AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism: Eurocontrol says Europe hit record summer air traffic in July-August, with a notable rise in flights to and from North Macedonia despite Middle East war disruptions. Independence Day Costs: North Macedonia’s Independence Day celebrations (Sept. 8) reportedly cost €5.5 million, with almost €4.9 million covered by the State Lottery, after earlier reporting questioned who was paying. Health Alert: West Nile virus is worsening in North Macedonia: eight neuroinvasive cases are hospitalized in Skopje and the death toll has reached eight, prompting intensified mosquito control and new guidance for older and vulnerable people. Energy Investment: Alcazar Energy Partners secured financial close for the Štip wind farm (131.25MW), a €180m project expected to be fully operational by 2028. NATO Presence: A NATO Joint Force Command Naples delegation visited North Macedonia to discuss regional security and training cooperation. Culture & Community: The Maškari Amende festival returns in Šuto Orizari (Sept. 11-12), marking 30 years of the municipality with music, youth activities, and heritage events.

Independence Day costs: North Macedonia’s government says the 35th anniversary celebrations on Sept. 8 cost €5.5 million, with about €4.9 million covered by the state lottery and €650,000 from “socially responsible” companies, after earlier reporting raised questions about spending and procurement. Public health: West Nile virus is worsening in North Macedonia, with eight patients hospitalized in Skopje and the eighth death reported; authorities have stepped up mosquito spraying and issued updated guidance for people over 60. Energy investment: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close on the Štip wind farm, a €180 million project (131.25 MW) expected to be fully operational by 2028, aiming to power over 148,000 households. NATO ties: A NATO Joint Force Command Naples delegation visited North Macedonia, meeting senior officials to discuss regional security and training cooperation. EU path: North Macedonia’s foreign minister says Skopje is ready to share its EU accession experience with Ukraine and rejects “intimidation” or unilateral concessions during talks. Culture & community: The Maškari Amende festival returns in Šuto Orizari (Sept. 11-12), marking 30 years of the municipality with music, youth activities, and cultural exchanges.

Independence Day Costs: North Macedonia’s Independence Day celebrations (Sept. 8) cost €5.5 million in total, with about €4.9 million covered by the State Lottery and roughly €650,000 by “socially responsible” companies, after earlier reporting raised questions about who paid. Public Health: West Nile virus remains a serious concern: eight patients with neuroinvasive cases are hospitalized in Skopje and a 70-year-old man has died, as authorities report 58 infections and eight deaths since the outbreak intensified. NATO & Security: A NATO Joint Force Command Naples delegation visited North Macedonia, meeting senior officials to discuss regional security, training opportunities, and interoperability. EU Path & Ukraine: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski says North Macedonia is ready to share its EU accession experience with Ukraine, stressing reforms and opposing “intimidation” or unilateral concessions during talks. Energy & Jobs: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close for the Štip wind farm, a €180 million project expected to be fully operational by 2028, with major financing from EBRD/IFC and Erste and hundreds of jobs during construction and operations. Culture & Community: The Maškari Amende festival returns in Šuto Orizari (Sept. 11-12), marking 30 years of the municipality with music, youth activities, and cultural exchanges. Transport Disruption: Regional hauliers plan EU border blockades from Sept. 14 over the Schengen stay limit for professional drivers. Business Expansion: TGI Fridays signed a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, with 10 restaurants planned across the three markets.

NATO Cooperation: NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples commander Admiral George Wikoff met North Macedonia’s Deputy PM and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski during a two-day visit, discussing regional security, training in North Macedonia, and interoperability. Independence Day 35 Years: North Macedonia marks September 8 as it celebrates 35 years since the independence referendum, with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova laying flowers at key leaders’ graves and events including a Jose Carreras concert and a David Guetta stadium show. Public Health Alert: West Nile virus is worsening in North Macedonia: eight neuroinvasive cases are hospitalized in Skopje and a death has been reported, as authorities expand mosquito spraying and emergency measures. Energy & Investment: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close on the Štip wind farm (131.25 MW), aiming for full operation by 2028 and highlighting growing private renewable financing. EU Accession Talk: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski says North Macedonia is ready to share its EU reform experience with Ukraine and rejects accession “intimidation” or unilateral concessions. Culture in Focus: Šuto Orizari hosts the Maškari Amende festival (Sept 11-12), celebrating 30 years of the municipality with music, culture, and youth activities. Regional Mobility: Transport companies plan EU border protests from Sept 14 over the 90-day stay limit for professional drivers in Schengen. Business Expansion: TGI Fridays signed a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia.

Energy & Investment: Alcazar Energy Partners has reached financial close on the 131.25MW Štip wind farm, securing over €115m in senior debt from the EBRD, IFC and Erste, with a local VAT facility from Sparkasse Bank AD Skopje; construction is set to start on later phases in the cluster and the project is expected to be fully operational by 2028. EU Accession & Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski says North Macedonia is ready to share its EU reform experience with Ukraine, stressing accession must not come with intimidation or unilateral concessions. Public Health: Skopje’s Infectious Diseases Clinic reports eight hospitalized cases of neuroinvasive West Nile virus and a new death, as authorities step up mosquito spraying and emergency measures after 58 infections and eight deaths. Independence Day & Culture: North Macedonia marks 35 years since independence on September 8, with major events including a José Carreras concert and a David Guetta stadium show, plus official ceremonies led by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. Society & Community: The “Maškari Amende” festival returns September 11–12 in Šuto Orizari, celebrating 30 years of the municipality with music, youth activities and cultural exchanges. Regional Economy: TGI Fridays signs a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, targeting 10 restaurants across the three markets.

Independence Day Focus: North Macedonia marks 35 years since the September 8, 1991 referendum that backed independence, with celebrations running through the month including major public events and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova laying flowers at key leaders’ graves. Public Health: Skopje’s Infectious Diseases Clinic reports eight hospitalized neuroinvasive West Nile virus cases and a new death, as the country tallies 58 infections and eight deaths; mosquito spraying and updated guidance for people over 60 are underway. Energy & Infrastructure: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close on the 131.25MW Štip Wind Farm, targeting full operation by 2028 and boosting North Macedonia’s wind capacity; separately, the Vertical Corridor expands as North Macedonia and Serbia join the regional gas initiative. EU Path & Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski says Skopje is ready to share EU accession experience with Ukraine and rejects accession “intimidation” and unilateral concessions. Business & Tourism: TGI Fridays signs a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into North Macedonia (plus Kosovo and Albania), planning 10 restaurants across the three markets. Culture: The Maškari Amende festival returns in Šuto Orizari on September 11-12, celebrating Roma community heritage and youth-focused programming.

EU Accession Talks: North Macedonia’s foreign minister Timcho Mucunski says Skopje is ready to share its EU reform experience with Ukraine, but warns accession must not come with intimidation or unilateral concessions. Diplomacy & Rights: The EU condemned escalating repression in Georgia at the UN, with North Macedonia among endorsers of the statement. Public Health: Skopje’s Infectious Diseases Clinic reports eight hospitalized neuroinvasive West Nile virus cases and a new death; authorities have stepped up mosquito spraying and emergency guidance as cases and fatalities rise. Independence Day 35: North Macedonia marks 35 years since independence on September 8, with major events including a Jose Carreras concert and a David Guetta stadium show, plus official ceremonies at leaders’ graves. Regional Transport: Hauliers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia plan EU border blockades from 14 September over the 90-day Schengen stay limit for professional drivers. Culture: The Maškari Amende festival returns September 11-12 in Šuto Orizari, celebrating 30 years of the municipality with music and community events. Business & Tourism: TGI Fridays signs a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia.

Independence Day Focus: North Macedonia marked 35 years since the September 8, 1991 declaration of independence, with events across the country including a sold-out David Guetta concert at Toše Proeski Arena and cultural programming culminating on the anniversary. Public Health: Skopje’s Infectious Diseases Clinic reported eight hospitalized cases of neuroinvasive West Nile virus and a new death over the weekend, as authorities step up mosquito spraying and emergency guidance after 58 infections and eight fatalities. Culture & Community: The Maškari Amende festival returns September 11-12 in Šuto Orizari, celebrating 30 years of the municipality with music, youth activities, and performances including the Roma Rock School Band. Regional Business: TGI Fridays signed a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, with Devolli set to build 10 restaurants and secure sub-franchise rights. EU Politics Spillover: EU leaders condemned Serbia over Ratko Mladić’s state-assisted funeral with military honors, warning it undermines Serbia’s EU path. Energy & Connectivity: North Macedonia and Serbia joined Greece-led Vertical Corridor gas expansion, signing an MoU in Thessaloniki to boost cross-border supply links. Transport Pressure: Regional hauliers announced EU border blockades from 14 September over the Schengen stay-limit for Western Balkan professional drivers. Digital Safety: UNICEF highlighted tech-facilitated sexual abuse of children, noting heightened risk in North Macedonia among the countries surveyed.

West Nile Update: Skopje’s Infectious Diseases Clinic reports eight hospitalized patients with neuroinvasive West Nile virus and a new weekend death, the latest bringing fatalities to eight as cases rise to 58; two patients are in intensive care on ventilation, and authorities have stepped up mosquito spraying and issued extra guidance for people over 60 and the immunosuppressed. Independence Day 35 Years: North Macedonia marks the 35th anniversary of independence with events across September, including a concert by José Carreras and a multimedia performance featuring 120 artists, plus official ceremonies led by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. Regional Transport Protest: Hauliers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia plan EU border blockades from 14 September over the Schengen 90/180-day driver stay limit, warning of detentions, deportations and supply-chain disruption. Energy Cooperation: North Macedonia and Serbia formally join Greece’s Vertical Gas Corridor, signing a memorandum in Thessaloniki to expand cross-border gas connectivity and supply security. Culture Spotlight: Šuto Orizari hosts the “Maškari Amende” festival on 11–12 September celebrating 30 years of the municipality with music, youth activities and cultural exchanges. UNICEF Child Safety: UNICEF says 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse, with risk highest in places including North Macedonia.

Labour & Jobs: Qatar’s labour minister met North Macedonia’s economy and labour leadership, parliament speaker and government secretary-general to review bilateral cooperation and labour-environment experience. Productivity Gap: An ILO snapshot shows North Macedonia at 34 international dollars per hour worked in 2025, behind Montenegro and Serbia, with Albania lowest in the region—highlighting a persistent productivity challenge. Energy Security: North Macedonia and Serbia formally joined Greece’s Vertical Gas Corridor, signing an MoU in Thessaloniki to expand cross-border gas flows and diversify supply. Gas Market Setup: The government asked MEMO to prepare a plan to create a natural gas market operator, covering legal, technical and IT steps, as interconnectors with Greece and Serbia move toward operation. Public Health: West Nile virus deaths rose to eight in North Macedonia, with 58 cases reported. Child Online Safety: UNICEF says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse, with risk particularly high in North Macedonia. Regional Tensions: A Sofia–Skopje dispute over a Kočani crash involving Iva Mihaylova continues to fuel pressure tied to Bulgaria’s treatment of people with Bulgarian identification.

Energy & Infrastructure: North Macedonia and Serbia have formally joined Greece’s expanding Vertical Gas Corridor, signing a memorandum in Thessaloniki on Sept. 4 that brings NOMAGAS and Transportgas into a wider network aimed at stronger cross-border gas flows and supply security. Public Health: West Nile virus deaths in North Macedonia have risen to 8, with 58 cases reported as the mosquito-borne disease spreads across parts of Europe. Justice & Diplomacy: The long-running Sofia–Skopje dispute over the Iva Mihaylova case continues after a Kočani traffic accident, with Bulgaria alleging issues tied to Bulgarian self-identification and North Macedonia saying the case is used as pressure in EU integration. Child Protection Online: UNICEF warns that about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries suffered tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with risk particularly high in Mexico and North Macedonia. Culture & Film: North Macedonia selected the debut feature “17” as its candidate for the 99th Oscars in the International Feature Film category.

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.