AGP Executive Report

Courtroom Update: Skopje’s Court of Appeal has confirmed fugitive ex-PM Nikola Gruevski’s acquittal in the “Talir 2” case over the VMRO-DPMNE “White Palace,” with prosecutors failing to prove abuse of office or violations of party financing rules. Elections Watch: The Council of Ministers will review a spending plan for preparations for the Oct. 25 presidential elections, alongside other government items including EU-fund estimates and changes touching consumer credit, discrimination protections, and railway transport. Foreign Policy: North Macedonia is pushing to broaden ties with Israel beyond politics, with defense, investment, tourism, agriculture, and water management on the agenda, and talks on restoring direct flights to Skopje or Ohrid. Press Freedom: Lawyer Bojana Davitkovska warns that pressure on journalists in North Macedonia has shifted from classic defamation suits to SLAPP cases and coordinated online campaigns. Demographics & Schools: Education Minister Vesna Janevska says first-grade enrolment for 2026-27 is already sharply down, with rural school closures expected as cohorts shrink. Regional Health: West Nile virus is actively circulating across the Balkans, with Greece seeing a sharp rise and calls for stronger mosquito surveillance and public protection measures. Culture: Prespes 2026 opens with five days of culture, music, and gastronomy, while a new exhibition “WHATEVER” by Amer Hadžić opens in Kavadarci.

Skopje School Demographics: Education Minister Vesna Janevska says first-grade enrolment for 2026-27 is already sharply down, with the preliminary figure around 14,500 versus 17,921 last year—about 38% fewer first-graders in a decade—pushing plans for fewer primary and secondary classes and possible closure of around 26 rural schools. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Bojana Davitkovska discusses how defending journalists in North Macedonia has shifted from classic defamation cases to broader Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation and coordinated online intimidation. Foreign Policy Pivot to Israel: Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski says North Macedonia is making Israel a foreign-policy priority, aiming to expand cooperation in defense, investment, tourism, agriculture and water management, including exploring direct flights to Skopje or Ohrid. Local Economy & Society: A report highlights how translation funding cutbacks are limiting international access to North Macedonia’s literature, affecting authors and children’s publishing. Culture & Community: The Kavadarci Museum Gallery opened Amer Hadžić’s “WHATEVER” exhibition, while regional events in Greece spotlight Balkan culture and gastronomy.

Education & Demography: North Macedonia’s first-grade intake is falling fast, with 2026-27 preliminary enrolment already down to about 14,500 versus 17,921 last year, a drop of roughly 38% over a decade, pushing plans for fewer primary and secondary classes and possible closure of around 26 rural schools. Foreign Policy & Israel: Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski says ties with Israel are a foreign-policy priority, with talks in Jerusalem focused on defense, investment, tourism, agriculture and water management, plus a push to restore direct flights to Skopje or Ohrid. Diplomacy & U.S. Politics: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski tells Breitbart his government “strongly” supports President Trump’s administration, framing Skopje as a reliable U.S. partner in the Balkans. Immigration Policy Shock (U.S. courts): A U.S. judge struck down Trump-era suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including North Macedonia, saying the policy was unlawful and exceeded authority. Culture & Film Industry: CineLink Industry Days at Sarajevo Film Festival wrapped with panels on fair pay for screen creators and awards across co-production and drama categories. Sports: Cristian Fabbiani has ended his short stint as coach of Vardar, terminating his contract after European qualifiers.

Foreign Policy Push: North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski says ties with Israel are now a foreign-policy priority, with talks in Jerusalem covering defense, investment, tourism, agriculture and water management, plus agreements on education, culture and sports and plans to restore direct flights to Skopje or Ohrid. EU & Region Logistics: Truckers plan a protest in Sarajevo on Aug. 31 in front of the EU Delegation, warning of wider demonstrations at EU borders if Brussels doesn’t address limited stay rules for professional drivers in the Schengen area. Culture & Arts: A Bosnian artist, Amer Hadžić, opened the “WHATEVER” solo exhibition at the Kavadarci Museum Gallery, presenting 28 works exploring identity, memory and the digital world. Sports & Society: Vardar coach Cristian Fabbiani has ended his contract just two months after taking over, returning to Argentina after European qualifiers and early local-season work. Food Security: FAO data shows about 31.8% of Albanians face moderate or severe food insecurity (2023–2025), while North Macedonia is estimated at 9.2%. Environment: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction could threaten its World Heritage status.

Cultural & Film Spotlight: CineLink Industry Days 2026 wrapped in Sarajevo with 11 awards across 32 film and TV projects, including North Macedonia-linked winners and a focus on fair pay for writers and directors. Foreign Policy: North Macedonia’s FM Timčo Mucunski told The Jerusalem Post that strengthening ties with Israel is a foreign-policy priority, with plans spanning defense, investment, tourism, agriculture and water management. Regional Security & Diplomacy: More than 50 UN member states urged Russia to accept a full ceasefire in Ukraine and resume talks, with North Macedonia among the signatories. Public Health: The EU health agency reports West Nile virus spread across Europe, listing North Macedonia among countries with locally acquired cases. Environment: Serbia is receiving EU firefighting help for wildfires in the Deliblato Sands reserve, as drought and extreme heat keep pressure on the Balkans. Literature Funding: North Macedonia’s children’s publishing community warns that translation cutbacks are limiting international access to local literature, threatening authors’ careers. Arts in Skopje Region: A Bosnian artist’s “WHATEVER” exhibition opened at Kavadarci Museum Gallery, exploring identity, memory and the digital world.

UN Diplomacy: More than 50 UN member states, including North Macedonia, urged Russia to accept a full, immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and return to peace talks, warning the war’s spillover is hitting Europe and global food security. Food Security: A new FAO snapshot shows about 1 in 3 Albanians faces moderate or severe food insecurity, while North Macedonia sits at roughly 9% for 2023–2025. Culture & Film Rights: CineLink Industry Days in Sarajevo hosted panels on how writers and directors can get paid and stay creatively relevant, with collective management laws highlighted as a key success factor. Lake Ohrid Protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen safeguards for Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction could threaten its World Heritage status. Immigration Policy Fallout (US): A US judge struck down Trump’s suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including North Macedonia, saying the policy was unlawful. Public Health: West Nile virus is spreading in Europe, with locally acquired cases reported in North Macedonia among other countries. Local Society & Literature: Translation funding cuts are limiting international access to North Macedonia’s literature, putting authors—especially smaller ones—at risk.

UNESCO Lake Ohrid Warning: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction and pollution could put its World Heritage status at risk. Culture & Access: Translation cutbacks are limiting international access to North Macedonia’s literature, with small publishers warning that lost funding can stall careers and foreign interest. Local Diplomacy: Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova used the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie anniversary to call for preserving historical memory and pushing back against hate toward Bulgarians in North Macedonia. Health Watch: Europe-wide West Nile virus reports are rising, with North Macedonia listed among countries reporting locally acquired cases. Immigration Policy Ripple: A US judge struck down a Trump administration freeze on immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including North Macedonia, after ruling it exceeded legal authority. Regional Climate Response: The EU sent firefighting helicopters and equipment to Serbia to help tackle major wildfires, underscoring the wider Balkan climate strain.

UNESCO and Lake Ohrid: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction and wastewater pollution could put its World Heritage status at risk. Immigration Court Ruling: A US federal judge struck down the Trump administration’s suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including North Macedonia, saying the policy was “patently unlawful” and exceeded the State Department’s authority. Public Health: West Nile virus is spreading across Europe, with locally acquired cases reported in North Macedonia among 12 countries this year, as the EU health agency urges stronger mosquito-control efforts. Diplomacy and Culture: Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova called for preserving historical memory during the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie commemoration, addressing how Bulgarians are treated in North Macedonia. Regional Society: A Macedonian documentary, “Good People” by Milcho Manchevski, is drawing attention at the Sarajevo Film Festival for its survivor-focused account of the Kočani nightclub tragedy. Sports and Youth: The Plazma Youth Sport Games in Split, described as Europe’s biggest amateur event for children, includes participation from North Macedonia and other Balkan countries.

US Visa Ruling: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down Trump’s suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including North Macedonia, saying the policy was “patently unlawful” and exceeded the State Department chief’s authority. UNESCO Lake Ohrid Watch: UNESCO gave Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid after warnings over unchecked construction, pollution and tourism pressure that could endanger World Heritage status. West Nile Virus Alert: North Macedonia reported four deaths from West Nile fever this year, with most cases around Skopje and intensified mosquito-control and public information efforts underway. EU Fire Support for Serbia: The EU deployed firefighting helicopters and crews to help Serbia battle wildfires in the Deliblato Sands reserve, as winds threaten progress. Local Justice Case: Bulgaria’s foreign ministry says it is taking steps to protect Iva Mihaylova’s right to medical treatment after an appeal upheld limits on her leaving North Macedonia for care. Culture & Film: The Sarajevo Film Festival handed out awards, including recognition tied to North Macedonia’s film community, while CineLink Industry Days concluded with project prizes.

Wildfire Response in the Balkans: The EU has sent firefighting helicopters, rescuers and equipment to Serbia to tackle a major blaze in the Deliblato Sands nature reserve, with 4 Black Hawk helicopters and dozens of firefighters deployed as winds threaten to worsen conditions. US Immigration Ruling: A US judge in Manhattan struck down the Trump administration’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including North Macedonia, saying the policy was “patently unlawful” and exceeded the State Department’s authority. Lake Ohrid Protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid after concerns over unchecked construction, pollution and tourism pressure, warning that World Heritage status could be at risk. Public Health Alert: North Macedonia has reported West Nile virus deaths, with the health ministry citing multiple fatalities and infections concentrated around Skopje, as Europe expands mosquito-control efforts. Culture & Film: Macedonian director Milcho Manchevski’s documentary “Good People” at the Sarajevo Film Festival focuses on survivors of the Kočani nightclub disaster through survivors’ accounts, while CineLink Industry Days handed out regional development awards including a Macedonian-tied project.

UNESCO Watch on Lake Ohrid: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to rein in illegal construction, pollution and wastewater problems around the shared Ohrid area, warning that failure could put the lake’s World Heritage status at risk. Public Health Alert—West Nile Virus: North Macedonia reports four deaths linked to West Nile fever this year, with three fatalities in the past week; most cases are in the Skopje region and health authorities are intensifying mosquito-control and public protection efforts. Diplomacy & Rights Case: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry says it has taken urgent steps to protect Iva Mihaylova’s rights after a court decision upheld a ban on her leaving Kocani for treatment abroad, arguing the severity of her condition wasn’t properly weighed. Culture & Film Industry: CineLink at the Sarajevo Film Festival handed out awards, including a North Macedonia-linked prize for “The Taste of the Peach,” while director Milcho Manchevski discussed his documentary “Good People,” built from survivors’ accounts of the Kočani nightclub tragedy. Sports Diplomacy: The Mediterranean Games open in Taranto, with North Macedonia among the attending heads of state and athletes, turning the event into a high-profile regional meeting point.

West Nile Virus Update: North Macedonia’s health ministry reports 38 locally acquired West Nile cases this year, with four deaths so far and three fatalities in the past week, mostly around Skopje and largely among people over 60—authorities say mosquito-control and public protection efforts are being intensified. Diplomatic & Legal Rights: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry says it has taken urgent steps to protect Iva Mihaylova’s rights after courts upheld a ban on her leaving Kočani for treatment abroad, arguing the needed care can’t be provided in North Macedonia. Foreign Policy & Protocol: Albania criticised the omission of its national anthem at a cultural event in Pustec attended by North Macedonia’s prime minister, calling it a serious breach of protocol. Culture & Film: Macedonian director Milcho Manchevski’s documentary “Good People” is spotlighted at Sarajevo, focusing on survivors of the Kočani nightclub disaster through direct testimonies. Sports Diplomacy: North Macedonia is among the heads of state expected at the opening of Italy’s Mediterranean Games in Taranto, framed as a “bridge between peoples” amid wider regional tensions. Media & Governance: A report says management control changes in Serbia’s Adria News Network could affect newsroom sustainability, with North Macedonia readers likely watching regional media consolidation closely.

West Nile Virus Update: North Macedonia’s health ministry reports 38 West Nile fever cases this year, with four deaths so far and three fatalities in the past week, mostly around Skopje and among people over 60. EU & Diplomacy: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says North Macedonia and other non-EU European countries have aligned with EU sanctions against Belarus. Foreign Policy Appointments: Career diplomat Krum Efremov is set to become North Macedonia’s new ambassador to Bulgaria, as Skopje and Sofia keep working on issues tied to EU integration. Culture & Film: CineLink Industry Days at the Sarajevo Film Festival handed out prizes, including the Eurimages Co-Production Development Award for North Macedonia-linked projects, while Macedonian director Milcho Manchevski’s documentary “Good People” returns to the spotlight for its survivor-focused account of the Kočani nightclub tragedy. Media & Rights: Small World IFT and Catalyst secure an exclusive licensing agency deal for Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro as the region cracks down on audiovisual piracy. Public Life & Society: Albania criticised a cultural event in Pustec for playing only North Macedonia’s anthem, calling it a protocol breach.

Diplomacy & EU Alignment: North Macedonia says it has aligned with EU restrictive measures against Belarus, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcoming the decision by Albania, Bosnia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway and Ukraine. Public Health: West Nile virus is worsening in the region, with North Macedonia reporting 38 positive cases this year and four deaths, three in the past week, mostly around Skopje and among people over 60. Education & Youth Voices: Studentarija’s anonymous platform is evolving into “Digital Student Voice,” letting students report higher-education and student-life problems they fear to raise elsewhere. Culture & Film: Macedonian director Igor Aleksov has started shooting “The Secret of the Bare Hill,” a thriller-drama about unexplained deaths among local elites. Environment: Work is underway in Sar Mountain National Park to dismantle leftover infrastructure from two planned small hydropower plants (Pena 84 and Pena 85), aiming to restore the disturbed valley.

Mediterranean Games in Italy: The 20th Mediterranean Games open Friday in Taranto, with competitions across Puglia and a packed sports programme. Public Health: West Nile virus remains a concern in North Macedonia, with the health ministry reporting four deaths among 38 confirmed cases this year, most in the Skopje area and largely affecting people over 60. Diplomacy & EU alignment: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed North Macedonia’s commitment to align with EU sanctions against Belarus. Foreign policy message: Minister Macinka said national interests should be the starting point of foreign policy, as North Macedonia continues to position itself in a more multipolar world. Security & scams: An Australian investigation links a Tel Aviv-based investment scam network (“Sapphire Network”) to call centers operating in Bulgaria, Ukraine, Cyprus, North Macedonia and Israel, with victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Culture: Macedonian filmmaker Dina Duma’s “Skateboarding Is Not for Girls” returns to Sarajevo with a finished film after earlier industry recognition. Appointments: Career diplomat Krum Efremov is named North Macedonia’s new ambassador to Bulgaria.

West Nile Virus: North Macedonia’s health ministry reports four deaths from West Nile fever among 38 confirmed cases this year, with three fatalities in the past week; most infections are in the Skopje area and 33 patients are over 60, as Europe warns mosquitoes are expanding the season. Diplomatic Appointments: Career diplomat Krum Efremov is named North Macedonia’s new ambassador to Bulgaria, with Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski stressing ongoing dialogue with Sofia on issues tied to EU integration. EU Sanctions Alignment: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says North Macedonia is among eight non-EU countries committing to align with EU restrictive measures against Belarus. Culture & Film: Macedonian filmmaker Dina Duma’s “Skateboarding Is Not for Girls” returns to Sarajevo with a story about a young girl fighting for her family’s future through sport. Arts Production: Igor Aleksov has started shooting “The Secret of the Bare Hill,” a thriller-drama set around unexplained deaths among local elites. Environment: In Sar Mountain National Park, dismantling of unused hydropower infrastructure in the Leshnica Valley (Pena 84/85) begins as part of restoring the disturbed landscape.