AGP Executive Report

Retail & Jobs: JYSK says it will buy out its franchise partner to bring its stores and employees in Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia under its own organisation, with the takeover expected to start 1 January 2027 after approvals. Economy & Work: A World Bank report argues North Macedonia can boost growth and create more and better-paid jobs through reforms in governance, private enterprise and workforce skills, warning that without action growth could slow to about 2.4% annually by 2050. EU Accession & Diplomacy: Brussels is preparing for a new enlargement phase, with the European Commission reviewing how EU institutions and decision-making should adapt; meanwhile, Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova says Sofia is open to talks with North Macedonia without ultimatums, while linking progress to EU values and specific unresolved issues. Energy Poverty: OECD figures show energy poverty remains high in the region, with North Macedonia at 23% of households unable to keep homes warm, alongside much higher rates in Albania and Kosovo. Culture & History: The return of Tsar Samuel’s remains to Bulgaria after more than 1,000 years sparked fresh debate tied to shared history and regional politics, with North Macedonia media framing it as pressure in the wider dispute. Sports (Skopje): Scotland beat North Macedonia 2-0 in the Nations League, with Andy Robertson and Kieron Bowie highlighted as the match’s key moments.

EU Enlargement Talks: Ursula von der Leyen pushed North Macedonia and Bulgaria toward fresh talks to unblock Skopje’s EU path, urging direct engagement in Sofia after Sofia demanded constitutional changes and recognition of Bulgarians as a community. Diplomacy & Heritage: Bulgaria received Tsar Samuel’s remains from Greece with state honours, a move that angered North Macedonia and reignited disputes over shared history. Migration & Jobs: Germany plans to cut work-visa approvals for Western Balkans from 50,000 to 25,000 per year from 2027, raising concerns for sectors like construction that rely on foreign workers. Energy Poverty: OECD data shows 38% of Albanian households and 40% in Kosovo can’t keep homes warm; North Macedonia’s figure is 23%, highlighting the region’s heating affordability crisis. Security & Rights: Turkish police records reportedly profiled 207 university students over alleged Gülen links tied to relatives, adding to scrutiny of Ankara’s crackdown. Football (Skopje): Scotland beat North Macedonia 2-0 in the Nations League, with Andy Robertson and Kieron Bowie starring as the new Scotland coach Sebastien Pocognoli got his first win.

EU Accession Deadlock: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski in Skopje and urged direct talks with Bulgaria next week, saying Skopje can move “rapidly” once the dispute is lifted—while reiterating that constitutional recognition of the Bulgarian minority is required. Bulgaria’s Position: Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova said Sofia is open to talks without ultimatums, but stressed North Macedonia must align with EU enlargement policy and resolve outstanding issues. Historical Row Escalates: Bulgaria received the remains of Tsar Samuel from Greece in a major state ceremony in Sofia, a move that angered Skopje and reignited claims over shared history. Energy Security: An energy expert said Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia are leaders in oil-crisis preparedness, citing existing legislation and physical stocks ahead of an Oil Forum in Belgrade. Sports—Nations League: Scotland’s Sebastien Pocognoli earned his first win as they beat North Macedonia 2-0 in Skopje, with Andy Robertson and Kieron Bowie among the standouts.

EU Accession Talks: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski in Skopje and urged direct talks with Bulgaria to break the deadlock. Mickoski says Skopje will formally request a bilateral foreign-ministers meeting in Sofia next week, after von der Leyen linked progress to North Macedonia taking a key step in the accession process. Bulgaria’s Position: Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova said Sofia is open to talks without ultimatums, but insisted North Macedonia must align with EU values and address constitutional issues, including the status of Bulgarians. Historical Row: Bulgaria received the remains attributed to Tsar Samuel from Greece in a major state ceremony in Sofia, a move that has reignited disputes over shared history and added political pressure to Skopje. Sports (Skopje): Scotland beat North Macedonia 2-0 in the Nations League, with Andy Robertson and Kieron Bowie among the standout performers, while the match also underscored the pressure on North Macedonia’s side at the Todor Proeski Arena.

EU Accession Deadlock: Ursula von der Leyen urged North Macedonia to take a key step to unblock talks with Bulgaria, saying Skopje must amend its Constitution to formally recognise Bulgarians as a community; Mickoski accepted the advice and ordered a request for a bilateral meeting next week in Sofia. Bulgaria’s Position: Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova said Sofia is open to talks without ultimatums or leaving EU policy, while insisting the enlargement process can’t ignore EU values and calling for resolution of specific cases. Historical Row Intensifies: The return of Tsar Samuel’s remains from Greece to Bulgaria—after an agreement and a state ceremony in Sofia—sparked fresh media and political backlash in North Macedonia, where Samuel is also claimed as part of shared history. Sports—Nations League: Scotland beat North Macedonia 2-0 in Skopje, with Andy Robertson’s 100th cap celebrated and Kieron Bowie scoring early; the result came as Sebastien Pocognoli sought his first win since taking over. Regional Context: The EU chief also highlighted enlargement roadmaps and Montenegro’s “within reach” 2028 target during her Western Balkans push.

EU Accession Talks: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski in Skopje and urged a direct push with Bulgaria next week to break the deadlock. Brussels says Skopje must take a “final step” to open the “fundamentals” cluster, tied to constitutional recognition of Bulgarians as a community. Diplomacy in Focus: Mickoski instructed his foreign minister to request a bilateral meeting with Bulgaria during a Sofia visit, while Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova said talks must follow EU enlargement rules and called for resolution of outstanding issues. Historic Remains Row: Bulgaria received Tsar Samuel’s remains from Greece in a major state ceremony in Sofia, escorted by fighter jets and followed by public honours—an event North Macedonia’s media linked to disputes over shared history and political pressure. Sports, Skopje Spotlight: Scotland beat North Macedonia 2-0 in the Nations League in Skopje, with Andy Robertson celebrating his 100th cap as Kieron Bowie scored early and John McGinn added a second-half penalty. Regional Context: The EU also signalled momentum on enlargement planning, including pre-enlargement reviews, while Montenegro targets EU membership by 2028.

EU Accession Deadlock: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski in Skopje and urged Skopje to push for talks with Bulgaria next week, saying the next step depends on constitutional changes to formally recognise Bulgarians as a community; Mickoski has ordered a diplomatic note to request a meeting in Sofia. Bulgaria–Greece Tsar Samuel Fallout: Bulgaria received Tsar Samuel’s remains from Greece in a state ceremony in Sofia after decades of negotiations, but North Macedonia’s media framed it as a fresh fight over shared history and political pressure, as Samuel’s legacy is claimed by both sides. Regional Heritage Move: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia are preparing a joint UNESCO bid for Lake Prespa, with EU support funding preparatory studies. Sports (Nations League): North Macedonia hosts Scotland in Skopje as the teams chase Nations League points, with Scotland’s Sebastien Pocognoli under pressure.

EU Enlargement & Institutions: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the EU will assess what must change in institutions, policies and budget ahead of future enlargement, and urges North Macedonia to open the “fundamentals” cluster in accession talks. EU–Western Balkans Diplomacy: Von der Leyen’s tour spotlights different tracks in the region—Kosovo faces calls for institutional stability and reforms, while Montenegro is framed as moving toward a final accession sprint. Local Politics & Identity: Bulgarian organisations in North Macedonia oppose a proposal to include Bulgarians in the constitution with delayed effect, warning the political climate is hitting the community. Security & Crime: North Macedonia raids reportedly targeted an ISIS-linked group, while a separate report says Kosovo firearms are being trafficked into Albania, feeding organised crime. Energy & Prices: The EU is considering releasing strategic oil reserves amid US pressure as diesel and fuel costs stay high. US–Ukraine Aid Dispute: Reports say the Trump administration redirected tens of millions in military aid away from Ukraine-related recipients toward Latin America, drawing Democratic pushback. Culture & Youth: DiscoverEU opens a new round for 18-year-olds, with free rail travel passes available to applicants including from North Macedonia. Business & Economy: A US-backed push supports reviving an antimony mine in North Macedonia with $5m for development work. Arts & Film: Skopje director Ana Opačić begins postproduction on debut feature “Third Shift,” a North Macedonia–Croatia–Montenegro–Poland coproduction.

EU Integration & Diplomacy: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit Skopje on Friday, meeting President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova and PM Hristijan Mickoski, with enlargement and the Bulgaria-related dispute expected on the agenda. Regional Politics: In Pristina, von der Leyen urged Kosovo to keep institutional stability, continue reforms, and rebuild trust between communities, while thousands protested in response to Kosovo Specialist Chambers verdicts against former KLA leaders. Bulgarian Community: Bulgarian organisations in North Macedonia protested a proposal to include Bulgarians in the Constitution with delayed effect, saying the political situation is hitting their community hard. Security: North Macedonia police carried out raids in Skopje targeting an alleged ISIS-linked group involved in illegal weapons trafficking, seizing rifles, ammunition, extremist materials, and cash; prosecutors opened an investigation. Culture & Film: Macedonian director Ana Opačić began postproduction on debut feature “Third Shift,” a North Macedonia–Croatia–Montenegro–Poland coproduction. Climate & Society: A UNDP-backed Balkan initiative with $5m aims to help local communities in Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia scale climate resilience solutions.

EU Enlargement & Diplomacy: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit Skopje on Friday, Oct 2, to discuss North Macedonia’s EU path and the Bulgaria dispute, as she also pushes “gradual integration” across the Western Balkans. Regional Politics: In Tirana, von der Leyen’s talks with Edi Rama sparked protests and clashes under the “No EU with Rama” slogan, while Albania signals it wants to close more EU chapters before year-end. Security: North Macedonia police arrested five in Skopje raids targeting an alleged ISIS-linked network tied to illegal weapons trafficking, seizing firearms, ammo, propaganda and cash. Sports (Nations League): Slovenia beat North Macedonia 2-0, leaving the team bottom with zero points, while Scotland’s scoring drought continued in a Nations League match. Energy & Economy: A US-backed antimony project in North Macedonia received $5m for development work, aiming to diversify critical minerals supply. Culture: Cyprus cinemas announced late-October screenings for “Motherwitch,” a dark fantasy shot entirely in Cyprus.

EU Enlargement Watch: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen kicks off a three-day Western Balkans tour in Tirana, telling Albania the “objective is in sight” while stressing more work on judiciary, elections and environmental protection. Regional EU Pathways: Brussels is also weighing “gradual integration” for candidate countries—earlier access to parts of the single market, research and industrial cooperation—if rules are aligned and enforced. Skopje Security: North Macedonia police arrested five in raids on an alleged ISIS-linked weapons-trafficking network, seizing rifles, ammunition, propaganda and cash. Energy Costs & Cross-Border Fuel: Greek households facing energy poverty are reportedly crossing into Bulgaria and North Macedonia for cheaper fuel. Critical Minerals: The US is backing North Macedonia’s Krstov Dol antimony project with $5 million for assessment and feasibility work. Sports: Slovenia beat North Macedonia 2-0 in UEFA Nations League; the defeat leaves North Macedonia bottom of the group. Business & Culture: A Macedonian entrepreneur co-hosted a BCIU business roundtable in New York during UN week, while Ithaca’s 2026 theater festival closed by bringing generations and artists together.

EU Enlargement Push: The European Commission is weighing “gradual integration” for candidate countries, offering earlier access to parts of the single market, research and industrial cooperation as rules are aligned and enforced. EU Decision-Making Reform: Brussels also plans to bypass national vetoes in many accession stages using treaty “bridging” clauses, aiming to speed up bids for countries like North Macedonia. Western Balkans Diplomacy: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen begins a Balkan tour with stops including Skopje, pressing for economic benefits tied to closer alignment and gradual integration. Security in North Macedonia: Police arrested five in Skopje raids targeting an alleged ISIS-linked weapons-trafficking network, seizing rifles, ammunition, extremist materials and cash. EU Single-Market Access: The same enlargement overhaul is framed as tangible for citizens and businesses, with conditional participation rather than full membership. Sports (Nations League): Slovenia beat North Macedonia 2-0, leaving the team bottom of its group after two matches. Local Economy/Jobs Scam: Reports say people in North Macedonia were among those promised overseas work that never materialised, with refunds demanded. Critical Minerals: The US is funding a North Macedonia antimony project with $5 million for assessment and feasibility, aiming to diversify supply away from China. Culture & Film: Macedonian animation pioneer Tonkica Mitrovska is remembered, while regional film news highlights new releases and festival activity.

Counterterror Police Action: North Macedonia arrested five people in Skopje raids targeting an ISIS-linked network accused of illegal weapons trafficking, seizing rifles, handguns, ammunition, extremist propaganda, cash, and electronic devices. EU Enlargement Push: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit the Western Balkans, including Skopje, as Brussels prepares plans to speed EU accession by reducing national veto power in many stages of negotiations. Security & Diplomacy in the Region: The EU’s reform debate and von der Leyen’s tour come alongside wider regional cooperation themes, from connectivity to EU single-market integration. Transport & Connectivity: North Macedonia’s rail and airport link plans are part of the broader push for better regional infrastructure. Sports: North Macedonia’s national team is in the Nations League orbit as Switzerland beat them 3-0 in the opening round. Public Safety & Health: A West Nile virus outbreak report flags potentially serious infection risks across multiple European countries. Environment: Western Balkans waste management remains weak, with over 83% of municipal waste still ending in landfills.

EU Enlargement Watch: The European Commission is set to propose a major overhaul of EU decision-making to bypass national vetoes, using transitional legal provisions and wider qualified-majority voting to speed accession for countries including North Macedonia, though the plan needs unanimous approval and could face pushback. North Macedonia Transport: Skopje plans a rail link to the airport at Petrovec starting in spring 2027, aiming to cut the trip to 8–11 minutes, alongside new Skopje suburban routes and procurement of multiple-units with bicycle and pram space. EU Mobility & Jobs: Germany confirmed that citizens of North Macedonia (along with five other Western Balkan countries) can access its labour market without qualification checks under a special regulation. Road Safety Cooperation: UNITAR and FIA advanced road safety projects with a workshop in Warsaw that included North Macedonia, focusing on local interventions and Vision Zero-style prevention. Sports (Local Angle): Switzerland beat North Macedonia 3-0 in UEFA Nations League action in Skopje, while the wider Nations League slate continued across Europe. Culture & Film: Macedonian director Milcho Manchevski presented a documentary on the Kochani tragedy, focusing on victims’ stories and solidarity.

EU Accession Roadmaps: Politico reports the European Commission is preparing step-by-step “road maps” with indicative timelines for Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Albania, while countries like North Macedonia are not offered the same guarantees yet. Rail & Suburban Transport: North Macedonia plans a rail link from Skopje to the airport at Petrovec starting spring 2027, aiming to cut travel time to 8–11 minutes, alongside new suburban routes and procurement of new rail units. Western Balkans Waste: A new report says the region still dumps over 83% of municipal waste in landfills (EU: 23%), with North Macedonia building a new system for more than a million people. Work Access in Germany: Germany confirms citizens of North Macedonia (along with five other Western Balkan states) can work without qualification checks under the Western Balkans Regulation. Sports—Nations League: Switzerland beat North Macedonia 3-0 in Skopje, while the Nations League continues across Europe. Culture—Manaki Brothers: Bitola’s Manaki Brothers festival named Fatherland (Golden Camera 300) and highlighted Macedonian film talent.

EU Accession Watch: Politico reports the European Commission is preparing step-by-step accession “roadmaps” for Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Albania, with indicative deadlines for closing reform “clusters” and, for the first time, clearer commitments for both candidates and EU member states. EU–North Macedonia Dialogue: In Skopje, MEP Kristian Vigenin says Bulgaria and North Macedonia need no mediator on EU integration, calling constitutional changes and Bulgarian inclusion a non-bilateral issue; meanwhile MEP Ivaylo Valchev says the EU–North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee conclusions include a cross-border cooperation clause for humanitarian cases, with him pushing to name the Iva Mihaylova case in the next EP report. Transport & Rail: North Macedonia plans a Skopje–airport rail link starting spring 2027, aiming to cut the trip to 8–11 minutes, alongside new Skopje suburban routes and procurement of multiple-units and electric freight locomotives. Local Society: Rural schools across North Macedonia are closing as birth rates and emigration shrink student numbers, with communities like Struga’s villages seeing classrooms go silent. Sports: Switzerland beat North Macedonia 3-0 in UEFA Nations League action in Skopje, while North Macedonia’s next fixtures loom.