the risks of algorithm-driven platforms and harmful trends. Regional Security: Qatar’s Cabinet renewed condemnation of renewed Iranian attacks on Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait, calling for an immediate halt to military actions and restraint to prevent escalation. Tech & Economy: Qatar also approved draft cloud-computing legislation, while Hungary’s 4iG and SpaceX plan Starlink direct-to-device mobile services across Hungary and parts of the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia. Local Courts & Rights: In North Macedonia, the Kocani court continues the case against Iva Mihaylova over a fatal crash; her supporters argue she’s being blocked from needed treatment abroad, with the dispute likely to reach higher European-level scrutiny. Cross-Border Tensions: Truck drivers from the Western Balkans protest Schengen stay limits and threaten new border blockades from September 14 unless rules are adjusted for professional work. Culture: “Yugo Goes to America” is set for screenings in North Macedonia, and the Manaki Brothers Film Festival unveils its 47th edition programme in Bitola.

EU Enlargement & Veto Pressure: Bulgaria’s trial-related move around dual citizen Iva Mihaylova is again feeding fears of a new Bulgaria veto on North Macedonia’s EU path, as the case resumes in Kočani and MPs attend while Mihaylova argues she can’t get treatment abroad. Courtroom Update: In the Kocani hearing, a police officer said he didn’t see the crash but heard the impact, while an expert reported her car crossed into the oncoming lane; the next steps are set for September 28. Labour Market Reality: North Macedonia is increasingly relying on foreign workers despite nearly 90,000 registered unemployed, with the Employment Agency issuing thousands of procedures for workers from countries including Bangladesh, Turkey, Nepal and India. Schengen Rules Protest: Truck drivers across the region, including in Skopje, warn of new border blockades from September 14 over the 90/180 Schengen stay limits for professional drivers. Investment Watch: PM Hristijan Mickoski says North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors for data centre projects, framing them as tied to future energy needs. Culture & Film: The Manaki Brothers Film Festival in Bitola unveils its 47th programme, with Wally Pfister chairing the jury and Dan Laustsen set for a lifetime award.

Courtroom Fight Over Medical Treatment: In Kočani, the Basic Court heard the case against Iva Mihaylova, a dual Bulgarian–North Macedonian citizen accused in a fatal October 2025 crash; a police officer said he didn’t see the collision, while an expert claims her car crossed about 90 cm into the oncoming lane, and the next hearing is set for September 28 as she presses for permission to receive treatment in Bulgaria. EU Accession Pressure: Bulgaria’s MPs and EU-level rule-of-law monitoring are keeping the case in focus, with reporting suggesting it could be used to hold back North Macedonia’s EU path. Schengen Clash With Truckers: Professional drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia protested outside EU delegations in Skopje, Belgrade, Sarajevo and Podgorica, warning of new border blockades from September 14 over the 90/180-day Schengen stay limits. Jobs and Labour Reality: North Macedonia is increasingly relying on foreign workers despite high registered unemployment, with the Employment Agency issuing thousands of procedures for permits tied to sectors like trade, manufacturing, construction and services. Culture Spotlight: The Manaki Brothers Film Festival unveiled its programme for its 47th edition in Bitola, running September 19–25.

EU Accession Blocked Again: Bulgaria’s trial-linked pressure on North Macedonia’s EU path continues as the case against dual citizen Iva Mihaylova resumes in Kočani, with Bulgarian MPs attending and rights/medical access concerns raised. Schengen Pressure on Transport: Truck drivers across the Western Balkans, including in Skopje, protest the 90/180-day Schengen stay limits for professional drivers and warn of new border blockades from September 14. Foreign Labour Debate: North Macedonia’s unemployment figures sit alongside rising demand for foreign workers, with the Employment Agency issuing thousands of procedures for workers from countries including Bangladesh, Turkey, Nepal and India. Data Centre Push: PM Hristijan Mickoski says North Macedonia is in talks with five to six investors for data centre projects, arguing they can drive development and energy planning. Regional Security & Migration: Frontex reports 112 arrests of suspected migrant smugglers and document fraud cases on the Western Balkans route into the EU. Culture Spotlight: The Manaki Brothers Film Festival unveils its 47th programme in Bitola (Sept 19–25), with Wally Pfister chairing the jury and Dan Laustsen honoured.

Court Watch: The Basic Court in Kocani heard the latest stage of the case against Iva Mihaylova, accused in a fatal road accident from October 2025, with evidence from an accident-reconstruction expert and the next hearing set for September 28. Rights and Politics: Bulgarian MPs Georg Georgiev (GERB) and Angel Georgiev (Vazrazhdane) backed Mihaylova, arguing her access to medical treatment in Bulgaria has been blocked and calling the prosecution biased. EU Border Tensions: Truck drivers across the Western Balkans protested Schengen stay limits, warning of new border blockades from September 14 unless rules are adjusted for professional drivers. Regional Security: Frontex said a two-week operation arrested 112 suspected migrant smugglers and detected document fraud along the Western Balkans route into central Europe. Energy and Investment: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors on data centre projects, while also planning gas-fired power to supply them. Infrastructure Deal: North Macedonia and Serbia signed an agreement for a 67-kilometre gas pipeline, targeting connectivity as early as 2028. Public Health: Hungary reported a first locally acquired West Nile virus case, with the virus active in local mosquito populations.

West Nile Alert: A locally acquired West Nile virus case was confirmed in Hungary after lab testing, with health officials warning the virus is active in the country’s mosquito population and can rarely cause severe nervous-system illness. Skopje Investment Push: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski says North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors on data centre projects, including a major multinational, while stressing the plans are tied to power generation and rejecting “technically uninformed” criticism. Energy Connectivity: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a gas interconnector deal in Skopje, aiming for network connection as early as 2028, alongside a North Macedonia–Greece link expected in 2027. Foreign Policy Focus on Israel: Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski visited Jerusalem for talks and cooperation agreements, with Skopje treating Israel ties as a foreign-policy priority. Demographics & Schools: Education Minister Vesna Janevska reports first-grade enrolment for 2026–27 is already far below last year’s level, pushing expectations of fewer classes and possible rural school closures. NATO Presence in the Region: NATO’s deputy chief Radmila Shekerinska is in Dublin for defence and EU defence-ministers discussions, reflecting ongoing security coordination.

Montenegro Film Festival: The Golden Mimosa ran with 10 co-produced feature films and 24 documentaries, plus a student competition spanning academies in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Zagreb, Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Ljubljana, Skopje and Cetinje, ending with “To Hold a Mountain / Planina.” North Macedonia–Israel diplomacy: Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski visited Jerusalem for 24 hours, signing cooperation deals with Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar across agriculture, water management, security, innovation, tourism, health and education, as Skopje pushes Israel ties as a foreign-policy priority. Regional energy connectivity: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a gas interconnector deal in Skopje for a 67-kilometre pipeline, aiming for connection by 2028, alongside a North Macedonia–Greece link expected in 2027. Healthcare cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare plan with North Macedonia covering care, disease prevention, surveillance, emergency management and eHealth. Demographics and schools: Education Minister Vesna Janevska says first-grade enrolment is down sharply for 2026–27, with rural school closures expected due to low intake. Press freedom: Bojana Davitkovska discussed how journalist pressure in North Macedonia has shifted from classic defamation suits to SLAPP cases and coordinated online campaigns. Sports transfer watch: Reports say New Raiders centre back Richard Brown is close to signing with FK Skopje after a 15-day trial.

Skopje–Belgrade Energy Deal: North Macedonia and Serbia signed an agreement for a 67-kilometre gas pipeline, aiming for connection as early as 2028 (with completion by 2027), alongside the North Macedonia–Greece interconnector expected in 2027—moves meant to strengthen regional energy links and reduce reliance on Russian supplies. Healthcare Cooperation: The Bulgarian government approved a 2026–2028 plan with North Macedonia covering primary and hospital care, disease prevention, epidemiological surveillance, emergency management, health legislation, eHealth, and research exchanges. Demographics in Education: Education Minister Vesna Janevska warned that first-grade enrolment for 2026–27 is already far below last year’s 17,921, with expectations of continued decline and possible school closures in rural areas. Press Freedom Spotlight: Bojana Davitkovska discussed how journalists in North Macedonia face growing pressure, including SLAPP lawsuits and online intimidation campaigns. Politics and Courts: The Court of Appeal in Skopje confirmed Nikola Gruevski’s acquittal in the “Talir 2” corruption case, ending a years-long legal fight over the VMRO-DPMNE “White Palace.” EUFOR Training in the Region: EUFOR continued Exercise Quick Response 2026 across Bosnia and Herzegovina, including patrols and specialist training with North Macedonian troops among multinational forces.