AGP Executive Report

Iva Mihaylova: The Kočani crash survivor has crossed into Bulgaria and been admitted to Sofia’s Pirogov hospital for treatment. She says she crossed legally using her North Macedonian documents; her case had sparked criticism over restrictions on her travel and access to care. Greece-North Macedonia Tensions: Greece lodged a formal protest after MZT Skopje basketball fans displayed a map claiming parts of Greece and other neighbours as North Macedonian territory, saying it violated the spirit of the Prespa Agreement. Prespa Cooperation: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia are pursuing UNESCO World Heritage status for the Prespa region and expanding cultural ties. Greece also helped fund restoration of the 12th-century frescoes at St George’s Church in Kurbinovo. Regional Business and Connectivity: A Skopje networking event explored trade and tourism opportunities linked to Serbia’s EXPO 2027, where North Macedonia plans a national pavilion. Corridor VIII also featured in regional talks as a strategic transport, economic and security link.

Iva Mihaylova: The injured defendant in the Kočani crash case crossed into Bulgaria using her North Macedonian identity card, then entered with Bulgarian documents. She says border police helped her leave to seek treatment. Greece Dispute: Athens formally protested a “Greater Macedonia” banner displayed by MZT fans at a Skopje basketball game, saying its map and symbols run counter to the Prespa Agreement. Prespa Heritage: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania are advancing a joint UNESCO bid for the Prespa region. Restoration of the 12th-century frescoes at Kurbinovo’s St George church has also been handed over to North Macedonian authorities. Business and Culture: A Skopje event connected North Macedonian and Serbian businesses with opportunities around EXPO 2027 Belgrade, where North Macedonia plans a national pavilion. Local publisher Bata Press is preparing a Macedonian edition of an Emirati novel. EU Path: Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski says dialogue with Bulgaria will continue, though the two sides remain far apart; Sofia says North Macedonia must include Bulgarians in its Constitution to advance EU accession talks.

Greek-North Macedonian Tensions: Greece’s embassy in Skopje protested a banner at an MZT basketball game depicting Greek territory, including Thessaloniki and Halkidiki, as part of North Macedonia. Athens said the display ran counter to the Prespa Agreement. Prespa Cooperation: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania signed a declaration to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the Prespa region. Separately, Greece-backed restoration of the 12th-century frescoes at Kurbinovo’s St George Church has been completed. EU Accession: Bulgaria says it will not discuss renegotiating Skopje’s EU commitments and insists constitutional amendments recognizing Bulgarians are needed for accession talks to advance. North Macedonia’s foreign minister has called for continued dialogue, while acknowledging the two sides remain far apart. Corridor VIII: Regional officials framed the transport project as a strategic link for trade, European integration and security, not just infrastructure. Public Health: North Macedonia plans to use Japanese BCG vaccines for a year while checks continue on a Bulgarian-made vaccine suspended as a precaution.

Greek–Macedonian Tensions: Greece’s embassy formally protested a banner at an MZT Skopje basketball game depicting Thessaloniki and Halkidiki as part of North Macedonia, saying it violated the spirit of the Prespa Agreement. Prespa Heritage: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania signed a declaration to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the region. The initiative coincided with the handover of restored 12th-century frescoes at Kurbinovo’s Church of St George, conserved with Greek support. EU Accession: Bulgaria says it will not discuss renegotiating North Macedonia’s EU commitments and insists constitutional amendments recognizing Bulgarians are required. Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski called talks with Sofia constructive but said the countries remain far apart. Regional Connectivity: Corridor VIII is being framed as a strategic link for transport, energy and security, with ministers from North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Albania meeting in Sofia. Security: Five suspects were arrested in Skopje in a September operation targeting an Islamic State-linked group; authorities reported seizing firearms, ammunition and an IS flag. Justice System: A new analysis warns that funding shortfalls and a halt to judicial academy admissions leave courts understaffed and risk weakening public trust.

Prespa Heritage: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania signed a declaration seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for the cross-border Prespa region, highlighting its biodiversity and cultural history. Byzantine Restoration: Greece-backed conservation of the 1191 frescoes at Kurbinovo’s St George church is complete; North Macedonia plans to open the monument to visitors. EU Path and Connectivity: Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski says Bulgaria has a strategic interest in North Macedonia’s EU progress, but the countries remain far apart on accession commitments. Corridor VIII was also promoted in Sofia as a strategic link for transport, security and economic cooperation. Justice System: A canceled Judicial Academy intake means no new judges or prosecutors for at least two years. About one-third of judicial posts are vacant, raising concerns over capacity and independence. Public Health: North Macedonia is arranging Japanese BCG vaccine supplies after pausing use of a Bulgarian-made vaccine as a precaution. Security: Authorities arrested five suspects in a Skopje operation targeting an Islamic State-linked group, seizing weapons, communications equipment and cash.

Prespa Heritage: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania signed a declaration to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the shared Prespa region, highlighting its biodiversity and cultural history. The announcement followed the completion of restoration work on the 1191 frescoes at Kurbinovo’s Byzantine Church of St George, supported by Greek experts and funding. EU and Regional Ties: North Macedonia’s foreign minister said talks with Bulgaria would continue despite deep disagreements over accession commitments. At a Sofia conference, officials also presented Corridor VIII as a strategic link for transport, trade and security. Security: Authorities say five suspects were arrested in Skopje in a September operation targeting an Islamic State-linked group; searches uncovered firearms, ammunition and other equipment. Judiciary: A cancelled Judicial Academy intake means North Macedonia may train no new judges or prosecutors for at least two years, as vacancies and funding shortfalls deepen concerns about the justice system.

Prespa Heritage: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania signed a declaration seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for the Prespa region, highlighting its biodiversity and millennia of cultural history. The initiative coincided with the handover of restored 12th-century frescoes at Kurbinovo’s Byzantine Church of St George. EU Path: Talks between Skopje and Sofia on the sidelines of a Corridor VIII conference were described as constructive, but the sides remain far apart. Bulgaria says it will not discuss renegotiating North Macedonia’s EU commitments and insists on constitutional amendments recognizing Bulgarians. Regional Links: Corridor VIII is being promoted as more than a transport route, with officials stressing its economic, geopolitical and security importance. Justice System: North Macedonia’s judicial academy has no new trainees for at least two years, while about one-third of judicial posts are vacant, raising concerns over capacity and independence. Public Health: The country plans to obtain Japanese BCG vaccines after suspending use of a Bulgarian-made vaccine as a precaution while quality concerns are checked. Archaeology: Excavations uncovered a 2,600-year-old burial site with a gold mask and weapons, possibly belonging to an elite warrior.

EU Accession: Bulgaria’s foreign minister rejected renegotiating North Macedonia’s EU commitments, including deferred constitutional amendments, and said Bulgarians must be included in the Constitution. Regional Ties: At a Sofia meeting, North Macedonia and Bulgaria agreed to continue dialogue and advance Corridor VIII, though their positions remain far apart. The route is increasingly framed as a strategic link for trade and security. Security: North Macedonian authorities arrested five suspects in a Skopje operation targeting an Islamic State-linked group, seizing firearms, ammunition and other equipment. Justice: A report warns that a funding shortfall has halted judicial academy admissions, while about one in three judicial posts is vacant—raising concerns about state capture and public trust. Public Health: North Macedonia plans to secure Japanese BCG vaccines after suspending use of a Bulgarian-made batch as a precaution. Culture: Skopje’s Cinematheque opened the country’s first Chinese film festival, with screenings planned in five cities.

Bulgaria Ties: North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski said Bulgaria has a strategic interest in the country’s EU progress after talks in Sofia, though the meeting resolved no major disputes. A Corridor VIII conference highlighted the route’s wider economic and security role. Iva Mihaylova Case: Mucunski said the executive must not interfere in court decisions on the injured woman’s travel ban. Mihaylova and her mother accused him of misrepresenting her access to treatment, saying specialists found urgent surgery unavailable in North Macedonia. Justice System: A funding shortfall has halted new Judicial Academy admissions, while about one in three judicial posts is vacant—raising concerns over capacity and state capture. Health: North Macedonia plans to secure Japanese BCG vaccines through UNICEF after pausing use of a Bulgarian-made vaccine as a precaution. Business: JYSK plans to take direct control of its 25 stores in North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo from January 2027, subject to approval. Culture and Heritage: Skopje has opened the country’s first Chinese film festival, while archaeologists report a 2,600-year-old tomb discovery featuring a gold mask and warrior’s weapons.

Judiciary: North Macedonia may go without newly trained judges and prosecutors until 2028 after funding shortages and legal changes halted academy admissions. About one in three judicial posts is vacant, raising concerns about political influence and public trust. Public Health: The country will secure Japanese BCG vaccines for a year while checks continue on Bulgarian-made doses suspended as a precaution; officials say the affected batches had expired and were not being used. Archaeology: Researchers have uncovered a 2,600-year-old tomb in North Macedonia containing a gold mask, weapons and other artifacts, potentially belonging to an elite warrior. Travel: North Macedonian citizens can enter Italy visa-free if they hold biometric passports; older, non-biometric passports still require a visa. EU Accession: Brussels is proposing new safeguards for future members, including possible funding cuts and suspension of voting rights. North Macedonia’s accession path remains stalled amid calls for constitutional changes. Business: JYSK plans to bring its North Macedonia operations in-house from January 2027, alongside its businesses in Albania and Kosovo, with plans for further investment and store growth. Growth and Jobs: A World Bank report says reforms could lift North Macedonia’s long-term growth and create 53,000 additional jobs by 2050.

Public Health: North Macedonia will secure Japanese-made BCG vaccines for a year after suspending use of a Bulgarian batch as a precaution. Officials say the suspected side effects reported in Croatia have not been directly linked to vaccination. EU Accession: The country’s membership path remains stalled over a constitutional change sought by Bulgaria. Brussels is proposing gradual integration and safeguards for future members, as it weighs reforms to prepare the bloc for enlargement. Economy and Jobs: A World Bank report says reforms to governance, private enterprise and workforce skills could lift annual growth to 3.8% by 2050, create 53,000 jobs and improve conditions for 196,000 workers. Business: JYSK plans to bring its North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo operations in-house from January 2027, with further store expansion in view. Energy Security: North Macedonia is among regional leaders in oil-crisis preparedness, with legislation and physical reserves already in place.

Public Health: North Macedonia will source Japanese BCG vaccines for a year after pausing use of a Bulgarian-made vaccine as a precaution. Health Minister Sasho Klekovski said the suspect batches had expired and were not being used in the country. EU Accession: Brussels is proposing gradual integration and possible funding cuts or loss of voting rights for future members that break commitments. The plans come as North Macedonia’s accession path remains stalled. Jobs and Growth: A World Bank report says reforms to governance, business conditions and workforce skills could lift annual growth to 3.8% by 2050, create 53,000 jobs and improve conditions for 196,000 workers. Business: JYSK plans to take direct control of its North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania operations from January 2027, with further store growth in view. Regional Tensions: Bulgaria’s return of Tsar Samuel’s remains has renewed historical disputes, drawing criticism in North Macedonia.

EU Enlargement Watch: The European Commission is pushing a new “Preparing for a wider Union” package, proposing safeguards, a gradual integration approach, and even voting-rule changes to make future EU expansion more acceptable to current members—while explicitly stressing that both the EU and candidates must be ready. North Macedonia Economy & Jobs: A World Bank Group report says North Macedonia could lift growth and create tens of thousands of jobs by 2050 through governance reforms, support for private enterprise, and skills upgrades. EU Path Politics: Brussels’ enlargement debate keeps circling North Macedonia’s stalled process, with Von der Leyen urging constitutional change and calling for stability and reconciliation. Business in the Region: JYSK is ending its franchise in Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia, bringing the stores under its own organisation from 1 January 2027. Energy Security: An Energy Community expert says North Macedonia is among the leaders in oil-crisis preparedness, with legislation and physical stocks already in place. Sports (Skopje): Scotland beat North Macedonia 2-0 in the Nations League, with Andy Robertson’s 100th cap celebrated in Skopje.

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.