AGP Executive Report

Citizenship Reform: The EU says North Macedonia’s proposed tweaks to its investment-for-citizenship rules don’t fully end the “golden passport” practice, noting Skopje would scrap the €400,000 threshold and job-creation requirement but still allow citizenship for people deemed of “special interest.” Aviation & Travel: Eurocontrol reports Europe’s summer skies hit a record 35,959 flights per day (July–August), with North Macedonia among countries seeing strong growth despite Middle East war disruptions. Food Safety Checks: Croatia and Bulgaria blocked and/or destroyed peppers shipped from Albania and North Macedonia after pesticide tests found non-compliant levels. Independence & Diplomacy: North Macedonia marked 35 years since the Declaration of Independence, with international messages and renewed focus on ties abroad. Culture Abroad: North Macedonia’s pavilion is featured at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, where “Balkan Cultures” is the guest-of-honour theme, highlighting cultural cooperation with the Arab world.

Independence Day Cost: North Macedonia’s 35th anniversary celebrations (Sept. 8) reportedly cost 5.5 million euros, with nearly 4.9 million covered by the State Lottery, after questions were raised about who paid and how much the government spent. UAE–Balkans Cultural Ties: The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair opened under UAE President patronage, with “Balkan Culture” as Guest of Honour in collaboration with North Macedonia—an effort to boost cultural dialogue and showcase the country’s heritage to Arab audiences. Health Watch: Reports say West Nile virus cases in North Macedonia have led to eight deaths, with eight patients hospitalized in Skopje. Regional Air Travel: Eurocontrol data shows Europe’s summer skies were busier than ever, with higher flight traffic including North Macedonia during July–August. EUFOR & Independence: North Macedonia’s military contingent in EUFOR marked Independence Day, highlighting the country’s international role. Sports Spotlight: North Macedonia’s striker Bojan Miovski scored for Rangers after coming off the bench, while volleyball coverage notes North Macedonia’s position in the EuroVolley group standings.

Independence Day Costs: North Macedonia’s 35th anniversary celebrations (Sept. 8) reportedly cost 5.5 million euros, with nearly 4.9 million covered by the State Lottery and the rest by “socially responsible” companies, after questions were raised about the spending details. EUFOR & NATO Presence: A North Macedonian military contingent in EUFOR marked Independence Day, while NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples commander visited North Macedonia, underscoring ongoing regional security ties. Health Watch: Skopje hospitals reported eight West Nile virus cases, including deaths rising to eight nationwide. Regional Mobility Dispute: Foreign ministries warn of coordinated EU border blockades by carriers from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sept. 14, with North Macedonia and Montenegro expected to join, affecting land crossings near Schengen. Sports Spotlight: In EuroVolley 2026, Ukraine beat hosts Bulgaria 3-1 and sits top of Group B, while North Macedonia remains winless after two matches. Culture & Books: Abu Dhabi’s 35th International Book Fair opened with “Balkan Culture” as guest of honour in collaboration with North Macedonia.

Volleyball Spotlight: Ukraine beat hosts Bulgaria 3-1 at the Men’s European Volleyball Championship in Sofia, leaving North Macedonia still without points after two matches. Independence Day Costs: North Macedonia’s 35th Independence Day celebrations reportedly cost 5.5 million euros, with nearly 4.9 million covered by the State Lottery, after questions over who paid and how much was spent. Health Watch: North Macedonia reported an 8th death linked to West Nile virus, with eight patients hospitalized in Skopje with neuroinvasive cases. EUFOR & NATO Presence: A North Macedonian military contingent in EUFOR marked Independence Day, while NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples commander visited North Macedonia. Regional Transport Tensions: Foreign carriers and heavy goods vehicles from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina plan border blockades on September 14, with North Macedonia and Montenegro also expected to join. Sports (EuroVolley): Pool B at Arena 8888 in Sofia includes Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Poland, Ukraine, Portugal and Israel as EuroVolley 2026 runs through September 27.

Aviation & Tourism: Eurocontrol says Europe hit record summer air traffic in July–August, averaging 35,959 flights a day and noting higher volumes including North Macedonia, despite Middle East war disruptions. Food Safety: Croatia and Bulgaria blocked over 35 tonnes of peppers linked to Albania and North Macedonia after pesticide tests failed rules, with some loads destroyed and others returned. Independence Day Costs: North Macedonia’s 35th Independence Day celebrations totaled €5.5m, with nearly €4.9m covered by the State Lottery, according to government disclosures. Health: Skopje hospitals reported 8th West Nile virus death and multiple cases, including eight patients hospitalized with neuroinvasive infection. NATO Cooperation: A NATO Joint Force Command Naples delegation visited North Macedonia, meeting senior officials to discuss regional security and training cooperation. EU Border Disruptions: Foreign ministries warn of coordinated EU border blockades by carriers on September 14, with North Macedonia among expected participants. Sports (EuroVolley): The 2026 CEV Men’s EuroVolley pools were set, with North Macedonia in Sofia’s Pool B.

Independence Day Costs: North Macedonia’s 35th anniversary celebrations (Sept. 8) reportedly cost €5.5 million, with nearly €4.9 million covered by the State Lottery and about €650,000 from “socially responsible” companies, after questions about who paid and why the government previously stayed vague. NATO Engagement: A NATO Joint Force Command Naples delegation, led by Admiral George Wikoff, met North Macedonia’s Deputy PM and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski, focusing on regional security, training opportunities, and interoperability. Sports—National Team Link: Swiss forward Noah Okafor says he will not play for Switzerland under coach Murat Yakin, citing a breakdown in trust—while Switzerland’s Nations League opener is set for Sept. 26 against North Macedonia. Regional Mobility Warning: Bulgaria’s foreign ministry warns of coordinated carrier blockades planned for Sept. 14 involving Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and also North Macedonia, urging travelers to check conditions and use alternative routes. Water & Security Debate: Analysis highlights growing pressure on Balkan rivers as a security issue, calling for an EU-backed “Balkan Water Pact” to prevent unilateral water diversions.

Independence Day Spending: North Macedonia’s Independence Day celebrations (Sept. 8) reportedly cost €5.5 million total, with nearly €4.9 million from the State Lottery and about €650,000 from “socially responsible” companies, after earlier questions about who paid and how much. NATO Visit: NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples commander Admiral George Wikoff met North Macedonia’s transport minister Aleksandar Nikoloski, focusing on regional security and training cooperation. Health Watch: Skopje hospitals reported eight cases of neuroinvasive West Nile virus, with deaths also rising in the country. Education Burden: Across the Balkans, schools are using lockers, digital textbooks and lighter routines to reduce heavy schoolbags—parents in North Macedonia say bags can still reach 5–7 kg for early grades. Energy & Jobs: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close on the Štip wind farm, a €180m project and the largest wind investment in North Macedonia, aiming to start construction on further phases. Transport Disruption: Foreign Ministry warns of planned EU border blockades by carriers from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sept. 14, with North Macedonia and Montenegro carriers expected to join.

NATO Spotlight: The commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, Admiral George Wikoff, visited North Macedonia and met Deputy PM/Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski, focusing on regional security, training opportunities, and interoperability with the North Macedonian Army. Sports—EuroVolley Build-Up: The 2026 CEV Men’s EuroVolley runs Sept. 9–26 across four host nations, with North Macedonia in Pool B in Sofia alongside Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, Portugal and Israel. Health—West Nile Update: Skopje hospitals reported eight patients with neuroinvasive West Nile virus, as deaths linked to the virus rise. Energy Investment: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close on the Štip wind farm (131.25 MW), a €180m project backed by major lenders including the EBRD and IFC, aiming for full operation by 2028. Culture & Film: “DJ Ahmet” leads nominations for the Adriatic Film and TV Awards, with North Macedonia among the eligible countries and filmmakers in the running.

Independence & Diplomacy: North Macedonia marked 35 years since independence on September 8, with major public events including a David Guetta stadium concert in Skopje, while foreign leaders sent congratulations and Skopje reiterated its EU path. EU Integration: The foreign minister said North Macedonia is ready to share its EU accession experience with Ukraine and warned against “intimidation” and unilateral concessions during talks. Energy & Investment: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close on the 131.25MW Štip wind farm, a €180m project backed by EBRD/IFC and Erste, aiming for full operation by 2028. Health: Reports say eight patients in Skopje were hospitalized with neuroinvasive West Nile virus, as deaths from the virus rise. Sports (North Macedonia in focus): Bulgaria opened the EuroVolley 2026 in Sofia with a 3-0 win over North Macedonia; in football, Scott McTominay’s successful heart ablation keeps him out of early Scotland Nations League matches including the trip to North Macedonia. Regional Cooperation: North Macedonia’s military contingent in EUFOR Althea celebrated Independence Day alongside international partners.

Health Watch: Skopje’s Infectious Diseases Clinic reports 8 hospitalized patients with neuroinvasive West Nile virus and a new weekend death, bringing fatalities to 8 as cases rise nationwide; authorities have launched intensified mosquito spraying and issued extra guidance for people over 60 and those on immunosuppressive therapy. Independence & Diplomacy: North Macedonia marked 35 years of independence on Sept. 8, with EUFOR Althea noting the country’s Independence Day and multiple leaders sending congratulations, including Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan. EU Path & Ukraine: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski says Skopje is ready to share its EU accession experience with Ukraine and rejects accession “intimidation” or unilateral concessions. Sports (Local Connection): In Sofia, Bulgaria opened EuroVolley 2026 with a 3-0 win over North Macedonia, while the North Macedonian military contingent in EUFOR celebrated Independence Day. Business & Investment: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close on the €180m Štip Wind Farm, targeting full operation by 2028. Culture: The “Maškari Amende” festival returns Sept. 11-12 in Šuto Orizari, celebrating 30 years of the municipality with music and community events.

Independence Day Focus: North Macedonia marked 35 years since independence on September 8 with major public events, including a sold-out David Guetta concert at Toše Proeski Arena and earlier cultural programming; President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova also laid flowers at key leaders’ graves and awarded honours. EU & Neighbours: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski said Skopje is ready to share EU accession experience with Ukraine, stressing reforms without intimidation or unilateral concessions. Health Alert: Skopje’s Infectious Diseases Clinic reports eight hospitalized neuroinvasive West Nile virus cases and an eighth death; authorities have intensified mosquito spraying and emergency measures, especially for people over 60. Energy Transition: North Macedonia has started building battery energy storage systems (BESS), including standalone units and storage integrated with solar plants, to improve returns and market flexibility. Sports & Local Interest: EuroVolley 2026 opens in Sofia with North Macedonia set to play Bulgaria in the tournament’s first match day. Business: TGI Fridays signed a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, planning 10 restaurants across the three markets.

Independence Day Focus: North Macedonia marked 35 years since the Sept. 8, 1991 referendum and declaration of independence, with events across the country and official ceremonies led by President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, including flower-laying at key leaders’ graves and cultural programming. Public Health: Skopje’s Infectious Diseases Clinic reported eight hospitalized cases of neuroinvasive West Nile virus, alongside the weekend’s eighth death; authorities say no new admissions in recent days and have intensified mosquito control and guidance for people over 60. Energy & Industry: Solar Macedonia says construction of battery energy storage systems (BESS) has started, including standalone projects and batteries integrated with solar plants, aimed at improving returns through energy arbitrage. International Ties: Qatar and North Macedonia signed a labour-sector MoU to share expertise, strengthen labour market regulation, and improve working conditions. Sports (Local Interest): Napoli confirmed Scott McTominay’s heart ablation was a “complete success,” with a two-week rest period; he is expected to miss Scotland’s Nations League matches including against North Macedonia. Business (Regional): TGI Fridays signed a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, targeting 10 restaurants across the three markets.

West Nile Virus Update: North Macedonia reports eight neuroinvasive West Nile virus deaths, with eight patients hospitalized at Skopje’s Infectious Diseases Clinic; two are in intensive care and all patients are over 60, prompting intensified emergency measures including mosquito spraying and updated guidance for older and immunosuppressed people. Independence Day 35 Years: North Macedonia marks September 8 as Independence Day with flowers laid at the graves of Kiro Gligorov, Boris Trajkovski and Nikola Kljusev, plus cultural events planned across the month. Energy Transition: Solar Macedonia says construction of battery energy storage systems (BESS) has started, including standalone units and batteries integrated with solar plants to improve market performance and investment returns. Labour Cooperation: Qatar and North Macedonia sign an MoU to strengthen labour-sector cooperation, including exchange of expertise, labour inspection, occupational safety and health, and a joint committee to oversee implementation. Business & Tourism: TGI Fridays™ announces expansion into the Balkans with Devolli Group, including North Macedonia. Sports (Local Interest): Napoli confirms Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay’s successful heart ablation; he will rest two weeks and miss early fixtures, while he’s also set to miss Scotland Nations League matches including against North Macedonia.

Labour & Diplomacy: Qatar’s labour minister met North Macedonia’s top officials in Skopje and the two countries signed a memorandum to boost cooperation in the labour sector, including labour-market expertise, labour inspection, and occupational safety. Economy & Jobs: A new ILO snapshot shows labour productivity remains a Western Balkans challenge, with North Macedonia listed at 34 dollars per hour worked (middle of the regional range). Public Health: North Macedonia confirmed its 8th West Nile virus death, with 58 cases reported so far. Energy: The Vertical Corridor is expanding: North Macedonia’s NOMAGAS and Serbia’s Transportgas joined the initiative, aiming to strengthen cross-border gas flows and supply security from Greece onward. Digital Safety: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse, with risk especially high in Mexico and North Macedonia. Telecom: Makedonski Telekom launched its 5G Standalone (5G+) network, rolling out features in phases.

Energy Security: North Macedonia and Serbia have joined the Vertical Gas Corridor, signing a memorandum in Thessaloniki on Sept. 4 that brings NOMAGAS and Transportgas Serbia into a wider network linking Greece to Central and Southeast Europe. The expansion is aimed at diversification and stronger cross-border gas flows, with officials pointing to the North Macedonia–Greece interconnector and access to LNG supply options. Public Health: West Nile virus deaths in North Macedonia have risen to 8, with 58 cases reported so far; all fatalities were men aged 62–83 with underlying health conditions. Digital Safety: UNICEF says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries suffered tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with social media driving nearly 60% of cases; in North Macedonia, risk is reported as more than eight times higher. Telecom: Makedonski Telekom launched its 5G Standalone (5G+) network in phases, promising lower latency and improved stability for high-density use. Sports: Scott McTominay’s mild benign arrhythmia means he’ll miss over a month for Napoli and Scotland, with a return timeline tied to recovery and fitness work.

Energy Diplomacy: North Macedonia is looking at energy cooperation with Russia, with a focus on stable supplies, agriculture and investment ties, a politician said after the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Gas Infrastructure: The country has joined the Vertical Gas Corridor, formally adding NOMAGAS to the network and strengthening access to southern supply routes via Greece, with a Greece–North Macedonia pipeline planned for 2027 and a separate link to Serbia also in the works. EU/Ukraine Support: In Kyiv, North Macedonia’s FM Timco Mucunski backed US-and-Europe-led diplomacy for a just peace and said Skopje has provided Ukraine with 13 aid packages; Ukraine’s FM Andrii Sybiha also thanked North Macedonia for appointing a special representative for postwar reconstruction. Digital Safety: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries have faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse, including research that includes North Macedonia. Connectivity Deal: 4iG and SpaceX signed agreements for Starlink Mobile in Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus sovereign satellite communications support. Culture & Film: Manaki Brothers 2026 announced its competition lineup, including a Camera 300 opening in Bitola. Sports: Bojan Miovski has sacked his agent amid uncertainty over his Rangers future, while Scott McTominay is set for a minor heart procedure and will miss over a month.