AGP Executive Report

Government Reshuffle: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle after coalition talks, adding the Democratic Party of Turks (one minister without portfolio) and scrapping the deputy PM post for good governance, with responsibilities moving to the PM’s cabinet. Elections & Diaspora Voting: Parliament suspended debate on a new election law after thousands of opposition amendments, as SDSM warns diaspora e-voting could enable fraud without safety mechanisms. EU Funding Pressure: Western Balkan states face possible loss of EU Growth Plan money if reform targets aren’t met by July 15, with North Macedonia among frontrunners likely to receive more funds. EU Membership Row: A deregistered Bulgarian cultural association urged the PM to “tell the truth” about an EP report, arguing it supports constitutional recognition of Bulgarians and calls for minority-rights and historical-issues steps. AI & Children: UNICEF says at least 20 million children across 10 countries are already using AI, including in North Macedonia, and warns safeguards are lagging behind fast adoption. Healthcare Strain: A review of North Macedonia’s healthcare highlights reforms alongside a staffing crisis, uneven regional access, and funding gaps tied to European challenges. Tourism Boost: North Macedonia is seeing a modest rise in visitors, helped by direct Wizz Air flights from the UK to Skopje and Ohrid, as the country markets its history and quieter travel appeal.

EU Accession Pressure: A deregistered Bulgarian cultural group in Bitola urged Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski to “tell the truth” about a European Parliament progress report, arguing it backs constitutional recognition for Bulgarians and calls for minority-rights safeguards, a renewed Bulgaria–North Macedonia expert commission, and opening archives tied to UDBA/KOS. Election Law Clash: Parliament’s debate on a new election law was suspended after thousands of opposition amendments, with the Social Democratic Union warning diaspora e-voting could enable controlled or abusive voting. Government Reshuffle: Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle, adding the Democratic Party of Turks and scrapping the deputy PM post for good governance, while shifting key ministry control within the ruling coalition. EU Funds at Risk: Western Balkan governments face possible loss of Reform and Growth Facility money if reform targets aren’t met by July 15, with North Macedonia among frontrunners likely to receive more. Health System Strain: A new look at healthcare highlights reforms alongside a staffing crisis, uneven regional access, and pressures from demographic change and EU-linked migration. AI and Children: UNICEF says children are adopting AI tools more than three times faster than adults, raising alarms that online protections aren’t keeping up. Public Access to Info: A report warns freedom of information is improving on paper but still blocked in practice across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia, through delays and administrative barriers.

Government & Lawmaking: North Macedonia’s Cabinet approved rules to regulate how draft legislative instruments are prepared and reviewed, aiming to keep legislation aligned with approved strategies, and also backed a draft Amiri Decision on treaty procedures plus two MoUs with Qatar on political consultations and diplomatic training. Politics: PM Hristijan Mickoski presented a limited cabinet reshuffle, adding the Democratic Party of Turks (one minister without portfolio) and scrapping the deputy PM post for good governance, with responsibilities moved into the PM’s cabinet. Public Health: Europe’s latest West Nile virus update reports three locally acquired human cases so far in 2026, including one in North Macedonia (Vardarski), with all patients hospitalized and no deaths reported. Culture & Society: “Vietnam Day in Skopje 2026” brought Vietnamese heritage to the capital during the Skopje Summer Festival, featuring performances, exhibitions and tourism promotion. Media & Transparency: A BIRN report says freedom of information requests are rising across the Western Balkans, but access is still often blocked by delays and administrative barriers, including in North Macedonia. Regional Human Stories: A book project, “Road to Freedom,” highlights aid work for displaced people across borders, including routes involving Serbia and North Macedonia.

Government Reshuffle: North Macedonia PM Hristijan Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle, adding the Democratic Party of Turks with one minister without portfolio and shifting responsibilities after the deputy PM for good governance post was scrapped following Arben Fetai’s resignation. Public Health Watch: Europe’s monthly West Nile virus update reports three locally acquired human cases so far—Italy two, North Macedonia one—marking the first time the virus has been detected in a North Macedonia area (Vardarski). Culture & Film: Skopje-linked regional cinema news includes Srđan Dragojević’s new coproduction “International Women’s Day / Osmi mart,” with Latido Films picking it up ahead of an August 2026 shoot, and a North Macedonia audience can also follow the wider regional arts buzz around the Palme d’Or winner “Fjord” clearing Oscars eligibility. Society & Rights: A BIRN report says freedom of information requests are rising across the Western Balkans, but access is still routinely blocked through delays and administrative barriers, including in North Macedonia. Regional Humanitarian Work: Road to Freedom founder Ra’ed Khan’s new book “Hurriyah” traces stories from aid missions across borders, including Serbia and North Macedonia, tied to displacement and relief efforts.

Government Reshuffle: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski has unveiled a proposed new cabinet lineup after coalition talks with VLEN and ZNAM, including Sašo Klekovski as Health Minister, Djoko Velkovski leading the new Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, and Ivan Stoiljkovic taking over Local Self-Government, while the deputy prime minister post for good governance is set to be abolished. Religion & Society: A major Skopje conference on religious dialogue and cooperation examined how faith can be used as a weapon of war, with local religious leaders calling for resistance to manipulation and stronger interfaith solidarity. Public Access to Information: A new BIRN-backed report says freedom of information requests are rising across the Western Balkans, but North Macedonia and others still face delays, administrative barriers, and practical denials. Wildlife Trafficking: The Serbian eastern imperial eagle “Feliks” returned home after being captured by poachers and illegally traded across the Middle East, with activists and cross-border rescue efforts highlighting worsening illegal animal trade. Regional Security: NATO parliamentary leaders meeting in Istanbul urged stronger defense, alliance unity, and continued support for Ukraine.

Government reshuffle: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski says an agreement in principle has been reached on changes to the cabinet between VMRO-DPMNE and coalition partners VLEN and ZNAM, with new minister names expected to be announced Tuesday after a party executive meeting. Local politics: In Tetovo, Albanians protested after a Constitutional Court ruling that could reverse street and square names adopted in 2007, including a possible return of Marshall Tito Square instead of Iliria Square. Transparency and rights: A new BIRN report warns that Freedom of Information requests across the Western Balkans—including North Macedonia—are rising in use, but access is still routinely blocked through delays, administrative barriers, and weak enforcement. Culture in Bitola: A photography exhibition opened at Europe House Bitola, featuring “Cities of Culture” from 2025—Chemnitz, Nova Gorica and Gorizia—running through July 5. Environment and health: The region remains on alert for extreme heat as a record-breaking European heat wave moves east, with authorities issuing warnings and firefighting efforts continuing. Wildlife story with regional links: The Serbian eagle Feliks, tracked across North Macedonia and other countries before being seized by traffickers, has returned safely to Serbia after a cross-border rescue.

Government Reshuffle Talks: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski says an agreement in principle is reached on changes to the government between VMRO-DPMNE and coalition partners VLEN and ZNAM, with new minister names expected to be announced Tuesday. Local Identity Dispute: In Tetovo, Albanians protested after the Constitutional Court struck down a 2007 decision on street and square names, with Iliria Square potentially replaced by Marshall Tito Square. Energy Transition: The Energy Community Regulatory Board highlights the need for clearer rules so households and businesses in North Macedonia can actively produce, store, and sell green electricity. AI in Public Services: A regional look at how Balkans governments are moving toward AI-powered administration, including Skopje’s push for a national AI center project. Cybersecurity: A new SharkLoader malware campaign reportedly targeted organizations including entities linked to North Macedonia. Sanctions Watch: The US sanctions list includes 12 North Macedonian individuals and companies, mainly tied to alleged organised crime, corruption, terrorism, destabilisation, and sanctions evasion. Tourism Angle: Bulgaria’s May travel data shows North Macedonia among top source markets for Bulgarian arrivals, while Bulgaria’s Black Sea resorts warn of a weak start to the summer season. Weather Alert: The wider Balkans remain on alert for extreme heat and wildfires, with authorities issuing health warnings.

Government Reshuffle: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski says an agreement in principle has been reached on changes to the cabinet between VMRO-DPMNE, VLEN and ZNAM, with new minister names expected to be announced Tuesday. NATO Summit: Parliamentary leaders meeting in Istanbul urged stronger defense capabilities, tighter alliance unity and continued support for Ukraine, with Bulgaria’s Mihaela Dotsova stressing modernization and resilience. Heat Wave Watch: The Balkans are on alert for extreme temperatures and wildfires, with health warnings issued across the region as the European heat wave moves east. Local Identity Dispute: Albanians in Tetovo protested after a court ruling that could reverse street and square names adopted in 2007, including a possible return to Marshall Tito Square. US Sanctions: Washington lists 131 people and entities across the Western Balkans, including 12 from North Macedonia, citing alleged organized crime, corruption and destabilization links. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports a new malware campaign, StrikeShark, targeting multiple countries including North Macedonia, using a previously unknown SharkLoader dropper.

Extreme Heat Alert: A record-breaking European heat wave is moving east, with the Balkans on high alert for dangerous temperatures and wildfires; health warnings are in place across the region. Energy Transition: A new Energy Community report argues North Macedonia and neighbors must update rules so households and businesses can become active “prosumers,” unlocking flexibility and storage. Sanctions Watch: The US has sanctioned 131 people and entities across the Western Balkans, including 12 in North Macedonia, targeting alleged organised crime, corruption and malign influence. Local Identity Clash: Albanians in Tetovo protested after a Constitutional Court ruling that could reverse street and square names, raising fresh tensions over cultural representation. EU Accession Pressure: Brussels is reportedly preparing a “membership-lite” approach for candidate countries, while enlargement remains slowed by political wrangling. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports a new SharkLoader campaign linked to Cobalt Strike activity, with victims including entities tied to North Macedonia. Governance & AI: Skopje is pushing ahead with a national AI center project, as the region explores AI-powered public services.

Extreme Heat Watch: Europe’s heat wave has pushed temperatures past 35°C for more than a week, with nights staying unusually warm; vineyards are also at risk as early growth can trigger early harvest and logistics headaches. Water Access Map: A new global data map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, showing huge gaps between wealthy regions and low-income countries. Sanctions Update: The US has sanctioned 131 Western Balkan people and entities, with Serbia the most targeted and North Macedonia listed among those hit. Local Identity in Tetovo: Albanians in Tetovo protested after a court ruling that could reverse street and square names adopted in 2007. Skopje Governance Learning Trip: Skopje Mayor Danela Gjorgjievski visited Israel to study crisis management, water and digital services for city governance. Cybersecurity Alert: Kaspersky reports a new malware campaign, StrikeShark, using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deploy SharkLoader and Cobalt Strike. EU Accession Pressure: North Macedonia’s EU path is criticized as stalled by “political calculations,” while the EU weighs “membership-lite” benefits for candidates. Culture Spotlight: A photo exhibition by Vihra Velkova opened in Skopje, focusing on sea-themed works.

EU Accession Pressure: The European Commission is preparing a “membership-lite” plan to give candidate countries selected EU benefits while negotiations drag on, including North Macedonia. Local Identity Dispute: Albanians in Tetovo protested after a Constitutional Court ruling that could reverse street and square names adopted in 2007, with Iliria Square potentially replaced by Marshall Tito Square. Skopje Governance Learning: Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski visited Israel to study how municipalities handle crises, traffic, water and digital services. Cybersecurity Watch: Kaspersky reports a new malware campaign, StrikeShark, using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deploy SharkLoader and Cobalt Strike Beacon; victims include organizations in North Macedonia. EU Rule of Law Debate: Civil society groups urge the Commission to make its upcoming Rule of Law Report more direct and enforceable, not just a box-ticking exercise. EU Enlargement Roadblock: Hungary’s opposition has forced the EU to scale back Ukraine and Moldova’s negotiation chapters, highlighting wider enlargement friction. Sanctions Update: The US lists 131 individuals and firms from six Western Balkan countries, including 12 from North Macedonia, tied to corruption, organized crime and destabilisation concerns. Heatwave Risk: A severe heatwave is expected to hit the Balkans, with warnings for vulnerable groups across the region, including North Macedonia.

Skopje’s Crisis-Ready City Planning: Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski visited Israel’s MUNI EXPO 2026 in Tel Aviv to study how municipalities handle emergencies, traffic, water management and digital public services under pressure. Tetovo Court Fallout: Albanians in Tetovo protested after North Macedonia’s Constitutional Court struck down a 2007 decision on public space names, with Iliria Square potentially replaced by Marshall Tito Square. EU Accession Pressure: The EU is reportedly preparing a “membership-lite” approach, offering candidate countries selected benefits while reforms continue—an issue that hits North Macedonia as negotiations drag on. AI Push at Home: North Macedonia launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking universities, institutions and the private sector to European AI infrastructure over three years. Anti-Corruption Watch: Skopje’s Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating Government Secretary General Igor Janushev’s assets, after Bulgarian media raised questions about property ownership. Cyber Threats: A new StrikeShark campaign using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers delivered SharkLoader malware, with victims including organizations tied to North Macedonia. Heatwave Across the Region: A major European heatwave is moving east, with warnings extending to the Balkans, including North Macedonia, as temperatures climb toward dangerous levels.

Tetovo Court Name Ruling Sparks Protest: Albanians in Tetovo took to the streets after North Macedonia’s Constitutional Court struck down a 2007 decision renaming public squares and streets, with protesters warning the change could bring back “Marshall Tito Square” instead of “Iliria Square,” arguing it undermines Albanian cultural representation after the 2001 Ohrid framework. EU Accession Frustration: The Alliance for Albanians says North Macedonia is stuck in “political calculations,” blaming stalled constitutional amendments for EU integration delays and warning that lost years mean weaker investment and more youth emigration. AI Push in Skopje: North Macedonia officially launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking universities, public institutions and the private sector to European AI infrastructure, with a three-year budget of about EUR 6.2 million. Anti-Corruption Probe: Skopje’s State Commission for Preventing Corruption is investigating the assets of Government Secretary General Igor Janushev, after media reports alleged he owns a company in Bulgaria. Cybersecurity Alert: Kaspersky reports a new malware campaign, StrikeShark, using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver SharkLoader and deploy Cobalt Strike Beacon, with victims including North Macedonia. Cultural Update: Bitola’s former Partizan cinema is being reconstructed into a multifunctional cultural center, aiming for completion by end-2027. Energy Infrastructure: Albania’s Kamza is getting a new power substation to modernize the network and improve electricity stability, supported by Albanian and German cooperation.

Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports a new malware campaign, StrikeShark, using a previously unknown loader called SharkLoader to deploy Cobalt Strike Beacon, with victims including organizations in North Macedonia and other countries; attackers disguise tools as trusted installers like Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update, and also exploit known enterprise software flaws. Sanctions & Regional Politics: The US lists 71 Western Balkan firms and 60 individuals on sanctions, with North Macedonia among the countries affected (12 entities). EU Enlargement: The European Commission is preparing a “membership-lite” approach for candidate states, while Hungary continues to slow Ukraine and Moldova’s accession process—an issue that also keeps North Macedonia in the spotlight. Local Governance & Accountability: North Macedonia’s anti-corruption body is investigating the assets of the government’s secretary general, Igor Janushev, after questions about property declarations and foreign links. Tech & Development: Skopje launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking local institutions to EU AI infrastructure. Culture: A new photo exhibition by Vihra Velkova opened in Skopje at the Bulgarian Cultural and Information Centre. Environment: A heatwave is pushing record temperatures across Europe, with the Balkans including North Macedonia facing very high risks.

EU Accession Pressure: The Alliance for Albanians says North Macedonia is stuck in EU integration “hostage to political calculations,” warning that constitutional amendments are the key condition and that stagnation is driving investment loss and youth emigration. Rule of Law Debate: In parliament, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski escalated rhetoric against opposition leader Venko Filipche, while civil society groups again criticized the EU’s Rule of Law Report as a box-ticking exercise without real follow-up. Anti-Corruption Watch: Skopje’s Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating Government Secretary General Igor Janushev’s assets after Bulgarian media claims about a company in Bulgaria and opposition calls for a probe. AI Push: Skopje launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking universities, institutions and firms to EU AI infrastructure via a three-year, €6.2m plan. Environment & EU Standards: Dojran Lake’s bid to join Natura 2000 faces threats from shrinking habitats and water level swings, while a regional report says Western Balkans coal plants keep breaching emission limits. Security Threat: A malware campaign dubbed StrikeShark targets organizations worldwide, including North Macedonia, using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deploy SharkLoader and Cobalt Strike. Culture & Tourism: Bitola’s former Partizan cinema is being rebuilt into a multifunctional cultural center, aiming for completion by end-2027.

AI & Digital Transformation: Skopje officially launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking local researchers, public institutions and companies with European AI infrastructure; it runs for three years with a ~€6.2m budget, half funded via EU Horizon Europe and EuroHPC, and will connect to Greece’s Pharos AI Factory. Anti-Corruption Watch: North Macedonia’s State Commission for Preventing Corruption is investigating the assets of Government Secretary General Igor Janushev after Bulgarian media reports raised questions about a company ownership claim abroad and inconsistencies in his declared property. EU Enlargement & Politics: Hungary’s renewed opposition is reshaping Ukraine and Moldova’s accession calendar, with the EU scaling back to opening only two negotiation chapters in July instead of five, after Budapest blocked a key procedural step. Environment & Public Health: A regional report says coal plants across the Western Balkans—including North Macedonia—breached SO₂ emission limits in 2025, with authorities urged to act faster on pollution controls. Cybersecurity: A new StrikeShark malware campaign targets organizations worldwide, including North Macedonia, by hiding payloads behind fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers. Biodiversity: Dojran Lake in North Macedonia is being considered for Natura 2000 protection, but fluctuating water levels and shrinking habitats threaten its future status. Culture & Infrastructure: Bitola’s former Partizan cinema is set for reconstruction into a multifunctional cultural center, with completion targeted by end-2027.