AGP Executive Report

Gas Security Boost: North Macedonia officially joined the Vertical Gas Corridor, with NOMAGAS signing an MoU alongside Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Serbia’s Transportgas Serbia—aimed at better cross-border capacity and bidirectional flows, while the Greece link is set to open in 2027 and a Serbia interconnector is also planned. Diplomacy in Kyiv: Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski met Ukraine’s Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv, with North Macedonia backing US-led and EU-involved peace efforts and reaffirming support after providing 13 packages of military aid. EU Path Tensions: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit over the public glorification of Ratko Mladić’s death, saying it clashes with EU values and reconciliation. Child Safety Online: UNICEF data highlighted that 1 in 5 children in surveyed countries face tech-facilitated sexual abuse, with North Macedonia listed among Europe and Central Asia at the lowest regional rate (8%). Local Sports Deadline Drama: FK Skopje’s potential signing of Jamaican defender Richard Brown was delayed by a FedEx package needed for federation documents ahead of the Sept. 6 transfer deadline.

Energy Diplomacy: North Macedonia officially joined the Vertical Gas Corridor, with NOMAGAS and Serbia’s Transportgas Serbia signing a memorandum in Thessaloniki to expand cross-border gas capacity and bidirectional flows, as the Greece–North Macedonia link is set to open in 2027. Market Setup: The government has asked MEMO to prepare a plan for creating a natural gas market operator, covering legal, technical, IT and financial steps, to support new interconnectors with Greece (mid-2027) and Serbia (end-2028). Foreign Policy in Kyiv: FM Timco Mucunski met Ukraine’s Andrii Sybiha, with North Macedonia backing US-led and EU-supported peace efforts; Sybiha also thanked Skopje for appointing a special representative for Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction and for 13 packages of military aid. Regional Memory & Culture: Bulgaria marked the 17th anniversary of the Ilinden ship disaster in Ohrid, while a new Mother Teresa feature highlights her Skopje roots. UNICEF Warning: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 face technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse across 21 countries, including North Macedonia. Sports & Local Interest: Hearts winger Josh McPake pushed for a Scotland call-up after a standout derby win, with Nations League fixtures including matches against North Macedonia.

Ukraine Solidarity: North Macedonia’s FM Timco Mucunski met Ukraine’s Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv, backing US-led and EU-involved diplomacy and saying Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security, while Sybiha thanked Skopje for appointing a special representative for postwar reconstruction and for 13 packages of military aid. Energy Corridor: Greece, North Macedonia and Serbia signed steps to extend the Vertical Gas Corridor, with operators NOMAGAS and Transportgas Serbia joining the project to boost cross-border capacity and bidirectional gas flows. EU Enlargement Tensions: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit after Ratko Mladić’s remains were returned and publicly glorified, saying it clashes with EU values and reconciliation. Digital Safety: UNICEF warned that about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse or exploitation, with many cases occurring on mainstream social media. Local Governance & Housing: North Macedonia’s government asked MEMO to prepare a plan for a natural gas market operator, aiming to build the institutional setup for the sector. Culture & Sports: President Iliana Iotova opened Bulgaria’s 25th National Folklore Festival for two-part singing with performers from North Macedonia, while Hearts winger Josh McPake said his derby form could help his case for a Scotland call-up.

Ukraine Diplomacy: North Macedonia’s FM Timco Mucunski told reporters in Kyiv that US and European leadership must work together for a just, lasting peace, as Ukraine’s security is inseparable from Europe’s. Military Support: Andriy Sybiha said North Macedonia has delivered 13 packages of military aid since Russia’s full-scale invasion. EU Path & Reconciliation: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos cancelled a Serbia visit after Ratko Mladić’s honours and said glorification of convicted war criminals is incompatible with the EU path. Energy Integration: North Macedonia and Serbia are set to join the Vertical Corridor gas pipeline network, with grid operators signing a memorandum in Thessaloniki. Gas Market Plan: The government asked MEMO to prepare a roadmap for creating a natural gas market operator. Child Safety Online: UNICEF estimates about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse, with nearly 60% of cases on mainstream social media. Local Campaign: Makedonski Telekom launched a back-to-school initiative to curb youth violence and online hate. Sports & Culture: Hearts winger Josh McPake is pushing for Scotland call-ups after a derby hero display, while Macedonian director Teona Strugar Mitevska is developing “Petra Doesn’t Want to Die,” and film “17” was selected as North Macedonia’s Oscar candidate.

Film & Culture: Teona Strugar Mitevska is developing her eighth feature, Petra Doesn’t Want to Die (Anatomy of Masculinity), a low-budget feminist drama set in North Macedonia and backed by the North Macedonia Film Agency. Oscar Bid: Kosara Mitić’s debut feature 17 has been selected as North Macedonia’s candidate for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Sports: Vardar Skopje striker Gerson Rodrigues has left the club after three months. Digital Safety: UNICEF says nearly 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual abuse in a year, with most cases happening on mainstream social media. Online Hate & Youth Violence: Makedonski Telekom launches a nationwide campaign to curb online hate speech and youth violence as the school year starts. EU Path: North Macedonia marks 35 years of independence as EU membership remains tied to unresolved constitutional commitments from the 2022 Bulgaria-related compromise. Business/Tech: 4iG and SpaceX sign agreements for Starlink Mobile in Hungary and the Western Balkans, with a V2 plan that includes North Macedonia. Finance Watch: Hungary opens a criminal probe into Eximbank deals, including a €1bn loan to North Macedonia.

Digital Media Governance: UNESCO backed 197 multi-stakeholder recommendations to improve rights-based governance of digital platforms and online media across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Online Child Safety: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 in 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with nearly 60% of cases on mainstream social media; in North Macedonia, the risk of suicidal thoughts was reported as more than eight times higher. Youth & Hate Speech: Makedonski Telekom launched a nationwide campaign, “Break the Circle of Violence. Don’t Be the Audience,” to curb youth violence and online hate as the school year starts. EU Path & Constitution: As North Macedonia marks 35 years of independence, EU membership remains tied to unresolved constitutional amendments linked to the 2022 Bulgaria compromise. Finance Scrutiny: Hungary opened a criminal probe into Eximbank deals, including a €1bn North Macedonia loan, after an internal audit flagged alleged irregularities. Connectivity Push: 4iG and SpaceX plan Starlink Mobile expansion, with next-gen V2 broadband directly to phones planned for Montenegro and North Macedonia.

Schengen Pressure on Western Balkans Truckers: The European Commission says Schengen’s 90-days-in-180 rule will not change, despite protests in Belgrade, Sarajevo, Podgorica and Skopje (including Skopje), where drivers from Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro and North Macedonia warn of border blockades from September 14. EU Path Tension in Court: A Kočani road-crash case involving dual Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen Iva Mihaylova has drawn Bulgarian MPs and a request for EU monitoring, adding to already strained Bulgaria–North Macedonia relations over EU accession demands. Connectivity Deal for North Macedonia: SpaceX and Hungary’s 4iG signed agreements for Starlink Mobile in Hungary and Albania, with next-gen V2 planned for Montenegro and North Macedonia, plus a separate secure “Sovereign Solutions” service for governments. Regional Security Diplomacy: Qatar’s Cabinet renewed condemnation of renewed Iran attacks on Jordan, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait, calling for an immediate halt and restraint to prevent escalation. Local Culture on Screen: “Yugo Goes to America” will be screened in North Macedonia as part of its regional cinema run starting September 3. Health Update: Scott McTominay is set to miss Scotland and Napoli fixtures after mild benign arrhythmia surgery.

EU Schengen Pressure on Western Balkans Truckers: The European Commission says Schengen’s 90-days-in-180 rule will not change, even as professional drivers from Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro and North Macedonia protest and threaten border blockades from September 14. Bulgaria–North Macedonia Court Clash: A Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen, Iva Mihaylova, faces a road-crash case in Kočani; Bulgarian MPs backed her in court as Bulgaria asked the EU to monitor the dispute tied to North Macedonia’s stalled EU path. Hungary–North Macedonia Financial Link: Hungarian police opened an investigation into Eximbank abuses, with attention on a €1bn loan connected to North Macedonia. Skopje Housing Watch: Skopje apartment asking prices jumped to about €2,153 per square metre by late August, up sharply from a year earlier, even as sales slowed. Sports with a Skopje angle: Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay will miss matches after Napoli confirmed minor heart surgery; he is expected to miss Nations League games including against North Macedonia.

EU Accession Friction: Bulgaria’s trial of dual Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen Iva Mihaylova resumed in Kočani, with Sofia MPs backing her and the case now likely to be pushed into EU rule-of-law monitoring—another potential headache for North Macedonia’s stalled EU path. Human Rights Angle: Mihaylova’s defence is preparing a complaint for the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg over her alleged denial of medical treatment abroad, after Macedonian authorities rejected travel requests. Schengen Pressure on Skopje: Western Balkan professional drivers, including from North Macedonia, protested outside EU offices in Skopje and elsewhere, warning of border blockades from Sept. 14 unless the EU adjusts the 90-days-in-180 rule; the European Commission says Schengen rules won’t change. Local Economy: Skopje apartment asking prices jumped about 29% year-on-year, with the average reaching €2,153 per square metre despite slower sales. Sports (North Macedonia-linked): Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay will miss Nations League matches including the trip to North Macedonia after Napoli confirmed minor heart surgery for a mild benign arrhythmia.

EU Accession Friction: Bulgaria’s Iva Mihaylova case is back in court in Kočani, with Sofia using the trial of a dual Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen accused of a fatal October crash to add pressure in North Macedonia’s stalled EU path; Bulgarian MPs backed her, her passports were seized, and Bulgaria has asked the European Commission to monitor the matter. Schengen Clash: EU rejected Western Balkan truckers’ demand to extend Schengen stays beyond the 90/180 rule, as drivers from Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro and North Macedonia warn of border blockades from September 14. Housing Watch: Skopje apartment prices jumped 29% year-on-year, with average asking prices rising to about €2,153 per square metre despite weaker sales. Labour Market: North Macedonia is increasingly relying on foreign workers even as unemployment remains high, with the employment agency issuing thousands of procedures for workers from countries including Bangladesh, Turkey and Nepal. Sports—Local Angle: North Macedonia forward Bojan Miovski is reportedly on Feyenoord’s radar after Ayase Ueda’s exit, while Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay will miss Nations League games after Napoli confirmed minor heart surgery.

EU Accession Block: Bulgaria is again tying North Macedonia’s EU path to the ongoing Kocani court case against Iva Mihaylova, a dual citizen accused over a fatal crash; the hearing resumed Monday and the trial is set to continue September 28, while Mihaylova says her travel for treatment in Bulgaria has been repeatedly refused. Schengen Pressure: Truck drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia protested outside EU delegations in Skopje, Sarajevo, Belgrade and Podgorica, warning of new border blockades from September 14 over the 90/180-day Schengen stay limits for professional drivers. Regional Security/Border Control: Frontex reports a two-week operation across the Western Balkans route that led to 112 arrests for suspected migrant smuggling and 60 cases of document fraud. Energy Infrastructure: North Macedonia’s gas TSO NOMAGAS signed for the design and construction of a 70-kilometre gas interconnector with Serbia, aiming to boost supply security and regional connectivity. Business & Investment: PM Hristijan Mickoski says North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors about data centre projects, including a major multinational.

Energy & Infrastructure: North Macedonia’s gas TSO NOMAGAS signed with Rapid Build for the design and construction of the 70-kilometre North Macedonia–Serbia gas interconnector, a step from planning to delivery that aims to boost supply security and regional market access. Investment & Tech: PM Hristijan Mickoski says Skopje is in talks with five to six potential investors for data centre projects, with proposals linked to gas-fired power generation, while he dismisses recent criticism as technically uninformed. EU Border Pressure: Truck drivers protested in Skopje and other capitals over Schengen stay limits for professional drivers, warning of possible border blockades if the EU doesn’t find a solution after September talks. Public Health: Hungary reported its first locally acquired case of an African virus linked to mosquito spread, raising regional concern as health authorities track transmission risks. Regional Security Diplomacy: NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska is in Dublin for defence discussions, including an informal meeting of EU defence ministers. Sports (Local Interest): North Macedonia’s Dimitrijevic delivered a triple-double in EuroBasket pre-qualifiers as the team beat Austria 91-59. Culture: Skopje-based MakeDox festival coverage highlights North Macedonia’s creative scene, with documentaries and industry events running across the city.

Sports & Culture: The VI World Nomad Games opened in Kyrgyzstan with athletes from 112 nations, including North Macedonia making its debut at the event; the opening ceremony is at Bishkek Arena. Film Scene: Skopje’s MakeDox festival handed its top Onion Award to Swiss documentary “Tristan Forever,” while Montenegro’s Golden Mimosa ran with regional co-productions and industry events. Basketball: Nenad Dimitrijevic’s triple-double powered North Macedonia to a 91-59 win over Austria in EuroBasket pre-qualifiers. Transport Protest: Bosnia’s “Logistika” consortium says drivers will protest outside the EU Delegation in Sarajevo, with similar actions planned in Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia over Schengen restrictions. Energy Connectivity: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a pipeline deal for a 67-kilometre gas link, aiming for operation by 2028, alongside a North Macedonia–Greece interconnector expected in 2027. Health Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia covering care, disease control, surveillance and eHealth.

Skopje–Serbia Energy Deal: North Macedonia and Serbia signed an agreement in Skopje for a 67-kilometre gas pipeline, aiming for completion by 2027 and possible connectivity as early as 2028, alongside a North Macedonia–Greece interconnector expected to be operational in 2027—moves meant to strengthen regional energy links and reduce reliance on Russian supplies. Health Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia covering primary and hospital care, disease prevention and surveillance, emergency management, and eHealth, with exchanges of specialists and research cooperation. Court Update in “Talir 2”: Skopje’s Court of Appeal confirmed the acquittal of fugitive former PM Nikola Gruevski in the “Talir 2” corruption case tied to VMRO-DPMNE’s “White Palace,” blocking confiscation of the headquarters and about 30 other properties. Telecom Media Move: Telekom Srbija notified North Macedonia’s competition regulator of its intention to acquire control of Belgrade-based River Media, which owns Una Televizija, expanding its regional media footprint. Sports Transfer Watch: Reports say New Raiders’ centre back Richard Brown is a day or two away from signing a professional contract with FK Skopje after a 15-day trial. Culture on Set: Macedonian director Arben Thaçi has begun shooting his second feature film “Ajal,” a drama filmed in Tetovo and the Šar Mountain region, with international locations under consideration. Weather: A heatwave has been gripping Resen and the wider area, with temperatures soaring around Prespa Lake. Foreign Policy Spotlight: North Macedonia’s FM Timco Mucunski visited Jerusalem for talks with Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar, signing cooperation agreements and pushing ties in agriculture, water management, security, innovation, tourism, health, and education. Regional Safety Note: A travel safety roundup lists North Macedonia among destinations that felt particularly safe to a frequent traveller.

Skopje–Serbia Energy Link: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a deal in Skopje for a 67-kilometre gas pipeline, aiming for completion by 2027 and possible connection as early as 2028, alongside a North Macedonia–Greece interconnector expected in 2027—both projects are pitched as “full vertical energy connectivity” and a way to diversify supply beyond Russian gas. Healthcare Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia covering primary and hospital care, disease prevention, epidemiological surveillance, emergency management, and eHealth, with exchanges of specialists and research links. Court Clears Gruevski: Skopje’s Court of Appeal confirmed Nikola Gruevski’s acquittal in the “Talir 2” corruption case tied to VMRO-DPMNE’s “White Palace” headquarters, blocking confiscation of the property and about 30 others. Media Deal Watch: Telekom Srbija notified North Macedonia’s competition regulator of its intention to acquire control of Belgrade-based River Media, expanding its regional media footprint. Public Health: North Macedonia reported its fifth West Nile virus death of the year, as cases continue across Europe. Weather: A heatwave is gripping Resen, with temperatures soaring around Prespa. Business & Energy Tech: Hungary’s 4iG announced a new energy division and holding company, exploring SMR and wind projects including opportunities in North Macedonia. Sports (Local Angle): FK Skopje is reportedly close to signing Jamaican defender Richard Brown after a 15-day trial.

Skopje & Region Energy: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a deal for a 67-kilometre gas pipeline, aiming for completion by 2027 and possible connectivity as early as 2028, alongside a North Macedonia–Greece link expected in 2027—part of a push for “full vertical energy connectivity” and less reliance on Russian supplies. Health Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia covering primary and hospital care, disease prevention, epidemiological surveillance, emergency management, eHealth, and research exchanges. Politics & Courts: Skopje’s Court of Appeal confirmed Nikola Gruevski’s acquittal in the “Talir 2” case tied to VMRO-DPMNE’s “White Palace,” blocking confiscation of the headquarters and about 30 other properties. Economy & Daily Life: Fuel prices remain a hot topic in the Western Balkans: Albania’s diesel is about 30% above the regional average and roughly 41% higher than in North Macedonia, with taxes driving much of the gap. Public Health: North Macedonia reported its fifth West Nile virus death of the year as cases continue across Europe. Culture: Arben Thaçi began shooting his second feature film “Ajal” in Tetovo and the Šar Mountain area, exploring mortality, family ties, faith, and belonging.