AGP Executive Report

Skopje’s Regional Pulse: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski is keeping distance from Serbia’s latest Orthodox Church remarks, signaling a “soft landing” toward Belgrade while staying firm against Sofia. EU Foreign Policy: Nine countries including North Macedonia have aligned with the EU’s extended sanctions against Iran, citing Tehran’s military support for Russia and regional armed-group activity. Health Watch: The EU health agency ECDC is urging extra protection against West Nile virus as new local transmission areas emerge across Europe. Environment & Energy: In Sar Mountain National Park, dismantling has begun on leftover infrastructure tied to scrapped small hydropower plans in the Leshnica Valley, aiming to restore the disturbed landscape. Border & Travel: Heavy traffic hit Kalotina (Serbia) and Kapitan Andreevo (Türkiye), while Danube ferry services faced temporary suspensions due to low water levels. Sports (Local angle): Hibernian’s week included a North Macedonia trip to face Shkendija, and the club is now set for a Conference League playoff first leg against Gent. Crime & Security: Greek police dismantled a drug network moving raw cannabis from Albania to Türkiye via Greece, with cooperation involving North Macedonia authorities.

Skopje Sports Spotlight: Hibernian wrapped up a gritty week that included a North Macedonia trip, beating FK Shkendija and then returning home to defeat Partick Thistle 1-0 in the Premier Sports Cup, with Owen Elding scoring early as Hibs pushed for more clinical finishing ahead of the next European step. Scotland Coaching News: Sebastien Pocognoli was confirmed as Scotland’s new men’s head coach on an initial two-year deal, set to start with Nations League fixtures that include matches against North Macedonia. EU Foreign Policy: North Macedonia joined Ukraine and eight other countries in aligning with the EU’s extended sanctions against Iran, tied to Iran’s military support for Russia and regional armed-group activity. Local Cross-Border Watch: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry prepared a diplomatic protest note over the case of Iva Mihaylova in North Macedonia, after concerns that she was denied timely medical treatment. Health & Food Safety: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency ordered the return of an 11.6-ton shipment of peppers imported from North Macedonia after pesticide residues were found above permitted levels. Crime & Security: Greek police dismantled a drug network moving raw cannabis from Albania to Turkey via Greece, with cooperation involving North Macedonia and Kosovo. Football Talent Link: Jamaican defender Richard Brown left for a 15-day trial with newly promoted FK Skopje, adding another international pathway into North Macedonia’s top flight.

UE Sanctions on Iran: Ukraine and eight other countries, including North Macedonia, have aligned with the EU’s decision to extend sanctions against Iran over its military support for Russia and backing of armed groups, with the EU saying national policies must be brought into line. Diplomatic Fallout: The same Iran executions issue is driving a wider international response, with a joint statement condemning Tehran’s use of the death penalty and executions of protest participants, listing North Macedonia among signatories. Skopje Sports Spotlight: Hibernian’s European run stays alive after a tense Skopje battle versus Shkendija, setting up a Conference League playoff with Gent, while the club’s staff points to recovery planning after travel. Local Football Move: New Raiders defender Richard Brown, 25, has started a 15-day trial with North Macedonian First League side FK Skopje. Health & Safety: Bulgaria’s food safety agency says an 11.6-tonne pepper shipment from North Macedonia was returned after pesticide residues were found above permitted levels. Regional Peace Memory: Coverage marks 25 years since the Ohrid Framework Agreement, highlighting its role in peace, coexistence, and institution-building.

Conference League: Hibernian held firm in Skopje’s blistering heat, drawing 0-0 with KF Shkendija to win 2-1 on aggregate and set up a play-off tie against Belgian side Gent, with coach David Gray praising discipline and a vital clean sheet. Diplomacy & Health: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry prepared a protest note over Iva Mihaylova’s case in North Macedonia after a court in Kocani refused her exit for treatment; officials say they used all communication channels and continue consular support. EU Sanctions: North Macedonia joined a group of European countries aligning with an EU decision adding six people to Iran-related restrictive measures. Public Health: Greece reported a sharp rise in West Nile virus cases, with 45 new infections in a week and nine deaths, prompting stepped-up mosquito-control efforts in Athens. Cross-border Crime: Greek police dismantled a Turkish-Albanian drug network smuggling raw cannabis from Albania to Turkey via Greece, arresting two suspects and naming another as wanted. Regional Peace Reminder: Multiple pieces marked 25 years since the Ohrid Framework Agreement, highlighting its role in peace, coexistence, and institutional rights.

EU Sanctions Alignment: North Macedonia joined a new EU Council decision adding six people/entities to Iran-related restrictive measures, signaling continued alignment with Brussels. Diplomatic Pressure on Medical Case: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry prepared a protest note over Iva Mihaylova’s treatment in North Macedonia after a Kocani court refused her exit for medical care; Bulgarian officials say they’re using all communication channels and that consular support continues. Public Health Watch: Greece reported a sharp West Nile rise—45 new cases in a week, bringing totals to 110 infections and 9 deaths, with Athens stepping up mosquito-control measures. Football—European Push: Hibernian held firm in Skopje, drawing 0-0 with Shkendija to reach the UEFA Conference League play-off against Gent, after a 2-1 first-leg lead. Local Justice: Prosecutors charged former First Deputy PM Artan Grubi and seven others over alleged abuse of office tied to illegal video lottery terminal purchases costing the State Lottery over €8.2m. Trade Safety: Bulgaria’s food safety agency ordered the return of 11.6 tonnes of peppers from North Macedonia after pesticide residues exceeded permitted levels.

Diplomatic Pressure Over Iva Mihaylova: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry says it has issued a protest note and is using “all available channels” with North Macedonia after a Kocani court refused to let dual citizen Iva Mihaylova leave for needed treatment abroad, with Bulgarian officials and MEPs warning of serious humanitarian and legal concerns. EUalive Backs Threatened Journalist: EUalive condemned death threats and ethnically targeted insults against journalist Erol Rizaov, urging police to identify those behind the comments and refer the case for prosecution if criminal acts are found. Ohrid Agreement at 25: Multiple pieces mark the 25th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, highlighting its role in peace, coexistence and EU/NATO orientation, while renewed political debate focuses on whether key language and representation mechanisms are being undermined. Skopje Sports Spotlight: Hibernian secured a 0-0 draw with Shkendija in Skopje to reach the UEFA Conference League play-off against Gent, with the club praising discipline and recovery after the heat. Food Safety: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency ordered the return of 11.6 tonnes of peppers from North Macedonia after pesticide residues exceeded permitted levels. Public Health Watch: Greece reported a significant West Nile rise, with 45 new cases in a week and nine deaths, prompting stepped-up mosquito control in Athens.

Food Safety: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency ordered the return of 11.6 tonnes of peppers imported from North Macedonia after detecting pesticide residues above permitted levels, with intensified border checks continuing at crossings including Zlatarevo and Gyueshevo. EU Integration & Rights: Skopje marked 25 years since the Ohrid Framework Agreement, with officials stressing it as an ongoing institutional responsibility that protects community rights and supports civic equality. Ohrid Anniversary Debate: Political voices are again clashing over whether the agreement is being undermined, including disputes around language-use rules and representation mechanisms. Court & Health Access: Bulgarian MEPs renewed pressure on EU leadership over the case of Iva Mihailova, saying North Macedonia is blocking her travel for urgent medical treatment abroad. Politics & Justice: Prosecutors in Skopje charged former First Deputy PM Artan Grubi and others over alleged illegal procurement of video lottery terminals, tied to losses for the State Lottery. Sports (Skopje): Hibernian held Shkendija to a 0-0 draw in Skopje’s heat to reach the Conference League play-off against Gent after a 2-1 aggregate win. Culture: Macedonian director Milcho Manchevski premiered the documentary “Good People” at the Sarajevo Film Festival, giving a voice to Pulse nightclub survivors after the 2025 Kočani tragedy.

Conference League in Skopje: Hibernian held firm in the Todor Proeski Arena, drawing 0-0 with Shkendija to win 2-1 on aggregate and set up a play-off against Belgian side Gent, with coach David Gray praising discipline and a clean sheet in brutal heat. Local Football Focus: The tie’s stakes are clear for Skopje fans too—Shkendija pushed late, but Hibs managed the game and now need just two more rounds for a lucrative league phase. EU and Human Rights: Bulgarian MEPs have urged EU leadership over what they call North Macedonia’s denial of timely medical treatment for dual Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen Iva Mihailova, citing court decisions and alleged procedural problems. Ohrid Agreement Anniversary: North Macedonia marked 25 years since the Ohrid Framework Agreement, with officials stressing it as an ongoing institutional responsibility and a constitutional standard for inclusiveness and equitable representation. Public Health Watch: Greece reported a significant rise in West Nile virus cases, with Athens stepping up fumigation after nine deaths. Water Panic in Skopje: Skopje’s mayor moved to calm bottled-water rush rumours about contaminated tap water, saying the Rašče spring is protected and lab checks are ongoing.

Ohrid Anniversary: North Macedonia marked the 25th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement on 13 August, with officials stressing it as an ongoing “institutional responsibility” and a constitutional standard for inclusiveness, dialogue and equitable representation. EU Diplomacy on Iran: A joint statement backed by North Macedonia and 26 countries condemned Iran’s executions of protesters and use of the death penalty, calling for an immediate halt and release of those detained; Iran’s foreign minister then hit back at France, accusing it of hypocrisy. Skopje Water Panic: Skopje’s mayor moved to calm a bottled-water rush after rumours about contamination from the Rašče spring, saying the spring is protected and lab checks are ongoing, while accusing opponents of spreading fear. West Nile in the Region: Greece reported a “significant” rise in West Nile virus cases, with nine deaths, as authorities stepped up fumigation in Athens. Conference League Night in Skopje: Hibernian head to Skopje for the second leg vs Shkendija with a 2-1 lead, with a severe weather alert and heat expected around the National Arena Todor Proeski. Roma Inclusion Talks: China’s ambassador met North Macedonia’s integration minister to discuss cooperation on Roma inclusion strategy 2022–2030.

Water Safety in Skopje: Skopje residents rushed to bottled water after rumours of E. coli contamination linked to the Rašče spring. Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski held a press conference, drank tap water to show it’s safe, and accused the opposition of spreading “lies and disinformation,” saying reports were filed for investigation and that the spring is protected and monitored through lab checks at dozens of locations. Public Health Alert: Health authorities declared a West Nile fever outbreak across Skopje and five surrounding municipalities: 26 confirmed cases by Aug. 11, with one death, and officials urged mosquito-bite protection while saying there’s no need for panic. EU/Regional Politics: A major 25-year reflection on the Ohrid Framework Agreement highlighted how the 2001 deal helped end the conflict through dialogue and institutions. Elections Watch: Kazakhstan’s Qurultay vote is set for Aug. 23, with 405 more international observers accredited, bringing the total to 656. International Diplomacy: 26 countries, including North Macedonia, condemned Iran’s executions and urged an end to the death penalty. Security & Governance: An intelligence officer convicted in the “Titanic” election case was granted clearance for state-secret access and later posted to Vienna, prompting questions and complaints. Football (Skopje): Hibernian head to Skopje for the Conference League second leg vs Shkendija amid a severe weather alert, with both sides framing heat as a key challenge.

EU Politics & State Funding: North Macedonia’s parties received nearly €9m from the state budget for 2026 operations, with VMRO-DPMNE taking a record €2.5m and SDSM down about 40% to around €1m, while DUI also saw a drop tied to election performance. Security & Governance: An intelligence officer convicted in the “Titanic” election-abuse case, Kiro Todorovski, was granted clearance to access “state secret” information and later posted to Vienna—raising fresh questions about how security checks were passed. EU Talks Watch: SDSM says PM Hristijan Mickoski’s Brussels visit could point to progress on the EU negotiating framework, specifically the “French proposal” on constitutional changes involving Bulgarians. Local Risk & Safety: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issued a code red fire warning for very high risk across eastern, central and southern regions, citing worsening conditions and dozens of wildfires in 24 hours. Sports (Skopje tie): Hibernian head to Skopje for the second leg vs Shkendija with a 2-1 aggregate lead, as coach David Gray pushes for a more attacking approach in heavy heat. Regional Security: The US and allies urged countries to give advance notice of ballistic missile and space launch tests, with North Macedonia among signatories.

EU Accession Politics: North Macedonia’s opposition SDSM says PM Hristijan Mickoski’s Brussels visit could point to an EU negotiating breakthrough, specifically acceptance of the “French proposal” on constitutional changes for Bulgarians—while the government says nothing is secret. State Security & Accountability: An intelligence officer, Kiro Todorovski, convicted in the “Titanic” election abuses case, was later granted clearance for “state secret” access and posted to Vienna, prompting complaints to anti-corruption bodies over how he passed checks. Public Safety: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issued a “code red” fire warning for very high risk across eastern, central and southern regions, citing worsening wildfire conditions and 25 fires in 24 hours. Sports (Skopje spotlight): Hibs head to scorching Skopje for the UEFA Conference League second leg vs Shkendija with two key creators back, while Shkendija’s coach warns recovery is “almost impossible” after tight scheduling. Local Economy: Residential property prices in North Macedonia rose again, adding to ongoing affordability pressure. Culture: The death of singer Djansever Dalipova, with funeral expected in North Macedonia, has sparked tributes.

EU Accession Watch: North Macedonia’s opposition SDSM says PM Hristijan Mickoski’s Brussels visit could hint at an EU negotiating breakthrough tied to the “French proposal” on constitutional changes, while the government faces questions over what it will tell voters. Real Estate: A new Knight Frank update puts North Macedonia among the fastest-rising residential markets, with prices up sharply year-on-year. Fire Risk: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issued a code red warning for very high wildfire risk across the east, central and south, citing extreme heat and dozens of active incidents. Digital Banking & Shopping: iuteGroup expanded its Myiute app with iuteMarket, letting customers browse, finance and buy products in one place in North Macedonia and Albania. Sports—Skopje on the Map: Azerbaijan won seven medals at the Skopje Junior European Cup 2026, including two golds, as the event continues to draw regional talent. Regional Energy Tension: Kosovo says lack of electricity trading with Serbia cost it over €150m in 2024, pointing to blocked cross-border capacity.

Sports & Skopje Spotlight: Burgan will hold a major training camp in North Macedonia from Aug. 25 to Sept. 20 ahead of the IHF Men’s Club World Championship in Cairo, with friendly matches planned and the team drawn against Füchse Berlin, Al Ahly and other top clubs. Conference League Build-Up: Hibs’ dramatic 2-1 win over Rangers at Ibrox has set up another European night for the club, with attention now turning to their Conference League tie in Skopje against KF Shkendija, where fatigue and tight scheduling are already a concern. Wildfire Alert: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issued a code red warning for very high fire risk across the eastern, central and southern regions, citing worsening conditions and 25 wildfires recorded in the last 24 hours. Youth Judo in Skopje: The Skopje Junior European Cup 2026 wrapped with Azerbaijan winning seven medals overall, including two golds, as the event continues to put the city on the European sport map. Public Safety & Environment: A decade after Skopje’s deadly 2016 flash floods, experts warn dangers remain, as drought and extreme weather pressures intensify across the region.

Wildfire Alert: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issued a code red warning for very high fire risk across the eastern, central and southern regions, citing worsening conditions and 25 wildfires in the past 24 hours. Skopje Flood Memory: A decade after the 2016 flash floods that killed 22 people in the Skopje area, officials warn dangers remain as extreme weather turns deadly. Sports—Skopje on the map: Azerbaijan’s judokas won seven medals at the Skopje Junior European Cup 2026, including two golds, while the event continues to draw athletes from 33 countries. EU/Region—Energy pressure: Kosovo says electricity trading limits with Serbia cost it over €150m in 2024, pointing to blocked cross-border capacity and higher transmission costs via Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro. Bulgaria–North Macedonia medical dispute: Bulgaria’s president and foreign ministry renewed calls for Iva Mihailova to get medical treatment in Bulgaria after Kočani court refusals, citing risk of permanent injuries. Business/Tech: Iute Group expanded its Myiute app with iuteMarket, letting customers browse and buy partner products in Albania and North Macedonia without leaving the app.

Bulgaria–North Macedonia Medical Row: Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova says she will contact Skopje and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova on Monday over Iva Mihailova, after a Kočani court again refused permission for her to receive treatment in Bulgaria; Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry warns the delay risks permanent, irreversible injuries and says local care can’t provide the prescribed help. Energy & Security: Kosovo says blocked electricity trading with Serbia cost it over €150m in 2024, while Bulgaria reported a drone carrying explosives crashed near the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, prompting stepped-up surveillance. EU Enlargement Pressure: A new debate is heating up over whether the EU is serious about admitting new members, as candidate states push for faster progress. Skopje Sports Spotlight: Bulgarian judoka won medals at the Skopje Junior European Cup, adding more hardware after Saturday’s gold and bronze haul. Public Health Watch: West Nile virus cases are rising across Europe, with North Macedonia among the affected countries. Local Culture: North Macedonia’s regional ties and culture stay in focus as events and arts programming continue across the Balkans.