AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy & Identity: Albania’s PM Edi Rama urged the country not to answer a nationalist anthem dispute with nationalism after only North Macedonia’s anthem was played at an event in Pustec, praising the mayor and saying minority rights will be respected. Public Health: North Macedonia reported 38 West Nile fever cases since the start of the year, with four deaths—three in the past week—mostly among people over 60, with most cases around Skopje and all hospitalised. Regional Security: Bulgarian border police detained 35 Afghan nationals in a van near the border; the driver is a 22-year-old North Macedonian, and authorities say migrants can be held up to seven days in screening centres under new rules. EU Integration: North Macedonia is among eight non-EU countries aligning with EU restrictive measures against Belarus, following EU sanctions tied to support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Culture & Film: Macedonian director Milcho Manchevski discussed his Sarajevo documentary “Good People,” built around survivors’ accounts of the Kočani nightclub disaster, aiming to keep the film austere and survivor-centred. Media & Licensing: Small World IFT and Catalyst secured an exclusive sales agency deal for Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro, as the region moves to crack down on unlicensed TV programming. Sports: Montenegro’s Nikola Vucevic reflected on his national team career and retirement ceremony after a key FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifying win; meanwhile, North Macedonia’s West Nile situation remains the week’s biggest health headline.

West Nile Alert: North Macedonia’s health ministry reports 38 confirmed West Nile fever cases this year, with four deaths—three in the past week—most patients aged 60+ and largely linked to the Skopje area, as authorities intensify mosquito-control and public protection efforts. EU Sanctions Alignment: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says North Macedonia is among eight non-EU countries committing to align with EU restrictive measures against Belarus tied to Russia’s war. Diplomacy: North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Macinka says “national interests” must anchor foreign policy, while Skopje names career diplomat Krum Efremov as the next ambassador to Bulgaria. Energy Deal: Kosovo and North Macedonia’s state energy companies sign a three-year coal agreement for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq mine at €24.40 per tonne to support power generation. EU Growth Plan: Albania leads Western Balkans EU Growth Plan funding so far, with North Macedonia in the group behind—payments depend on reform progress. Culture & Film: Teona Mitevska announces a sequel to “God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya,” and Dina Duma’s “Skateboarding Is Not for Girls” competes at Sarajevo after earlier recognition.

EU Funding Watch: Albania has received the most money so far under the EU’s Western Balkans Growth Plan (€212m by May 2026), with Serbia (€168m) and North Macedonia (€141m) next; payments hinge on completing reforms tied to rule of law and public institutions. West Nile Alert: North Macedonia reports 38 confirmed West Nile fever cases since the start of the year, with four deaths—three in the past week—most infections near Skopje and among people over 60; health authorities say mosquito-control and public protection efforts are being intensified. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski says career diplomat Krum Efremov will be North Macedonia’s new ambassador to Bulgaria, as Skopje and Sofia keep discussing issues linked to European integration. Energy Deal: Kosovo and North Macedonia’s state energy firms sign a three-year coal agreement for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq mine at €24.40 per tonne to support power generation. Border Traffic: Heavy traffic is reported at Kalotina (cars to Serbia) and Kapitan Andreevo (trucks outbound to Türkiye), while crossings with Romania and Greece are normal. Culture & Sports: The Mediterranean Games open Friday in Taranto, Italy, with North Macedonia set to face Türkiye in women’s volleyball before the official opening.

West Nile Alert: North Macedonia’s health ministry reports 38 confirmed West Nile fever cases since the start of the year, with four deaths—three in the past week—most patients hospitalized and most cases clustered around Skopje, as authorities step up mosquito-control and public protection efforts. Drug Bust: Greek police dismantled a smuggling network moving raw cannabis hidden inside specially built compartments in recyclable paper shipments from Albania toward Turkey via Greece; two suspects were arrested near Thessaloniki, with a third still at large, and investigators say the group used a professional, hierarchical structure. Diplomacy & EU Alignment: North Macedonia is among eight non-EU countries aligning with the EU’s latest sanctions against Belarus over support for Russia’s war, committing to conform national policies to the July 23 measures. Energy Deal: Kosovo and North Macedonia’s state energy companies signed a three-year coal agreement for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq mine at €24.40 per tonne to support additional electricity generation. Culture & Film: Macedonian director Teona Mitevska is preparing a sequel to “God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya,” while Milcho Manchevski’s documentary “Good People” screens at Sarajevo, focusing on the Kočani Pulse nightclub tragedy.

EU Sanctions Alignment: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway and Ukraine agreed to align with the EU’s latest Belarus sanctions, expanding limits on military-tech goods and crypto-related services. Diplomacy: North Macedonia named career diplomat Krum Efremov as its new ambassador to Bulgaria, as Skopje stresses ongoing dialogue with Sofia on EU integration issues. Energy Deal: Kosovo and North Macedonia’s state energy companies signed a three-year coal deal for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq mine at €24.40 per tonne, pending selection of a contractor. Public Health Watch: West Nile virus cases are rising in Greece and across Europe; North Macedonia is listed among affected countries, while authorities urge mosquito-bite precautions. Travel and Trade: Heavy traffic was reported at the Kapitan Andreevo and Kalotina border checkpoints, with ferry services suspended on low Danube levels. Culture & Film: Teona Mitevska is preparing a sequel to “God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya,” and Igor Aleksov has begun shooting “The Secret of the Bare Hill.”

Diplomacy: North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski named career diplomat Krum Efremov as the new ambassador to Bulgaria, stressing ongoing Skopje–Sofia dialogue on European integration issues. Energy: Kosovo and North Macedonia state energy companies signed a three-year coal deal for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq mine, priced at €24.40 per tonne, to support additional power generation once a contractor is chosen. EU alignment: North Macedonia joined eight non-EU countries aligning with the EU’s latest sanctions against Belarus over support for Russia’s war, expanding restrictions on military-tech goods and crypto-related services. Culture & film: Teona Mitevska is preparing a sequel to “God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya,” with “Petra Doesn’t Want to Die” set to continue the story through a new, darker plot. Public safety: A documentary on the Kočani Pulse nightclub tragedy highlights how an unlicensed venue and missing safety measures contributed to the 2025 disaster. Travel & borders: Heavy traffic was reported at Kalotina and Kapitan Andreevo border crossings, with ferry services affected by low Danube water levels.

Border Watch: Heavy traffic is building at Kalotina (Serbia) for passenger cars and at Kapitan Andreevo (Türkiye) for outbound trucks, with the Border Police reporting the situation as of early morning. Film & Culture: Macedonian director Igor Aleksov has begun shooting “The Secret of the Bare Hill,” a thriller-drama blending horror and fantasy, with an international cast led by Anastasija Lasovska. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Petr Macinka is set to visit Ohrid and Skopje, meeting top officials and taking part in a digitalization and cybersecurity seminar, plus opening a gathering of heads of North Macedonia’s diplomatic missions. Public Safety: The Bangladesh Embassy in Bucharest warns Bangladeshis in Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Moldova to be careful with social media posts, especially on religion, politics, and security topics. Health: West Nile virus is surging in Greece, with Attica accounting for 70% of cases and nine deaths reported so far—ECDC urges mosquito-bite prevention across Europe. Environment: In Sar Mountain National Park, infrastructure tied to two abandoned small hydropower projects (Pena 84 and Pena 85) is being dismantled to help restore the valley.

Sports & Culture: Nearly 200 hikers from Serbia, Bulgaria and North Macedonia took part in the 13th International Ascent of Mount Crnook near Bosilegrad, honoring Nenad Aleksandrov, with a 23 km route, summit at 1,881 m, and folk performances after the climb. Environment & Local Policy: In Sar Mountain National Park, dismantling work has started to remove leftover infrastructure from two planned small hydropower projects (Pena 84 and Pena 85), as authorities move to restore the disturbed Leshnica Valley. EU & Foreign Affairs: North Macedonia is among countries aligning with the EU’s updated sanctions against Iran, joining Ukraine and eight others in extending restrictions tied to Iran’s military support for Russia and regional armed-group activity. Public Health: The EU health agency ECDC warns West Nile virus is spreading across Europe, urging people to protect themselves from mosquito bites as new local transmission areas emerge. Regional Mobility: Border traffic is heavy at Kalotina (Serbia) and Kapitan Andreevo (Türkiye), while some Danube ferry services are suspended due to low water levels.

Hydropower vs nature in Sar Mountain: In North Macedonia’s Sar Mountain National Park, crews are dismantling and removing leftover infrastructure from two unfinished small hydropower projects (Pena 84 and Pena 85) in the Leshnica Valley, part of a wider push to restore the disturbed river landscape. EU foreign policy: North Macedonia has joined a wider European alignment extending EU sanctions against Iran, alongside Ukraine and eight other countries, citing Iran’s military support for Russia and regional armed-group activity. Diplomacy in the region: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic met new ambassadors from Austria, Germany, Algeria, South Korea and Kazakhstan, including discussion of Serbia’s EU path and ties with Germany and Austria. Public health alert: The EU health agency ECDC is urging protection against West Nile virus as the mosquito-borne threat expands across Europe, with new local transmission areas reported in multiple countries. Travel and borders: Heavy traffic was reported at Kalotina (Serbia) and Kapitan Andreevo (Türkiye) border crossings, while some Danube ferry services were temporarily suspended due to low water levels. Sports (North Macedonia-linked): Hibernian’s European run continues after their North Macedonia trip against Shkendija, and Scotland confirmed Sebastien Pocognoli as the new national team head coach.

Sports Spotlight: Hibernian’s “fantastic week” keeps rolling after a gritty 1-0 Premier Sports Cup win over Partick Thistle at Easter Road, with Owen Elding scoring early and Raphael Sallinger holding firm as Hibs push on to the quarter-finals and immediately turn attention to their UEFA Conference League playoff first leg vs Gent. EU & Foreign Policy: North Macedonia is among nine countries aligning with the EU’s extended sanctions against Iran over alleged military support for Russia, with the EU saying partners must fully match their national policies to the restrictions. Diplomatic/Legal Tension: Bulgaria has prepared a diplomatic protest note over the case of dual citizen Iva Mihaylova in North Macedonia, after a court refused her exit for medical treatment; Bulgarian officials say they’re using all communication channels and providing consular support. Local Economy & Safety: Bulgaria’s food safety agency says 11.6 tonnes of peppers imported from North Macedonia were sent back after pesticide residues were found above permitted levels. Youth Sport: Croatia won FIBA U16 EuroBasket Division B 2026, with eight standout players named, including MVP Luka Leni Ukic. Football Talent Link: New Raiders defender Richard Brown is on a 15-day trial with newly promoted FK Skopje in North Macedonia’s First League.

Iran Executions Condemned: More than 30 countries, including North Macedonia, issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s executions of people involved in earlier protests, calling for an end to the death penalty and the release of those arbitrarily detained. EU Sanctions Expand: North Macedonia joined Ukraine and eight other countries in aligning national policies with the EU’s extended sanctions against Iran, tied to Tehran’s military support for Russia and its backing of armed groups in the Middle East and Red Sea. Ohrid Agreement at 25: Coverage marks the 25th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, highlighting its role in peace, coexistence, and building institutions for a multiethnic civic state. Diplomatic Medical Dispute: Bulgaria prepared a protest note over the case of Iva Mihaylova in North Macedonia, after a court refused her exit for treatment; Bulgaria says it is using all communication channels and providing consular support. Sports (Local Interest): New Raiders defender Richard Brown is on a 15-day trial with FK Skopje, while Hibs’ European run continues after their North Macedonia tie with Shkendija set up a playoff against Gent.

Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: Greek police say they dismantled a Turkish-Albanian cannabis network, arresting two foreign nationals and identifying a third wanted suspect after drugs were allegedly hidden inside paper shipments for recycling on freight routes through Greece. Diplomacy & Health Rights: Bulgaria is preparing a protest note over the case of dual citizen Iva Mihaylova, saying her documents were confiscated and she was denied access to treatment in Bulgaria; Bulgarian officials also insist they are using all communication channels with North Macedonia. EU Sanctions Alignment: North Macedonia is among countries aligning with an EU decision adding people to Iran-related restrictive measures, signaling policy conformity with the bloc’s sanctions list. Regional Peace Milestone: Multiple pieces mark 25 years since the Ohrid Framework Agreement, highlighting it as a turning point for dialogue, coexistence, and institutional rights in North Macedonia. Sports (Skopje Focus): Hibernian advanced in the UEFA Conference League after a 0-0 draw with Shkendija in Skopje, setting up a play-off against Belgian side Gent. Public Health Watch: Greece reports a sharp rise in West Nile virus cases and deaths, with authorities stepping up mosquito-control efforts, a reminder for the wider region.

EU Sanctions Alignment: Nine European countries, including North Macedonia, aligned with the EU’s latest sanctions decision on Iran, following an EU Council move adding six people/entities to the restrictive measures list. Humanitarian-Diplomatic Pressure: Bulgaria escalated the Iva Mihaylova case with a protest note after a North Macedonian court refused her exit for treatment; Bulgarian officials say they’re using all communication channels, while Bulgarian MEPs warn of serious humanitarian and rule-of-law concerns. Court Case at Home: North Macedonia’s prosecutors charged former First Deputy PM Artan Grubi and seven others over alleged abuse of office tied to the purchase of video lottery terminals that were reportedly illegal to operate, costing the State Lottery over €8.2m. Sports—Europe on the Line: Hibernian secured a Conference League play-off spot after a 0-0 draw with Shkendija in Skopje, setting up a tie against Gent; the club also faces a tight schedule and heat-management challenge. Public Health Watch: Greece reported a sharp West Nile virus rise (45 new cases, 9 deaths), with Athens stepping up mosquito-control measures. Food Safety: Bulgaria’s food safety agency ordered the return of an 11.6-ton shipment of peppers from North Macedonia after pesticide residues exceeded permitted levels.

Diplomatic Tension: Bulgaria has prepared a protest note over the case of dual citizen Iva Mihaylova in North Macedonia, after a Kocani court refused to let her leave for treatment; Bulgarian officials say they’re using all communication channels and that consular help and talks between foreign ministries are ongoing. EU Human Rights Pressure: Bulgarian MEPs have urged EU leadership to act, alleging systemic judicial problems and highlighting the humanitarian risk of her spinal condition. Ohrid Anniversary: North Macedonia marked 25 years since the Ohrid Framework Agreement, with officials stressing it as an institutional responsibility and a foundation for civic equality, dialogue, and coexistence. Food Safety at the Border: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency returned 11.6 tonnes of peppers from North Macedonia after detecting pesticide residues above permitted levels, with intensified checks continuing. Sports—European Football: Hibernian advanced in the UEFA Conference League after a 0-0 draw with Shkendija in Skopje, setting up a play-off against Gent. Public Health—Regional Watch: Greece reported a significant West Nile virus rise, with 45 new cases and nine deaths, prompting stepped-up mosquito control in Athens.

UEFA Conference League: Hibernian held firm in Skopje, grinding out a 0-0 draw with Shkendija to win 2-1 on aggregate and set up a play-off against Belgian side Gent. Match fallout: Shkendija coach Artim Pollozhani said an injury to forward Marko Gjorgjievski “significantly disrupted” their plans, even as Hibs’ David Gray praised the team’s discipline in brutal heat. Local politics & justice: Prosecutors in Skopje charged former First Deputy PM Artan Grubi and seven others over alleged abuse of office tied to illegal video lottery terminals, with the State Lottery reportedly losing more than €8.2m. Human rights & diplomacy: Bulgarian MEPs urged EU action over Iva Mihailova’s denied access to medical treatment abroad, while EU and allies condemned Iran executions—prompting Iran’s foreign minister to accuse France and others of hypocrisy. Ohrid Agreement anniversary: North Macedonia marked 25 years since the Ohrid Framework Agreement, with officials calling it an ongoing institutional responsibility. Public health: Greece reported a significant West Nile virus rise, with Athens stepping up fumigation after nine deaths. Culture: Macedonian director Milcho Manchevski premiered the documentary “Good People” at the Sarajevo Film Festival, based on the 2025 Pulse nightclub tragedy.

Conference League Drama in Skopje: Hibernian ground out a 0-0 draw with Shkendija in blistering heat to win 2-1 on aggregate and set up a play-off against Belgian side Gent, keeping their hopes of a historic European group-stage run alive. EU & Human Rights Pressure: Bulgarian MEPs have urged EU leaders to act over what they call North Macedonia’s denial of urgent medical treatment for Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen Iva Mihailova, citing court decisions and alleged systemic judicial problems. Ohrid Agreement at 25: North Macedonia marked the 25th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, with officials stressing it as an ongoing institutional responsibility for inclusion, equitable representation and trust between communities. Journalism Under Threat: EU-backed media partner EUalive condemned death threats against journalist Erol Rizaov, calling for investigations into online calls for violence. Skopje Water Panic: Skopje’s mayor moved to calm rumours of contaminated tap water, accusing political opponents of spreading misinformation and saying spring access is tightly controlled. Health Watch: Greece reported a significant rise in West Nile virus cases, with nine deaths, prompting increased fumigation in Athens.