AGP Executive Report

EU Accession & Investment: North Macedonia’s push for higher-quality foreign investment is increasingly tied to EU accession progress, as uncertainty and stalled integration weigh on new inflows after net FDI fell sharply in 2025. Iran Condemnations: A coalition of 22 countries including North Macedonia condemned Iran’s “lethal plotting” and malign actions across Europe, North America and Australia, demanding attacks against dissidents, journalists and Jewish/Israeli communities stop immediately. Regional Security Talks (SEECP): Foreign ministers met in Sofia under SEECP to discuss security challenges and how to boost support for EU integration across South East Europe, with North Macedonia among participants. Language Politics in North Macedonia: DUI and VLEN traded accusations over Albanian language use in state institutions and a 2010 Serbian-language document in Kumanovo, reigniting tensions over equal language treatment. Media & Youth Skills: A BIRN report warns that young people across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia, need stronger skills to spot online misinformation, while institutions and media must raise transparency standards. Business & Competition: EU regulators opened scrutiny into the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger over Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funding, while the UK’s CMA formally began its investigation. Sports (World Cup): Canada’s World Cup opener against Bosnia & Herzegovina kicks off as the tournament begins, with North Macedonia’s football presence also noted in regional qualifiers and warm-up context.

SEECP Summit in Sofia: North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova says she will meet Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova during the June 10 SEECP anniversary summit in Sofia marking 30 years of regional cooperation, with “substantive issues” and trust-building on the agenda. Turkish Diplomacy: Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan will represent President Erdoğan at the same SEECP summit, expected to stress connectivity projects and regional security cooperation. EU Enlargement Push: A Franco-German proposal at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat, Montenegro, floated a “gradual integration” idea for countries blocked from full accession, aiming to offer benefits while keeping strict EU conditions. North Macedonia Independence Spending Row: A Skopje watchdog says the government is refusing to disclose costs and selection details for this year’s 35 years of independence celebrations, raising transparency concerns. Women’s Football Qualifiers: Azerbaijan will play North Macedonia away in the final UEFA Women’s European Qualifiers round in Bitola, with North Macedonia third in Group 3 of League C. Sports Results: In a key friendly, North Macedonia lost 1-3 to Azerbaijan.

SEECP Summit in Sofia: North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova says she will meet Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova during the June 10 SEECP summit, aiming to build trust and tackle “substantive issues.” Türkiye’s Balkan diplomacy: Turkish FM Hakan Fidan will represent President Erdoğan at the same SEECP heads-of-state meeting, stressing regional unity and support for connectivity projects, including transport and energy links. EU enlargement push: At the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, France and Germany floated a “gradual integration” idea to offer more to countries once they’re ready, even if full accession is blocked. Energy corridor update: Bulgartransgaz is boosting capacities on the Vertical Gas Corridor toward North Macedonia, with higher volumes planned for 2026/27 and beyond, and a July 6 auction for annual capacity products. Women’s football qualifier: Azerbaijan will play North Macedonia away in the UEFA Women’s European Qualifiers on June 9 in Bitola. Sports tourism in the region: Porto Carras Athlos 2026 wrapped up in Halkidiki with 800+ participants, including teams from North Macedonia.

World Cup Countdown: With the 2026 tournament 48 hours away, ESPN’s power rankings set the tone for who’s most likely to contend as Mexico host South Africa on June 11. Travel Costs for Skopje Readers: Germany’s Destatis data says North Macedonia is the cheapest destination for German tourists in the comparison, with accommodation and restaurant prices 52% lower than in Germany—while Croatia’s edge over Germany is shrinking. Summer Holiday Budgeting: Travel experts warn flight prices are up overall due to oil costs, but say Europe remains comparatively steadier, with tips like using budget carriers and looking beyond the main hubs. Energy & Investment: The EBRD approved a EUR 175m loan for PPC renewable projects across Romania, Greece and Bulgaria, backing about 400MW of wind and solar. Regional EU Focus: North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina discussed EU enlargement and regional cooperation in Skopje-Sarajevo talks, including calls to restore the direct Skopje–Sarajevo air route. Gas Security: Serbia and Ukraine met 2025/early-2026 gas storage targets, while North Macedonia is expected to secure gas stored abroad under EU-aligned rules. Culture & Society: “Skateboarding Is Not for Girls,” set in Skopje, premiered at Tribeca and tackles forced marriage and gender expectations.

EU-Western Balkans Summit Signal: EU leaders met in Tivat, Montenegro, with Western Balkan partners to push reforms, regional cooperation and “gradual integration,” with Ursula von der Leyen calling enlargement a strategic investment in stability, prosperity and security. Skopje-Sarajevo Cooperation: North Macedonia’s foreign minister Timco Mucunski met Bosnia’s Elmedin Konakovic in Sarajevo, focusing on EU enlargement, stronger economic ties, better transport links and restoring the direct Skopje–Sarajevo air route. SEECP 30th Anniversary: President Iliana Iotova will host the June 10 SEECP summit in Sofia marking 30 years of the regional cooperation format, with leaders from across the region expected. EU Mobility for Youth: DiscoverEU selected 40,912 18-year-olds for free travel across Europe, with a strong preference for train journeys. Education Links: Bulgaria’s Sofia University reported 1,431 international students from 55 countries, while UniBIT in Sofia said it has 59 international students, including students from North Macedonia. EU Day on Lake Ohrid: An EU Delegation in Skopje and Albania’s embassy are organizing a bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid to promote sustainable mobility and people-to-people ties. Sports Spotlight: Denmark and Ukraine play a friendly in Odense as Skopje’s region watches European football headlines, including Christian Eriksen’s update after his collapse.

EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat: EU leaders met Montenegro and other candidate states to push a faster, more credible enlargement path, with talks focused on reforms, regional security and the EU Growth Plan, while North Macedonia diplomacy: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines, stressing support for North Macedonia’s European prospects. EU accession friction: A joint Bulgaria–North Macedonia historical commission meeting in Skopje ended “without results,” after North Macedonia refused to adopt a recommendation on how the Ohrid Archdiocese is presented in school textbooks. Local cross-border ties: The EU Delegation in North Macedonia and Albania’s embassy organized a bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid to promote sustainable mobility and people-to-people cooperation. Sports, with a Skopje link: Türkiye’s World Cup warm-up run included a 4-0 win over North Macedonia, and the week also brought Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen’s collapse update—he was conscious and “doing well” after the incident.

EU-Western Balkans Summit: EU leaders in Tivat, Montenegro pushed for a faster, more credible enlargement drive, with a “gradual integration” idea floated for candidate states to get earlier access to parts of the single market and EU programmes while reforms continue. North Macedonia-EU Diplomacy: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski met French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the summit sidelines, stressing support for North Macedonia’s European prospects. EU Reforms Pressure: Bulgaria’s joint historical commission meeting in Skopje ended “without results” after North Macedonia refused to adopt a recommendation on how the Ohrid Archdiocese is presented in school textbooks. Regional Cooperation: The EU Delegation in North Macedonia and Albania’s embassy organized a bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid to promote sustainable mobility and people-to-people ties. Sports—Denmark vs Ukraine: Christian Eriksen was reported “conscious and doing well” after collapsing during Denmark’s friendly vs Ukraine; the match preview also highlighted Denmark’s recent struggles and Ukraine’s momentum. World Cup Warm-ups: Türkiye beat Venezuela 2-1 in its final World Cup warm-up, following a 4-0 win over North Macedonia.

EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat: EU leaders met Montenegro and Western Balkan candidates to push a faster, more credible enlargement path, with France and Germany backing “gradual integration” and incentives like earlier single-market access for meeting accession criteria. North Macedonia–EU diplomacy: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski held talks with Macron and Merz on the sidelines, while EU officials stressed reforms and good-neighbourly relations as the way to unlock membership momentum. EU Council on roaming: The EU moved to extend “Roam Like at Home” benefits to the Western Balkans, aiming to cut roaming charges and boost integration benefits before full accession. Local cross-border ties: A bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid, organized by the EU Delegation in Skopje with Albania’s embassy, will promote sustainable mobility and people-to-people cooperation. Bulgaria–North Macedonia history talks: The joint historical commission meeting in Skopje ended without progress after North Macedonia refused to adopt a recommendation on the Ohrid Archdiocese in school textbooks. Cyber extortion warning: The Silent Ransom Group is reportedly shifting to fast-flux botnet infrastructure, complicating disruption efforts and targeting sensitive sectors including law firms. Sports—World Cup build-up: Türkiye beat Venezuela 2-1 in a warm-up, after earlier routing North Macedonia 4-0, while coverage also highlights what to expect from World Cup groups E–H.

EU-Western Balkans Summit in Montenegro: EU leaders in Tivat pushed a faster, more “credible” enlargement path for the Western Balkans, with France and Germany backing “gradual integration” so candidate states can get earlier access to EU formats and benefits while reforms continue. North Macedonia EU track: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski met Macron and Merz on the summit sidelines, stressing European prospects and cooperation. Bulgaria-North Macedonia history talks: The joint historical commission meeting in Skopje ended “without results,” after North Macedonia refused to adopt a recommendation on the Ohrid Archdiocese in seventh-grade textbooks. Regional cooperation in Skopje: The EU Delegation and Albania’s embassy organized a bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid for Europe Day, promoting cross-border mobility and sustainability. EU enlargement signal: Leaders reiterated enlargement as a geostrategic investment for stability, security, and energy/migration routes, even as disputes slow some countries’ progress. Sports—World Cup warm-ups: North Macedonia’s recent draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina was referenced ahead of Panama vs Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Wales’ latest Nations League preparations followed a Romania friendly.

EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat: EU and Western Balkan leaders met in Montenegro to push a faster, more credible enlargement path, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling it a “geostrategic imperative” and backing a more dynamic process. Montenegro EU timetable: Montenegro’s leaders said the country is on track for EU membership by 2028, with Brussels already drafting an accession treaty. “Gradual integration” idea: France and Germany floated a phased approach that could let candidate states join certain EU formats before full membership, aiming to keep reforms moving. North Macedonia diplomacy: Skopje’s PM Hristijan Mickoski held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines, stressing support for North Macedonia’s European prospects. Bulgaria’s conditions: Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev reiterated that North Macedonia must implement agreed constitutional changes and meet EU criteria, especially rule of law and good-neighbourly relations. EU roaming deal: The EU agreed to start formal talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” roaming rules to Western Balkans countries, including North Macedonia, after telecom law alignment.

EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski met France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz, discussing the country’s European prospects as EU leaders push a faster, more “credible” enlargement path. EU Enlargement Overhaul: German and French officials backed “gradual integration” ideas, while EU Council President António Costa urged simpler accession rules to reduce frustration for candidates. Bulgaria’s EU Condition: Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev said Skopje must implement the agreed negotiating framework, including constitutional amendments, to move forward. EU Moves on Roaming: The EU agreed to start talks to scrap mobile roaming charges between the EU and Western Balkans, including North Macedonia, after domestic telecom law changes. Security & Diplomacy: A summit security dispute saw Montenegro turn away 87 Serbian nationals over alleged risks. Regional Security Spotlight: A court case tied an Iran-linked plot to an alleged synagogue arson in North Macedonia, keeping the region in focus for counter-terror concerns. Sports: Valencia extended North Macedonia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski’s contract until 2028.

EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat: EU leaders and Western Balkan governments meet in Montenegro to push a faster, “merit-based” enlargement path, with European Council President António Costa urging reforms and warning against “frustration” over slow progress. Roaming Relief for North Macedonia: The EU has agreed to formally open talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” to the WB6, including North Macedonia, aiming to cut roaming charges between the EU and the Balkans once each country aligns telecom rules with EU standards. EU Accession Pressure on North Macedonia: European lawmakers say corruption, political divisions, and court problems are slowing North Macedonia’s EU bid, while also urging support for required constitutional changes. Political Fight Over EU Path: In Skopje, opposition SDSM accuses Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and VMRO-DPMNE of misleading citizens about the EU process, citing statements from Antonio Costa and an EU Parliament progress report. Sports—Valencia Contract: North Macedonia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski has extended his Valencia deal by two years, keeping him at the club until June 2028. Culture & Language: Ling launched a full Macedonian language course with native-speaker audio, expanding access for diaspora and learners worldwide.

EU Accession Push: EU leaders are looking for ways to make Western Balkans membership “faster and better” while stressing it must stay merit-based, with European Council President António Costa warning against “frustration” on both sides ahead of the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat. North Macedonia EU Reform Pressure: European Parliament lawmakers say corruption, political divisions and court problems are slowing North Macedonia’s path, urging constitutional changes and renewed commitment to rule-of-law reforms. Roam Like at Home Boost: The EU Council approved talks to extend the Roam Like at Home roaming deal to the Western Balkans (including North Macedonia), aiming to cut extra roaming charges for calls, texts and data across the region. UN Seat for Skopje: North Macedonia was elected to the UN Economic and Social Council for a three-year term starting Jan. 1, 2027. Local Tech & Culture: m:tel in North Macedonia is adding HBO Max to selected TV/streaming packages, while Skopje hosts a regional Albanian book fair with 55 publishers. Sports: Türkiye beat North Macedonia 4-0 in a World Cup warm-up, and HBO Max is now available to m:tel customers.

EU Accession Push: The European Parliament’s AFET committee urged North Macedonia to speed up EU-related reforms, warning progress is still too slow on rule of law, judicial reform and anti-corruption, and calling for constitutional changes and overdue electoral reform. EU Enlargement Momentum: EU Council President António Costa told Western Balkan leaders to seize the “renewed opportunity” for enlargement, stressing reforms and implementation ahead of an EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat. EU Talks on Roaming: EU ambassadors approved talks to end roaming charges with Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, with possible removal next year if negotiations finish this year. Regional Security & Migration: A MARRI committee session in Sarajevo brought together Western Balkan officials on migration, asylum, border control and human trafficking, with North Macedonia among participating countries. Energy Security: The Energy Community’s gas storage report says gas security in South East and Eastern Europe is improving as EU-aligned storage rules roll out, including expectations for North Macedonia to secure gas stored abroad. Local Culture: Skopje hosts the first Albanian Book Fair (June 4–7) with around 55 publishers from North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania gathering at Skanderbeg Square. Sports (Local Event): North Macedonia will host FIBA U16 EuroBasket Division B in Gevgelija and Skopje (Aug 6–15), featuring 22 teams chasing promotion.

EU Accession Pressure: The European Parliament’s AFET committee urged North Macedonia to renew its EU reform push, warning progress is still too slow on rule of law, judicial reform and anti-corruption, while flagging polarization and overdue electoral changes. EU Enlargement Momentum: European Council President António Costa told Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski that Skopje must implement the 2022 agreements to unlock EU talks, stressing “nothing more than that.” Roaming Deal Talks: EU ambassadors approved negotiations to end roaming charges between the EU and Western Balkans countries, including North Macedonia, with formal Council approval expected on 4 June. Energy Security: The Energy Community says gas security across South East Europe is improving as storage rules are implemented, and notes North Macedonia is expected to secure gas stored abroad equivalent to at least 15% of average consumption. Tourism Snapshot: Eurostat data show Albania’s overnight stays rose 11.2% in Q1, while North Macedonia’s growth was just 0.1%. Skopje Culture: The Albanian Book Fair 2026 will be held in Skopje’s Skanderbeg Square from June 4–7, bringing about 55 publishers from North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania.

EU Accession Conditions: European Council President António Costa told Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski that North Macedonia must implement all 2022 agreements to unlock EU membership talks, stressing “what has been agreed has been agreed.” Government Reshuffle: North Macedonia’s deputy PM for good governance Arben Fetai resigned ahead of a planned reshuffle, saying reform goals were not fully met. Energy Investment: Serbia’s acting mining and energy minister says the country will invest €14.4bn in energy from 2028-2035, including new power capacity and gas interconnectors with North Macedonia and Romania. EU Migration Rules: The EU agreed tougher return rules, aiming to improve deportation rates and introducing stricter obligations for people ordered to leave. Wildfire Response: The European Commission launched its largest-ever wildfire operation, pre-positioning 777 firefighters and deploying aircraft and helicopters across high-risk regions. Sports—World Cup Prep: Turkey routed North Macedonia 4-0 in Istanbul as both sides fine-tune for the 2026 World Cup. Culture & Film: North Macedonia’s Film Agency approved €1.5m in 2026 production grants for 14 projects, including major feature and documentary awards. Business—Competition Watch: Sport Vision’s expansion via an antimonopoly review would bring control of eight companies in sports retail across the region, including North Macedonia.