AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy in Doha: Qatar and North Macedonia held political talks and signed three agreements, including political consultations, diplomatic training, and visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic/special/official passports. Foreign Policy Meetings: North Macedonia’s FM Timcho Mucunski also met with Qatar’s PM and foreign affairs leadership during the visit, focusing on bilateral cooperation. Sports — EuroBasket: North Macedonia beat Luxembourg 80–66 in the EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers, but Luxembourg’s campaign ended as only the best second-placed team advanced. Defense Industry: Turkey’s MKE BORAN 105mm howitzer was exported to Albania, North Macedonia’s second NATO customer in Europe, with deliveries of six systems and ammunition under a NATO-member-to-NATO-member agreement. Energy — Gas Link: Greece and North Macedonia reaffirmed the Greece–North Macedonia natural gas interconnector schedule, targeting completion in 2027. Tech & Security: A new malware loader, SharkLoader, has been linked to attacks that reached victims including North Macedonia, using fake installers to deliver Cobalt Strike. Local Business/Logistics: Serbia’s Post plans a major logistics and warehouse complex at Constantine the Great Airport in Nis, aiming to speed deliveries across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia. Culture & Film: At Munich’s 43rd International Film Festival, Jaume Claret Muxart’s Strange River won the CineCoPro Award.

Diplomacy in Doha: North Macedonia’s FM Timcho Mucunski met Qatar’s PM and foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, reviewing bilateral cooperation. Political talks & deals: Qatar and North Macedonia also held talks in Doha that led to three agreements on political consultations, diplomatic training, and visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic/special/official passports. Foreign policy meetings: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and the foreign ministry team continued bilateral engagement with Qatar during the visit. Energy infrastructure: Greece and North Macedonia reaffirmed the gas pipeline schedule, with the Greece–North Macedonia interconnector expected to be completed in 2027. Sports—basketball: North Macedonia kept its FIBA EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifying momentum, beating Ireland 77-56 in Skopje to qualify for the next phase. Sports—tennis: Vladyslav Orlov reached the WTT M25 final in Skopje after a comeback win; local player Kalini Ivanovski awaits in the final. Business & logistics: Qatar took part in a sustainability forum in Skopje, while Serbia’s Post announced plans for a major logistics hub that would serve the Western Balkans including North Macedonia. Integrity & institutions: A local think tank warned about an “integrity crisis” as institutions meant to uphold ethics fail to do so.

Qatar–North Macedonia Diplomacy: Doha hosted talks between Qatar’s FM State Minister Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi and North Macedonia’s Timcho Mucunski, ending with three agreements on political consultations, diplomatic training, and visa-free travel for diplomatic/special/official passport holders. Sustainability Forum in Skopje: Qatar also took part in a Skopje forum on turning sustainability into a competitive advantage, with PM Hristijan Mickoski and UN officials discussing resilient institutions and tougher global challenges. Energy Infrastructure: Greece and North Macedonia confirmed the gas interconnector schedule, targeting completion in 2027 and stressing regional energy security and diversified supply routes via Greece. Sports (Tennis): Vladyslav Orlov reached the WTT M25 final in Skopje after a comeback win, where he will face North Macedonia’s Kalini Ivanovski. Sports (Basketball): North Macedonia beat Ireland 77-56 in EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers, staying perfect in Group A. Tech & Security: Researchers flagged “SharkLoader” malware delivering Cobalt Strike Beacon, with reported victims including North Macedonia. EU Integration Pressure: Western Balkan states face possible EU Growth Plan funding losses if they miss reform deadlines, including North Macedonia’s reform-track scrutiny. Telecom Update: A1 North Macedonia began switching off its 3G network, starting with Kavadarci and Probistip on 6 July.

Foreign Policy & EU Tensions: Two years into PM Hristijan Mickoski’s rule, coverage argues his foreign policy has driven isolation and escalated anti-Bulgarian rhetoric, built around claims the EU’s “French Proposal” can be renegotiated. Energy Infrastructure: Greece and North Macedonia reaffirm the gas interconnector schedule, targeting completion in 2027, with Skopje set to gain diversified supply routes via Greece. EU Accession & Funding: Western Balkans governments face possible loss of Growth Plan money if reforms aren’t proven by July 15, with North Macedonia among those under scrutiny. Elections & Diaspora Voting: Parliament debate on a new election law stalls after thousands of amendments, as opposition warns diaspora e-voting could enable fraud. Media & Integrity: A think-tank says North Macedonia’s integrity crisis is visible when institutions meant to uphold ethics fail to do so. Sports: North Macedonia’s basketball qualifiers continue with the national team advancing in EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers. Business & Travel: Qatar participates in a sustainability forum in Skopje, while BlaBlaCar expands further across Europe including North Macedonia.

Digital Media & Trust: A new SEENPM/UNESCO-backed study says social media platforms have become the key gatekeepers for news across Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye, shaping what audiences see and how media can be regulated. Mobility & Travel: BlaBlaCar expands its carpooling network to 20 new countries, including North Macedonia, building on strong growth in India and rolling out further services across Southeast Asia. Energy Infrastructure: Greece and North Macedonia confirm the Greece–North Macedonia gas interconnector stays on schedule for completion in 2027, aiming to diversify supplies and strengthen regional energy security. EU Accession & Funding: Western Balkan governments face possible losses of EU Growth Plan money if reform targets aren’t met by July 15, with North Macedonia among those tied to the 2024–2027 funding cycle. Politics & Elections: Parliament debate on a new election law is rocked by thousands of amendments over diaspora e-voting and concerns about safeguards and fairness. Sports: North Macedonia advances in FIBA EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers after beating Ireland 77-56, keeping a perfect run in Group A. Cybersecurity: Researchers warn of SharkLoader malware campaigns reaching victims including North Macedonia, using fake installers to deliver further attacks. Public Integrity: A think tank and civil groups renew criticism that integrity failures in institutions are eroding North Macedonia’s ethical standards.

EU Accession & Funding: Hungary agreed to open another EU accession cluster for Ukraine but keeps opposing any fast-track push, while the EU is also set to reallocate Western Balkans Growth Plan money toward “frontrunners” including North Macedonia, as reform deadlines tighten. Government & Democracy: North Macedonia’s election law debate stalled after thousands of amendments over diaspora e-voting and integrity concerns, with electronic voting disputed on safety and fairness. EU-Turkey Payments: Turkey submitted a letter of intent to join SEPA, the euro payments system that could cut transfer costs and speed cross-border payments, with North Macedonia already among SEPA candidates. Sports: North Macedonia advanced in FIBA EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers, beating Ireland 77-56 in Skopje and staying perfect. Business & Mobility: A1 began phasing out its 3G network in Kavadarci and Probistip, and Qatar joined a Skopje forum on sustainability and resilient institutions. Tech & Security: Researchers flagged SharkLoader malware spreading via fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers, with reported victims including North Macedonia. Tourism & Culture: Vietnam Day in Skopje drew nearly 300 visitors, and a travel piece highlights North Macedonia’s rising visitor numbers and new UK direct flights.

EU Accession & Funding: The European Commission is set to redistribute Western Balkans Growth Plan money toward “frontrunners” like North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania, while others risk losing cash over missed reform deadlines. Integrity & Governance: A local think-tank warns North Macedonia’s ethical standards are being eroded when institutions meant to uphold integrity fail to do so. EU-Turkey Payments: Turkey has submitted a letter of intent to join SEPA, the euro payments system that could cut the cost and speed up transfers between Turkey and Europe; the EU says candidate countries including North Macedonia could benefit. Politics & Elections: Parliament’s election-law debate hit a wall after thousands of amendments over diaspora e-voting and party financing rules. Sports: North Macedonia beat Ireland 77-56 in EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers, staying unbeaten and moving closer to the next phase. Weather & Disruption: A storm flooded Skopje streets, including Srbija Boulevard, causing major traffic chaos. Business & Tourism: Vero Holding announced new retail expansion plans in North Macedonia and Serbia; a travel piece highlights rising visitor interest, boosted by direct UK flights. Tech & Kids: UNICEF says children are adopting AI far faster than safeguards can keep up, with North Macedonia among surveyed countries.

Basketball & EuroBasket Qualifiers: North Macedonia kept rolling in FIBA EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers, beating Ireland 77-56 in Skopje to move to 5-0 and book the next phase, with Jakimovski leading the way (19 points, 13 rebounds). EU Accession Funding: The EU is set to reallocate Western Balkans Reform and Growth Facility money toward “frontrunner” states—Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia—after missed reform deadlines, with payments tied to implementation. EU Progress & Minority Rights: A deregistered Bulgarian cultural group in Bitola urged Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski to “tell the truth” about an European Parliament report, arguing it supports constitutional recognition and stronger minority-rights protections. Telecom Upgrade: A1 North Macedonia began shutting down its 3G network, with Kavadarci and Probistip switching off on 6 July. Storm Disruptions: Heavy rain flooded parts of Skopje on July 1, turning Srbija Boulevard into a waterlogged bottleneck and causing major traffic chaos. AI & Children: UNICEF says children are adopting AI tools more than three times faster than adults, warning that online protections are not keeping up.

Government reshuffle: North Macedonia PM Hristijan Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle after coalition talks, adding the Democratic Party of Turks with a minister without portfolio and scrapping the deputy PM post for good governance, while keeping VMRO-DPMNE in control of key ministries. EU funding push: The EU plans to reallocate part of Western Balkans reform money toward accession frontrunners—Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia—under the Reform and Growth Facility rules. Storm damage in Skopje: A strong summer storm hit Skopje on July 1, flooding major roads like Srbija Boulevard, trapping commuters in traffic chaos and forcing police diversions. Public health update: Europe’s West Nile virus situation shows three locally acquired human cases so far, including one in North Macedonia (Vardarski), with no deaths reported. Regional sport: Luxembourg’s men’s basketball team faces Azerbaijan first, then North Macedonia in crucial European Championship qualifiers. Culture and media: The Harlequin International Youth Media Festival wrapped up in Sofia, with North Macedonia among participating countries. International spotlight: “Fjord,” a Palme d’Or winner with North Macedonia in its regional coproduction network, qualified for the Oscars’ international feature category.

Government Reshuffle: North Macedonia PM Hristijan Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle after coalition talks, adding the Democratic Party of Turks with a minister without portfolio and keeping VMRO-DPMNE in control of key ministries; the deputy PM post for good governance is scrapped and its duties move into the PM’s cabinet. Severe Weather: A strong summer storm hit Skopje on July 1, with trees down and streets flooded—especially on Srbija Boulevard—turning roads into impassable water and triggering major traffic chaos. Basketball Qualifiers: Luxembourg’s men’s team plays Azerbaijan first, then North Macedonia on Sunday in crucial European Championship pre-qualifiers, with North Macedonia topping the group. Health Watch: West Nile virus monitoring shows North Macedonia reported one human case in Vardarski (MK001) as of June 24, alongside Italy’s two cases, with all patients hospitalised and no deaths reported. Wimbledon Spotlight: Serena Williams lost in the first round of her singles return, while Iga Swiatek advanced after surviving a scare; Amanda Anisimova also won, beating North Macedonia’s Lina Gjorcheska. Regional Film News: Latido Films is picking up Srđan Dragojević’s regional coproduction “International Women’s Day / Osmi mart,” shot from August 2026 and including North Macedonia among partners.

Government Reshuffle: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski has unveiled a proposed new cabinet lineup after coalition talks with Vlen and ZNAM, including Sašo Klekovski as Health Minister, Djoko Velkovski leading the new Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, and Ivan Stoiljkovic taking over Local Self-Government, while the deputy prime minister post for good governance is set to be abolished. Anti-Corruption: Police in Stip arrested a 39-year-old university lecturer at Goce Delcev University on bribery suspicions, alleging he demanded EUR 300 from a student for an extra exam and was caught after receiving marked money. Wimbledon Spotlight (Local Link): At Wimbledon, North Macedonia’s Lina Gjorcheska lost to Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 6-2, while defending champion Iga Swiatek advanced after surviving a scare against Taylor Townsend 6-1, 2-6, 6-3. Regional Transparency: A new BIRN report says Freedom of Information requests are rising across the Western Balkans, but access is still routinely blocked through delays and administrative barriers, with North Macedonia included among the countries studied. Wildlife Crime: Serbia’s eastern imperial eagle “Feliks” returned home after being poached, illegally sold, and rescued in a cross-border operation—highlighting the growing illegal animal trade.

Wimbledon Spotlight: Defending champion Iga Swiatek survived a major scare to beat Taylor Townsend 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 and reach the second round, while last year’s runner-up Amanda Anisimova also advanced after a 6-3, 6-2 win over North Macedonian qualifier Lina Gjorcheska. North Macedonia in Sports: Gjorcheska’s Wimbledon debut ended in defeat, but she made history as the first player from her country to reach the main draw. Local Justice: Police in Stip arrested a 39-year-old university lecturer at Goce Delcev University on bribery suspicions, alleging he demanded EUR 300 from a student for an extra exam and was caught after receiving marked money. Culture & Community: A photo exhibition called “Inspirations” opened in Europe House Bitola, featuring Cities of Culture from 2025—Chemnitz, Nova Gorica and Gorizia—running through July 5. Freedom of Information: A new BIRN report says FoI access is still routinely blocked across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia, despite more requests being filed. Wildlife Rescue: The Serbian eagle “Feliks,” tracked across North Macedonia and the region before being seized by traffickers, has returned safely after a complex cross-border rescue.

Government Reshuffle: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski says VMRO-DPMNE and coalition partners VLEN and ZNAM have reached an agreement in principle on changes to the cabinet, with new ministers’ names due Tuesday after VMRO-DPMNE’s executive meeting. NATO Summit: Parliamentary leaders meeting in Istanbul urged stronger defense, tighter alliance unity, and continued support for Ukraine, stressing resilience and protection of sovereignty. US Sanctions: The US sanctioned 131 people and entities across the Western Balkans, with Serbia the most affected (49 names) and North Macedonia listed among those targeted. Heat Wave Watch: The Balkans remain on alert for extreme temperatures, with health warnings and wildfire response as Europe’s record heat moves east. Culture & Memory: North Macedonia mourns music legend Vlado Janevski, whose songs and Eurovision appearance left a lasting mark on the country’s pop scene. Sports (Local Link): Wimbledon Day Two highlights include Serena Williams’ return, while a separate report notes Hearts winger Rogers Mato’s push to make an impact after his move from North Macedonia’s FK Vardar.

Government Reshuffle: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski says a principle agreement is in place on changes to the coalition government, with new minister names expected to be announced Tuesday after VMRO-DPMNE’s Executive Committee meeting. NATO Summit Focus: Parliamentary leaders meeting at NATO’s Istanbul summit urged stronger defense capabilities, tighter allied unity, and continued support for Ukraine, with Bulgaria’s Mihaela Dotsova stressing modernization and collective security. Local Politics & Identity: Albanians in Tetovo protested a Constitutional Court ruling that could reverse street and square names, including a possible return to Marshall Tito Square, after a 2007 decision was struck down. Public Life & Health: The region is bracing for extreme heat and wildfire risk as Europe’s record heat wave moves east, with health warnings issued across the Balkans. US Sanctions: The US sanctioned 131 people and entities across the Western Balkans, including 12 in North Macedonia, targeting alleged organized crime, corruption, terrorism and sanctions evasion. Culture & Loss: North Macedonia mourns music legend Vlado Janevski, whose death after a short illness in Skopje sparked tributes nationwide.

Heatwave Watch: The Balkans stayed on alert for extreme temperatures as Europe’s record-breaking heat wave moved east, with authorities warning of dangerous conditions and wildfires; in the region, temperatures were expected to reach around 38–40°C in places, while firefighters worked to contain blazes. Border Deal: Albania and North Macedonia signed an agreement to speed up crossings with a “One Stop” joint border control at Qafe Thane (later this month) and Blate (next month), aiming to cut waiting times and boost trade and travel. US Sanctions: The US listed 131 people and entities across the Western Balkans, including 12 from North Macedonia, targeting alleged organised crime, corruption, terrorism, destabilisation and sanctions-evasion links. Local Governance: Skopje Mayor visited Israel’s MUNI EXPO to study practical crisis management and city services, including emergency preparedness and water/traffic systems. Sports: Wimbledon spotlighted Serena Williams’ return, while Scotland’s World Cup exit triggered a search for a new head coach after Steve Clarke resigned.

Heat & Health: Europe’s extreme heat wave is still pushing records, with warnings extending across the region and health risks rising for vulnerable people. Border Efficiency: Albania and North Macedonia signed an agreement to introduce a “One Stop” joint border control at Qafe Thane (later this month) and Blate (next month) to cut waiting times and speed up travel and trade. Local Resilience: Skopje Mayor visited Israel to study how cities handle crises, from emergency preparedness to water and traffic management. Diplomatic Tensions: North Macedonia’s Foreign Ministry says Bulgaria is being asked to clarify facts after a diplomatic note about the PM’s family visit was made public, with both sides trading statements. Sanctions Watch: The US sanctioned 131 Western Balkan targets, including 12 in North Macedonia, citing alleged organised crime, corruption, terrorism links and efforts to bypass restrictions. Culture & Community: Tetovo protests a court ruling that could reverse Albanian street and square names; meanwhile, Muharram “Ashure” mourning rituals are being revived across the Balkans. Sports: Scotland’s coach Steve Clarke resigned after World Cup exit; Scotland’s next Nations League games include North Macedonia.