AGP Executive Report

State Visit Spotlight: Indian President Droupadi Murmu, with North Macedonia President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of the City of Skopje, calling it a lasting symbol of friendship and shared commitment to peace, tolerance and humanity. Public Health Crisis: North Macedonia declared a 30-day state of crisis in Gostivar after contaminated tap water was linked to more than 3,200 illnesses, with authorities supplying drinking water and prosecutors investigating possible illegal pumps. Storm Damage: A severe storm hit North Macedonia with violent winds, damaging cars, uprooting trees and affecting public buildings including the airport, while the wider Balkans saw deadly impacts in Albania. Climate & Wildfire Risk: Europe’s heat-driven wildfire danger remains high, with Reuters reporting shifting hazards across the region as conditions swing from heatwaves to hailstorms, including injuries in North Macedonia. Transparency Row: Critics say North Macedonia’s access-to-information agency is unlawfully restricting email appeals by requiring paid electronic signatures. Sports (Skopje Connection): Athlone Town advanced in the Women’s Champions League qualifiers after beating North Macedonia’s ZFK Skopje 4-0 in Poland.

Water Crisis in Gostivar: North Macedonia declared a 30-day state of crisis after contaminated tap water was linked to more than 3,200 illness cases, with 1,200 people seeking medical help; prosecutors are investigating whether illegal pumps let contaminated water into the supply, and the municipal water company’s head and two managers could face detention. Transparency Clash: The country’s Access-to-Information Agency is drawing criticism for requiring electronic signatures on email appeals, which critics say creates an unnecessary cost barrier to a constitutionally guaranteed right. India–North Macedonia Push: President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit in Skopje focused on “three Ts” — trade, technology and tourism — and calls to double bilateral trade by 2030, with cooperation highlighted in pharma, agriculture, digital tech and clean energy; she also urged UN Security Council reform and “building bridges, not walls.” Extreme Weather Across the Region: Violent winds hit much of North Macedonia, damaging vehicles and public buildings in Skopje, while storms elsewhere in the Balkans left at least one dead in Albania and caused major crop damage in Bosnia. Aviation Incident: A Ryanair passenger partly sucked out of a plane window survived after his wife held him; he says he only remembers an “explosion,” as investigations continue. Business Brief: A1 North Macedonia reported H1 2026 total revenues of EUR 90 million, up from EUR 85 million in H1 2025.

Water Safety Crisis in Gostivar: North Macedonia’s prosecution has launched an investigation into drinking-water contamination in Gostivar after an epidemic was declared on July 20. More than 3,100 people have sought medical help, and prosecutors say lab tests found coliform bacteria nearly 50 times above the allowed limit. Accountability in Public Utilities: Three suspects were arrested, including the acting director of Komunalec and other senior officials, after prosecutors alleged pumps were installed near a drinking-water overflow chamber to test pressure, allowing harmful substances into the system. India–North Macedonia State Visit: President Droupadi Murmu told Skopje’s Assembly that India’s “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” means “building bridges, not walls,” and urged deeper parliamentary diplomacy. Trade Push: Murmu and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova agreed to double bilateral trade and focus on IT, agriculture, food processing, pharma, tourism, and culture. UN Reform: Both sides reiterated support for India’s permanent seat on a reformed UN Security Council. Local Environment Fight: Environmental groups renewed opposition to the Ilovica–Shtuka mines, asking for permanent cancellation of concessions.

State Visit, India–North Macedonia: Indian President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Skopje for the second leg of her three-nation tour, meeting President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and agreeing to deepen cooperation and trade, with talks also planned with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and a stop at the Mother Teresa memorial. Water Safety Crisis in Gostivar: Prosecutors say lab tests confirmed faecal contamination in Gostivar’s drinking water, linked to the week-long stomach illness outbreak that has sent more than 3,100 people for treatment; the water utility director and two employees were arrested over alleged illegal pump connections that introduced harmful substances into the supply. EU Health Warning for Travelers: UK holidaymakers were warned about a triple threat from mosquito-borne viruses spreading across European hotspots, raising risks of West Nile, dengue and chikungunya during peak summer travel. Regional Diplomacy, Türkiye: Türkiye’s Trade Ministry reported 152 high-level trade contacts across 57 countries in H1 2026, including meetings with North Macedonia, as it pushes export growth and new FTA talks. EU Rule-of-Law Push: The European Commission outlined plans to broaden its rule-of-law agenda with a new anti-corruption strategy and tighter scrutiny ahead of the next long-term EU budget.

Public Health Emergency in Gostivar: North Macedonia’s Health Insurance Fund says about 3,100 people sought help for stomach illnesses over the past week; an epidemic was declared in Gostivar on Sunday, with authorities supplying bottled water while an investigation continues. Water Supply Probe: Officials suspect the town’s water system after an illegal pump connection reportedly drew water from the Vardar River to boost pressure; samples have been taken and lab results are withheld pending the inquiry. Diplomacy Watch: Russia’s ambassador to Skopje Dmitry Zykov claims North Macedonia joined the “Coalition of the Willing” at a Paris meeting, arguing it aligns Skopje with EU anti-Russian policy. Regional Ties: India’s President Droupadi Murmu began a historic state visit to Moldova, meeting Maia Sandu and discussing trade, technology and cooperation—before heading to North Macedonia next. Aviation Incident: Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary says an engine issue over North Macedonia during a Thessaloniki-to-Germany flight is likely linked to foreign object damage, after a passenger was nearly pulled out of a window. EU Travel Friction: A new biometric entry-exit system is causing long queues at some European borders, affecting holiday plans.

Public Safety: A suspected drinking-water contamination in Gostivar has sickened more than 1,000 people with vomiting, diarrhoea and fever, after inspectors found an unauthorised pump injecting water from the Vardar River into the municipal supply; the water supply remains banned while samples are tested and police investigate. Diplomacy: Indian President Droupadi Murmu began a historic three-nation tour in Moldova, holding talks with Maia Sandu after a ceremonial welcome, with the trip continuing to North Macedonia and Romania to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, healthcare and tourism. Regional Mobility: Long queues at the Bogorodica border with Greece stretched for hours over the weekend, though the Automobile Association of North Macedonia said official waiting times were shorter—suggesting delays worsened after morning updates. EU Path & Governance: The EU’s 2026 Rule of Law Report highlights uneven progress across candidate countries, including North Macedonia, while warning that media freedom and civic space need stronger protection. Football (Local Link): Hibs could face North Macedonia’s KF Shkendija in the Conference League third qualifying round if they beat KF Malisheva. Tragedy: Three Kosovo Albanians missing after leaving Skopje were found dead after their car plunged into a river in North Macedonia; police opened an investigation.

Gostivar Water Scare: More than 1,000 people in North Macedonia’s Gostivar were treated after suspected drinking-water contamination, with authorities banning use of the municipal supply while tests continue and police investigate a possible unauthorized pump drawing from the Vardar River. EU Rule of Law Watch: The European Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law Report says reforms are moving but follow-through is uneven, flagging ongoing concerns across justice, anti-corruption and media freedom in candidate countries including North Macedonia. Border Chaos: Long queues at the North Macedonia–Greece border (Bogorodica) left drivers waiting hours as summer travel peaks, despite earlier official estimates of shorter delays. Diplomacy Boost: India’s President Droupadi Murmu begins a landmark three-nation state visit to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania—her first-ever visits to Moldova and North Macedonia by an Indian president—aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, technology, healthcare and education. Regional Economy: Kosovo reported the highest inflation in the Balkans at 6% in June, while North Macedonia’s inflation eased to 3.4%.

Diplomacy: India’s President Droupadi Murmu has launched a landmark three-nation state tour to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania, with the North Macedonia stop set for July 21-22—described by India’s MEA as the first-ever visit by an Indian president to both Moldova and North Macedonia, and a major push for trade, technology, healthcare and people-to-people ties. EU Rule of Law: Brussels’ 2026 Rule of Law Report says reforms are moving but follow-through is uneven, with civil-society groups warning that media freedom, protest rights and civic space still need stronger protection across the EU and in candidate countries including North Macedonia. Border Traffic: Long queues at the Bogorodica crossing with Greece left drivers stuck for hours, even as the Automobile Association of North Macedonia cited shorter official waiting times—suggesting delays worsened after morning updates. Public Health: Gostivar is dealing with a suspected mass water contamination after over 1,000 people reported stomach illness; drinking water use has been banned while authorities investigate an unauthorised pump linked to the municipal supply. Sports & Culture: Hibs fans get travel guidance for their Conference League qualifier in Kosovo, while North Macedonia’s wider region also sees cultural attention with a Prince Marko exhibition in Belgrade and a North Macedonian basketball recruit, Marin Petkov, committing to Ohio.

Public Health Emergency in Gostivar: North Macedonia’s Gostivar is reeling after suspected drinking-water contamination sickened over 1,000 people, with hospitals reporting vomiting, diarrhea and fever. The Food and Veterinary Agency banned use of the municipal supply after an inspection found an unauthorised pump injecting water from the Vardar River into the system; samples are now headed to the Institute of Public Health and the ban remains in place while authorities investigate. EU Accession & Court Fallout: Bulgarian shadow rapporteurs for North Macedonia’s EU path sent MEPs a letter reacting to the upheld conviction of Ljupco Georgievski, calling it a troubling precedent for the country’s commitment to EU political criteria. Election Reform Deadlock: North Macedonia missed a key EU deadline as parties failed to agree on voting rules for citizens abroad, with the government pushing electronic and postal voting for the diaspora while opposition parties warn about ballot secrecy and fraud risks. Rule of Law Watch: The European Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law Report highlights uneven progress across the EU and candidate countries, including North Macedonia, while noting reforms are underway but challenges persist. Diplomacy & Business Links: India’s President Droupadi Murmu will visit Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania from July 19-25, with North Macedonia scheduled for July 21-22, aiming to boost trade, technology and tourism ties.

Gostivar Water Crisis: North Macedonia police are investigating a suspected mass water contamination after more than 1,000 people were treated for poisoning symptoms over four days; authorities temporarily banned tap water while the Public Health Institute tests samples, with results expected within 48 hours. EU Rule of Law: The Justice Ministry says the European Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law assessments are objective, as the EU report highlights uneven progress across member states and candidate countries including North Macedonia. Election Reform Deadlock: North Macedonia missed an EU deadline on election changes after parties failed to agree on how citizens abroad should vote, with the government pushing electronic and postal voting while opposition warns of ballot secrecy and fraud risks. India’s Diplomatic Push: President Droupadi Murmu will visit Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania from July 19-25, with Skopje scheduled for July 21-22, aiming to boost ties in trade, technology, tourism and people-to-people links. Regional Spotlight: A North Macedonian guard, Marin Petkov, has committed to Ohio’s basketball program for 2026-27.

Gostivar Water Crisis: North Macedonia police are investigating a suspected mass water contamination after more than 1,000 people were treated for poisoning symptoms over four days; authorities temporarily banned drinking from the town’s public supply, suspecting contaminated river water (possibly wastewater) pumped into reserves, while the Public Health Institute tests samples with results expected in 48 hours. EU Rule of Law Pressure: The European Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law Report says progress across the bloc and candidate countries is “uneven,” including North Macedonia, where election reform and judicial/anti-corruption concerns remain part of the wider monitoring. Election Reform Deadlock: North Macedonia missed a key EU deadline as parties failed to agree on voting rules for citizens abroad; PM Hristijan Mickoski backs electronic and postal voting, while opposition parties warn it threatens ballot secrecy and could enable fraud. India–North Macedonia Diplomacy: India’s President Droupadi Murmu will visit North Macedonia on July 21-22 as part of a July 19-25 trip to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania, aiming to deepen ties in trade, technology, tourism and people-to-people links. Regional Energy Momentum: Energy Week Western Balkans returns in October (7-8) in Montenegro, highlighting record momentum for the region’s energy transition, with North Macedonia’s regulatory perspective among the agenda.

Diplomatic Spotlight: India’s President Droupadi Murmu will visit Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania from July 19-25, with landmark first-ever presidential stops in Moldova (July 20) and North Macedonia (July 21-22), plus a Romania trip after a 30+ year gap—aimed at deepening political and economic ties. EU Accession Friction: In Skopje, Bulgaria’s second protocol under the 2017 friendship treaty is still cited as a key obstacle to North Macedonia’s EU talks, after the joint commission met in Sofia in 2022. Aviation Safety Watch: US investigators have taken over the probe into a Ryanair incident where a window dislodged and a passenger was partly sucked out after takeoff; the NTSB says the flight was in Greek airspace, not over North Macedonia. Regional Culture & Sports: Mezdra’s folklore ensemble won awards at an international festival in Tirana, while North Macedonia’s basketball presence continues in FIBA draws and qualifiers, including MZT Skopje Aerodrom in the Europe Cup group stage. Public Health Policy: Five Western Balkan governments, including North Macedonia, agreed to ban smoking and e-cigarettes in all public spaces.

Aviation Safety Probe: U.S. investigators have taken over the probe into a Ryanair flight from Greece to Germany after a cabin window dislodged mid-flight and a man was partially sucked out; the NTSB says the incident happened in Greek airspace, not over North Macedonia, and Greece will still participate. EU Enlargement & Ukraine Summit: Leaders at the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Kyiv adopted the Kyiv Declaration pledging continued political, military, financial and security support for Ukraine; Serbia was the only country that did not sign. Regional Health Policy: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Bosnia agreed to ban smoking and e-cigarettes in all public spaces, aiming to curb high tobacco use despite industry pressure. North Macedonia in Sports: KuPS advanced in UEFA Champions League qualifiers after beating FK Vardar Skopje on aggregate, with Gambian midfielder Saikou Touray featuring in both legs. Basketball Calendar: FIBA set groups for the 2026-27 FIBA Europe Cup, with MZT Skopje Aerodrom listed in Group E. Court & Corruption: A North Macedonia corruption case tied to the “culture of impunity” theme saw coverage of court outcomes in high-profile proceedings.

Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit: Leaders in Kyiv adopted the Kyiv Declaration pledging continued political, military, financial and security support for Ukraine, with stronger pressure on Russia and a push to boost air defence; Serbia’s stance: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić was the only leader who did not sign, while saying Belgrade will keep backing Ukraine’s sovereignty and expand humanitarian help; North Macedonia at the table: First Deputy PM Bekim Sali attended the summit, and Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov was among officials seen arriving in Kyiv; Energy infrastructure: North Macedonia is speeding up the Greece gas interconnector, with most expropriations done and construction progressing toward completion next year; Aviation incident over North Macedonia: A Ryanair flight emergency after a window dislodged left a passenger partially sucked out, with investigations involving Greek authorities and international bodies; Local justice: Skopje court acquitted fugitive ex-PM Nikola Gruevski in a corruption case tied to his party HQ, citing changes to the criminal code.

Court Watch (North Macedonia): Skopje’s court acquitted fugitive ex-PM Nikola Gruevski in a corruption case tied to his party HQ, citing 2023 Criminal Code changes that reshaped how abuse-of-office cases are prosecuted. Energy & Infrastructure: North Macedonia is speeding up the Greece gas interconnector, with most expropriations done and major pipeline work underway; completion is expected next year. Regional Security Diplomacy: At the Ukraine–South-East Europe Summit in Kyiv, participants adopted the Kyiv Declaration calling for stronger pressure on Russia and priority support for Ukraine’s air defense and reconstruction—while Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić refused to sign. EU Enlargement: Brussels advanced “Super Tuesday” tracks for Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine, keeping the EU expansion push moving. Aviation Incident (Regional Impact): A Ryanair/Malta Air flight saw a passenger partially sucked out after a dislodged window; investigations involve Greek authorities, with Boeing and US/EU aviation bodies assisting. Sports (Local Interest): KuPS reached the next UEFA Champions League qualifying round despite a scare against North Macedonia’s Vardar.

Gas Infrastructure: North Macedonia is speeding up construction of the Greece interconnector, with 95% of expropriation done, most of the route cleared, and pipe delivery and welding progressing; the project is expected to be completed next year. Government & Politics: Parliament approved a cabinet reshuffle, replacing eight ministers, including a new justice minister (VLEN’s Jeton Shasivari) and changes across agriculture, health, social policy, local self-government, and culture/tourism. EU Path & Reforms: EU enlargement officials say North Macedonia has accelerated implementation of the Western Balkans Growth Plan, with progress expected to exceed 50% as it “catches up rapidly.” Regional Security: North Macedonia joined the “Coalition of the Willing” in Paris, alongside Moldova, as leaders discussed air defence and the FREYJA missile defence program. Aviation Incident: A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Germany saw a passenger partially sucked out after a window dislodged; investigations involve North Macedonia, with Boeing, the US NTSB, and EU aviation safety agencies assisting, while the injured man remains in hospital. Culture: A Bulgarian film, “Flesh,” was screened in North Macedonia at the Across the Lake Balkan and Mediterranean Film Festival.