AGP Executive Report

EU Accession Pressure: European Parliament AFET urged North Macedonia to step up EU-related reforms, warning progress is still insufficient on rule of law, judicial reform, corruption and electoral changes, while noting continued alignment on EU foreign and security policy. Enlargement Message from Brussels: European Council President António Costa told Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski that Skopje must implement the 2022 agreements—especially constitutional changes—to unlock EU talks, stressing “what has been agreed has been agreed.” Energy Security Update: The Energy Community says gas security across South East and Eastern Europe is improving as EU-aligned storage rules take hold; for North Macedonia, the focus is securing access to gas stored abroad. EU Roaming Talks: EU ambassadors approved negotiations to end roaming charges between the EU and Western Balkans countries, including North Macedonia, with possible removal next year if talks finish this year. Diplomatic Support: Slovakia reiterated support for North Macedonia’s EU bid and said enlargement must be fair and rule-based, with both presidents also discussing NATO and security. Local Politics: North Macedonia’s deputy PM for good governance, Arben Fetai, resigned ahead of a planned government reshuffle. Culture & Film: The North Macedonia Film Agency announced 2026 production grants totaling €1.5m for 14 projects, including major feature and documentary awards. Sports: North Macedonia’s World Cup tune-up saw Turkey beat the national team 4-0, while youth football news includes US U-20 camp call-ups that feature matches against North Macedonia.

EU Enlargement & Migration: EU leaders and officials are pushing enlargement as “real” ahead of a Western Balkans summit in Montenegro, while Brussels also backs tougher return rules and “return hubs” for people ordered to leave the bloc. Constitutional EU Talks: European Council President António Costa told Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski that North Macedonia must implement the 2022 constitutional changes to unlock EU negotiations. Governance Shake-up: North Macedonia’s deputy prime minister for good governance, Arben Fetai, resigned ahead of a planned government reshuffle. Energy & Connectivity: Serbia says it will invest €14.4bn in energy from 2028-2035, including gas interconnectors with North Macedonia and Romania. Environment & Health: A new EU-backed wildfire response is under way with a record deployment, while a report links dirty air to hundreds of premature deaths in Skopje’s region. Sports & Culture: Turkey beat North Macedonia 4-0 in a World Cup warm-up; Skopje’s Film Agency announced €1.5m in 2026 production grants.

EU Enlargement & Migration: EU leaders and lawmakers push a “real prospect” of Western Balkans accession while also tightening migration rules, including stricter return obligations and possible detention for those who refuse. Regional Energy & Economy: Analysis warns the Hormuz crisis is widening the Balkans’ economic divide by exposing energy insecurity and supply-shock risks, renewing calls for interconnectors and cross-border power. North Macedonia Politics: Deputy PM for good governance Arben Fetai resigns ahead of a planned reshuffle, with coalition talks to decide his replacement. EU Path & Diplomacy: European Council President António Costa says enlargement is a geostrategic priority and will co-chair a Western Balkans summit in Montenegro with North Macedonia and others. Energy Transition: North Macedonia’s JETIP just transition platform reports 1.7bn euros in identified projects and 460m euros already secured, with major renewable capacity plans. Culture & Film: The Film Agency announces 2026 production grants totaling 1.5m euros for 14 projects. Sports (World Cup): Turkey beats North Macedonia 4-0 in a World Cup warm-up; the match is also tied to broader Group D World Cup build-up. Business: Antimonopoly approval is reported for Sport Vision’s expansion via control of eight companies across Southeast Europe.

EU Enlargement Push: European Council President António Costa says this week’s EU summit with Western Balkan candidates will prove enlargement is “real,” calling it a geostrategic investment in peace and security, with a key meeting in Tivat, Montenegro, bringing together EU leaders and North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia and Montenegro. EU Accession Politics: The same enlargement message is echoed across the region as candidate countries face pressure to align laws with EU standards. World Cup Prep: Turkey beat North Macedonia 4-0 in Istanbul in a World Cup warm-up, with Can Uzun, Orkun Kökçü, Deniz Gül and Barış Alper Yılmaz scoring. Energy Transition: North Macedonia’s just transition platform reports progress under JETIP, with about €1.7bn in identified projects and financing secured for roughly €460m, including major renewable energy work like the Bitola 3 solar plant. Competition & Sports: North Macedonia is listed among teams in the FIBA U20 EuroBasket Division B in Bratislava, while local football attention continues around the Turkey–North Macedonia friendly. Business & Competition: Sport Vision’s group expansion in the region is reported to have been notified to North Macedonia’s antimonopoly commission via BDS Co’s planned control of eight companies across several countries. Environment: Europe’s push to restore rivers is highlighted by North Macedonia’s first large-scale barrier removal, after a decades-old concrete structure in the Pčinja River was demolished.

EU Enlargement Push: European Council President António Costa says this week’s EU summit with Western Balkan candidate states is meant to prove enlargement is “real,” with leaders from North Macedonia among the key participants. Energy Transition: North Macedonia’s Just Energy Transition Investment Platform (JETIP) has reached about €1.7 billion in identified projects, with financing secured for roughly €460 million and major renewables like the Bitola 3 solar plant. Regional Infrastructure: Serbia’s environmental process is underway for a high-speed rail upgrade on Corridor 10 through North Macedonia, with new double-track electrified plans and speed targets. Politics & Elections: Reports claim Serbia’s government is avoiding elections and instead organizing rallies, while in North Macedonia the Alliance for Albanians wing led by Ziadin Sela has launched a new party, the Albanian League. World Cup Build-Up: Turkey hosts North Macedonia in a friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as squads finalize rosters and match preparations continue. Environment: Europe removed a record number of river barriers in 2025, including North Macedonia’s demolition of a long-blocked Pčinja River structure in Kumanovo. Sports Note: Rangers’ Bojan Miovski reflects on pressure after a trophyless season.

EU Enlargement & Diplomacy: European Council President António Costa kicks off a Western Balkans tour June 1–5, stopping in Skopje on June 2 to meet PM Hristijan Mickoski ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on June 5. Rail Connectivity: Serbia’s environmental process for a Corridor 10 high-speed rail upgrade through North Macedonia moves forward, with a double-track electrified line planned and major tunnel changes near the border at Tabanovce. Energy Security: Serbia’s energy ministry says new gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania are a priority, with two links targeted in the next two years to diversify supply and strengthen resilience. EU Politics at Home: Bulgaria’s foreign minister tells Skopje not to seek conflict with Sofia and to focus on fulfilling EU commitments, warning progress has stalled. Legal/Extradition Watch: Reports say former PM Nikola Gruevski obtained Hungarian citizenship in 2022, complicating extradition; North Macedonia’s PM says the government has no information confirming it. Sports & Youth: Turkey hosts North Macedonia in a friendly Monday, while U.S. youth squads include players with North Macedonia ties for June camps and friendlies. Press Freedom: A global ranking shows press freedom at a 25-year low, with most countries in “difficult” or “very serious” categories.

Corridor 10 Rail Upgrade: Serbia has published details for a double-track high-speed railway on Corridor 10 through North Macedonia, starting near the Tabanovce border crossing; the plan replaces a slower route limited by old tunnels and sharp curves, targeting up to 160 km/h for passengers and 120 km/h for freight. Energy Security: Serbia’s mining and energy minister says new gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania are planned within two years, alongside upgrades to transport capacity, compressor stations and storage—discussed with the World Bank. EU Path and Bulgaria: Bulgaria’s foreign minister tells Skopje not to seek conflict with Sofia and to focus on fulfilling EU commitments, warning that progress has stalled. EU Enlargement Diplomacy: European Council President António Costa will tour the Western Balkans and co-chair the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Montenegro on June 5, with stops including Skopje. Legal/Extradition Watch: North Macedonia says it has no information that former PM Nikola Gruevski has Hungarian citizenship, after reports that it could complicate extradition. Sports—Turkey Friendly: Turkey and North Macedonia meet in a friendly in Istanbul, with Turkey aiming to build momentum ahead of the World Cup. Youth Football Call-ups: U.S. youth squads include North Macedonia opponents in June friendlies in Bulgaria, featuring players linked to the region. Press Freedom Snapshot: A new global map from RSF shows press freedom at a 25-year low, with Europe the only region rated “good.”

EU Accession Push: European Council President António Costa will tour the Western Balkans from June 1–5, meeting leaders including North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski in Skopje and co-chairing the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on June 5, with enlargement, gradual integration, regional cooperation, security and stability on the agenda. EU Politics at Home: North Macedonia’s government says it is not considering an EU membership referendum, arguing EU Growth Plan funds for reforms show the country’s European orientation and that there’s no money for a vote. Bulgaria–Skopje Tensions: Bulgaria’s foreign minister Velislava Petrova told Skopje not to seek conflict with Sofia and to fulfil EU commitments, warning that Bulgaria’s stance from the 2022 framework remains unchanged. Legal/Extradition Watch: Reports say former PM Nikola Gruevski obtained Hungarian citizenship in 2022, complicating extradition; North Macedonia’s Justice Ministry says extradition procedures are continuing and the PM says the government has no confirmation. Energy Cooperation: Serbia and the World Bank discussed gas sector development, with Serbia prioritizing new gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania. Youth Football: U.S. youth call-ups include North Macedonia in friendlies: U-20 training in Bulgaria features a match vs North Macedonia on June 8. NATO Context: The Pentagon plans to scale back some U.S. NATO contributions, sparking mixed reactions.

EU Enlargement Push: European Council President António Costa will tour the Western Balkans from 1–5 June, meeting leaders including North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski in Skopje, ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on 5 June. EU Commitments Clash: Bulgaria’s foreign minister Velislava Petrova told Skopje not to seek conflict with Sofia and said North Macedonia’s EU path depends on fulfilling 2022 commitments. EU Referendum Row: North Macedonia’s government says it won’t hold an EU membership referendum, arguing reforms are already funded under the EU Growth Plan and there’s no money for a vote. Language & Justice: Albanian-national students in Skopje protested over taking the bar exam in Albanian, while authorities point to the law requiring the exam in Macedonian and Cyrillic. Energy Connectivity: Serbia’s energy minister discussed a gas-sector programme with the World Bank, highlighting plans for new interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania. Security & Terror Claims: A US case links Iran to alleged terror plots targeting Jewish sites in Europe and the US, raising new concerns about Iran-linked proxy networks. Roaming Costs: spusu cut roaming data prices across 115 countries, including North Macedonia, to as low as £2 per GB in some destinations. Sports Diplomacy: Portland Timbers defender Sawyer Jura was called up to the US U-20 camp in Bulgaria, with friendlies including North Macedonia’s U-21s.

EU-Western Balkans Diplomacy: European Council President António Costa will tour the region June 1–5, meeting leaders in Sarajevo, Tirana, Skopje, Pristina and Belgrade, then co-chairing the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on June 5, with enlargement, gradual integration, security and stability on the agenda. EU Accession Politics in Skopje: North Macedonia’s government says it is not considering an EU referendum, arguing there’s no money to hold one, while opposition SDSM leader Venko Filipce calls for citizens to decide. Language & Justice: Albanian-nationality students protest in Skopje over taking the bar exam in Albanian, clashing with the law requiring the exam in Macedonian and Cyrillic. Energy Cooperation: Serbia’s energy minister discussed a World Bank-backed gas development programme, including plans to build interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania. Regional Security/Connectivity: Bulgaria’s transport minister highlights Corridor VIII and coordination with North Macedonia on a cross-border railway tunnel, plus aviation and 6G/critical infrastructure cooperation. Migration Crime Crackdown: Spanish police with Europol and Serbian partners dismantled a network smuggling Cuban nationals into Spain via the Western Balkans, including routes through North Macedonia.

EU Accession Debate: North Macedonia’s government says it won’t hold an EU membership referendum, arguing Growth Plan funding shows “European orientation” in practice, while opposition SDSM leader Venko Filipče calls for citizens to vote on constitutional concessions and who will “pay the price.” EU-Western Balkans Diplomacy: European Council President António Costa is set to tour the region June 1-5, including a stop in Skopje with PM Hristijan Mickoski, to discuss enlargement, gradual integration, security and the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat. Regional Connectivity & Tech: Bulgaria and the US discussed Corridor VIII, a cross-border railway tunnel with North Macedonia, aviation modernization, and 6G network development plus protection of critical infrastructure. Security & Migration: Spanish police with Europol and Serbian partners dismantled a network smuggling Cuban nationals into Spain for about €3,000 each, with routes reportedly passing through North Macedonia and other Balkan countries. Local Development Spotlight: CEEC local leaders visited China’s Jinan to study city development, infrastructure, environmental protection and “smart solutions,” including reactions from Krushevo’s mayoral cabinet. Sports Note: Denmark and Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel announced retirement due to a serious shoulder injury.

EU Accession Referendum Push: North Macedonia’s opposition SDSM leader Venko Filipče called for a referendum on EU membership, arguing citizens—not PM Hristijan Mickoski—should decide after the government signals it won’t make further constitutional concessions. Croatia-North Macedonia Deal: Croatia’s PM Andrej Plenković is on an official visit to Skopje, with plans to sign a strategic cooperation agreement and a business forum focused on energy, infrastructure, transport, and trade. Energy Security Cooperation: In Paris, Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev met Macron and said France and Bulgaria align on security and energy diversification, while also raising North Macedonia’s EU path. Western Balkans EU Context: A broader debate continues around EU enlargement priorities, with calls that the Western Balkans not be left behind while Ukraine’s process moves forward. Regional Security & Migration: Europol-backed action dismantled a network smuggling Cuban nationals into Spain via the Western Balkans, using visa-free travel through Serbia and routes overland via North Macedonia and Greece. STEM & Youth: A first cohort of young women engineering students from the University of Huddersfield took part in the Global Engineer Girls conference in Istanbul, highlighting gender equity in STEM.

Croatia–North Macedonia Deal: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski met Croatia’s Andrej Plenković as both sides moved to sign a strategic cooperation agreement, with a business forum in Ohrid and energy-sector cooperation also on the agenda. EU Path & Constitutional Cost: Mickoski says North Macedonia won’t proceed with constitutional changes and is ready to “pay the price” to keep identity lines firm as EU accession talks remain blocked. Energy Security Link: Croatia and North Macedonia also signed an energy memorandum, stressing joint infrastructure and regional interconnections amid wider geopolitical risks. US Balkans Shift: A new US State Department report says the “nation-building era” is over, with Washington prioritizing stability, economic partnerships, and projects like Corridor 8 while warning Russia and China exploit regional vulnerabilities. Corridor 8 Priority: The same US strategy flags Corridor 8 as a key transport-and-energy bridge between the Adriatic and Black Seas. Data Centres Legal Push: North Macedonia’s legal framework for data centre investments is nearing completion, aiming to attract digital infrastructure investment and create jobs. NATO Exercise in North Macedonia: Trojan Footprint testing included US and Romanian forces dropping glider drones for resupply during special operations training. Migration Pressure in the EU: The Netherlands is advancing “return hubs” for rejected asylum seekers outside the EU, with interest also noted from Greece, Germany, Austria and Denmark. Culture & Community: Eid al-Adha drew mass early-morning prayers worldwide, while a Belgrade documentary industry event (Beldocs Industry Days) wrapped with pitching awards.

Energy Diplomacy: North Macedonia and Croatia signed an agreement to upgrade strategic cooperation, with energy ministers in Ohrid also signing a memorandum to boost regional interconnections and energy security. EU Path Pressure: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski says his government will not move forward with constitutional changes tied to EU talks, warning it is ready to “pay the price” to protect identity and national criteria. Language Rights Fight: Albanian students in North Macedonia are pushing again for the professional law exam to be taken in Albanian, and Tirana students have marched in support, calling for unity across the border. Migration Hardline in Europe: The Netherlands is advancing plans for “return hubs” that could speed deportations to non-EU countries while asylum cases are processed. Regional Security Signals: A new US approach for the Western Balkans emphasizes “mutually beneficial partnerships” over state-building, while NATO ministers prepare for higher spending and continued Ukraine support ahead of the Ankara summit. Local Governance & EU Money: A row in Belfast City Hall over EU pre-accession funding shows how enlargement politics can turn into local fights.

EU Standoff: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski says his government will not move ahead with constitutional changes and is ready to “pay the price” for keeping identity lines firm, after Bulgaria-linked EU conditions were raised again. EU Diplomacy: Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova tells EU ambassadors there will be “no change” in Sofia’s foreign-policy orientation, pushing for stronger EU security and defence. Security Tech: NATO’s Trojan Footprint exercise tested glider drones for resupply, with US and Romanian forces dropping autonomous vehicles over North Macedonia. Regional Strategy: The US signals a shift from “nation-building” to economic partnerships and stability, naming Corridor 8 as a priority. Digital Economy: North Macedonia nears a legal framework for data centre investment, aiming to attract tech and strategic capital. Culture & Society: Albanian-language law-exam talks are back on the table after protests, while a new book in Kosovo recalls 1999 deportations by train. Local Governance & Mobility: Greece’s new biometric border checks are sparking long queues at land crossings, raising summer travel fears.