AGP Executive Report

EU Foreign Policy: North Macedonia has joined the EU’s updated sanctions against Iran, aligning national policies with the Council decision extending restrictions tied to Tehran’s military support for Russia and its backing of armed groups in the Middle East and the Red Sea. Diplomacy & Identity: Skopje is keeping distance from Belgrade’s church-related rhetoric, choosing a “soft landing” approach toward Serbia while signaling a tougher line toward Sofia. Human Rights & Courts: Bulgaria is preparing a diplomatic protest note over the case of dual citizen Iva Mihaylova in North Macedonia, after court refusals blocked her from receiving treatment in Bulgaria; Sofia says it is using all communication channels with Skopje. Environment & Energy: In Sar Mountain National Park, installed infrastructure for two uncompleted small hydropower plants (Pena 84 and Pena 85) is being dismantled to restore the disturbed Leshnica Valley. Regional Watch: Greece dismantled a drug network moving raw cannabis from Albania to Turkey via Greece, with cooperation involving North Macedonia and Kosovo. EU Milestones: Multiple pieces mark the 25th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, stressing its role in peace, coexistence, and institution-building.

Diplomacy & EU track: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski keeps his distance from Belgrade’s church rhetoric while signaling a tougher line toward Sofia, underscoring Skopje’s “soft landing” in Serbia but “hard line” with Bulgaria. Presidential outreach: President Aleksandar Vucic received new ambassadors from Austria, Germany, Algeria, South Korea and Kazakhstan, stressing EU-path dialogue and deeper economic ties, with Germany’s ambassador previously serving in North Macedonia. Energy & regional infrastructure: Serbia moved ahead with a nearly €1bn gas expansion plan with World Bank support, including new pipeline and storage upgrades and studies for hydrogen transport readiness. EU foreign policy: North Macedonia joined a wider European alignment extending sanctions on Iran over military support for Russia, alongside Ukraine and eight other countries. Humanitarian & legal pressure: Bulgaria escalated the Iva Mihaylova case with a diplomatic protest note after court refusals blocked her medical treatment in Bulgaria, with foreign ministry talks ongoing. Environment: In Sar Mountain National Park, dismantling of unfinished small hydropower infrastructure in Leshnica Valley (Pena 84/85) begins, aiming to restore the disturbed landscape. Public health: Greece reported a sharp rise in West Nile virus cases and deaths, with warnings focused on older residents and intensified mosquito-control. Sports (local link): New Raiders’ Richard Brown starts a 15-day trial with FK Skopje, adding another North Macedonia connection to the week’s regional headlines.

EU Sanctions on Iran: Ukraine and eight European partners, including North Macedonia, aligned with an EU decision extending sanctions over Iran’s military support for Russia, plus Tehran’s backing of armed groups and actions undermining freedom of navigation. Diplomatic Pressure on Medical Care Case: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry prepared a protest note over Iva Mihaylova’s treatment in North Macedonia after a court blocked her transfer for care; officials say they are using all communication channels with Skopje. Ohrid Agreement Anniversary: Multiple pieces mark 25 years since the Ohrid Framework Agreement, stressing its role in peace, coexistence, and institutional rights for communities. Regional Security/Arms Notifications: A U.S.-led coalition urged 24-hour advance notice for ballistic missile and space launch tests after China’s submarine-launched missile test drew criticism. Health Watch (Greece): Greece reported a sharp rise in West Nile virus cases, with 9 deaths and heightened mosquito-control efforts around Athens. Sports (North Macedonia link): Hibernian advanced in Europe after a goalless draw with Shkendija in Skopje, setting up a play-off vs Gent; meanwhile New Raiders’ Richard Brown begins a 15-day trial with FK Skopje.

Iran Executions Condemned: More than 30 countries, including North Macedonia, issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s executions of protesters and calling for an end to the death penalty and the release of those arbitrarily detained. EU Sanctions Alignment: Ukraine and eight European states—including North Macedonia—joined the EU decision extending sanctions on Iran tied to Tehran’s military support for Russia and regional armed-group activity, with partners required to align national measures. Judicial-Medical Dispute: Bulgaria’s government and foreign ministry escalated the case of dual citizen Iva Mihaylova, protesting after North Macedonian courts refused her travel for urgent treatment, while Bulgarian officials say they are using all diplomatic channels. Corruption Charges: North Macedonia prosecutors charged former First Deputy PM Artan Grubi and others over alleged abuse of office to enable the purchase of video lottery terminals that could not legally be operated, linked to losses for the State Lottery. Ohrid Agreement Anniversary: Multiple pieces marked 25 years since the Ohrid Framework Agreement, focusing on its role in peace, coexistence, and institution-building. Sports—Euro Qualification: Hibernian advanced after a 0-0 draw in Skopje against Shkendija, setting up a Conference League play-off vs Gent. Sports—Trial in Skopje: New Raiders defender Richard Brown left for a 15-day trial with FK Skopje.

Ohrid Framework Agreement Anniversary: North Macedonia marked 25 years since the 13 August 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement, with government leaders stressing it as an “institutional responsibility” and a constitutional standard for inclusiveness, equitable representation, and civic equality. Judicial & Humanitarian Dispute: Bulgaria escalated the Iva Mihaylova case with a diplomatic protest note after a North Macedonian court refused her temporary release to get treatment abroad; Bulgarian officials say they are using all communication channels, while Bulgarian MEPs warn of systemic rule-of-law problems. EU Enlargement Debate: Commentary and policy discussion returned to the Ohrid anniversary backdrop as Brussels faces pressure over the “moment of truth” for EU enlargement and geographical balance. International Security Diplomacy: The U.S. and 41 nations urged 24-hour advance notice for ballistic missile and space launches after China’s submarine-launched missile test in the Pacific. Public Health: Greece reported a sharp rise in West Nile virus cases (110 infections, 9 deaths) and increased mosquito-control measures around Athens. Sports & International Ties: Hibernian advanced in the UEFA Conference League after a 0-0 draw with Shkendija in Skopje, setting up a play-off against Gent.

Ohrid Agreement at 25: North Macedonia marked the 13 August anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, with officials stressing it as an “institutional responsibility” and a constitutional standard for inclusion, equality and power-sharing. Diplomatic Pressure on Medical Case: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry prepared a protest note over Iva Mihaylova’s treatment in North Macedonia after a court refusal to let her travel for care, while Bulgarian MEPs warned of rule-of-law and humanitarian concerns. EUalive Condemns Threats to Journalist: EUalive backed analyst Erol Rizaov after death threats and ethnically targeted insults followed his criticism of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. Former Deputy PM Charged: Prosecutors in Skopje charged Artan Grubi and seven others over alleged abuse of office tied to illegal purchase of video lottery terminals for the State Lottery. Roma Inclusion Talks: China’s ambassador met North Macedonia’s integration minister to discuss cooperation on Roma inclusion strategy 2022–2030. Public Health Watch: Greece reported a sharp rise in West Nile virus cases, with Athens stepping up mosquito-control measures. Football—European Night in Skopje: Hibernian held Shkendija to 0-0 in Skopje to reach the UEFA Conference League play-off against Gent, after progressing on aggregate.

Human Rights & Courts: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry prepared a protest note and says it is using all diplomatic channels after North Macedonia courts blocked Iva Mihaylova from leaving for treatment; Bulgarian officials cite humanitarian urgency and ongoing consular support, while Bulgarian MEPs warn of systemic rule-of-law problems. Ohrid Agreement Anniversary: North Macedonia marked 25 years since the Ohrid Framework Agreement, with officials stressing it as an institutional responsibility and a constitutional standard for inclusion, equitable representation, and sustainable peace. EU Enlargement Debate: Commentary highlights a “moment of truth” for EU expansion, with questions over political balance and whether accession momentum can be sustained. Public Health: Greece reported a sharp rise in West Nile virus cases (110 infections, 9 deaths) and increased mosquito-control measures—an urgent reminder for the region’s summer risk. Local Governance: Skopje’s mayor moved to calm a bottled-water panic over alleged contamination, accusing political opponents of spreading misinformation and pointing to controlled testing around the Rašče spring. Regional Security Diplomacy: A U.S.-led group of 41 countries demanded 24-hour advance notice for missile tests after China’s submarine-launched ballistic missile launch lacked adequate warning. Politics & Justice: Prosecutors charged former Deputy PM Artan Grubi and others over alleged illegal purchase of video lottery terminals for the State Lottery, with house arrest set to expire.

Ohrid Anniversary & Governance: North Macedonia marked 25 years since the Ohrid Framework Agreement, with officials stressing it as an “institutional responsibility” and a constitutional standard for inclusion, equitable representation, and trust between communities. EU Integration & Roma Inclusion: China’s ambassador met North Macedonia’s minister responsible for Roma integration strategy (2022–2030), discussing challenges for Roma communities and potential cooperation. State Lottery Case: Prosecutors in Skopje charged former First Deputy PM Artan Grubi and seven others over alleged abuse of office tied to the purchase of video lottery terminals that could not legally be used, seeking to extend house arrest for Grubi. Judicial & Human Rights Pressure: Bulgarian MEPs urged EU leadership over what they call North Macedonia’s refusal to allow Iva Mihailova to travel for urgent medical treatment, citing court decisions and alleged procedural problems. Public Safety & Misinformation: A Skopje water scare sparked panic over alleged contamination; Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski publicly drank tap water, blamed opposition disinformation, and called for investigations. Media Freedom: EUalive condemned death threats against journalist Erol Rizaov, urging police to identify and prosecute those behind violent, ethnically targeted comments. International Condemnations: North Macedonia joined a broad coalition condemning Iran’s executions of protesters and use of the death penalty. Energy Solidarity: North Macedonia supplied power transformers to help restore Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia after Russian attacks.

EU Human Rights Pressure: Bulgarian MEPs have urged EU leaders to act over what they call North Macedonia’s denial of urgent medical treatment for Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen Iva Mihailova, citing a Skopje panel saying treatment abroad is needed and a court rejecting her passport release. Justice & Corruption Case: In Skopje, prosecutors charged former First Deputy PM Artan Grubi and seven others over alleged abuse of office tied to the purchase of video lottery terminals that were reportedly never legally usable, with Grubi denying wrongdoing as house arrest nears expiry. Democracy & Safety for Journalists: EUalive condemned death threats against journalist Erol Rizaov, saying online comments called for violence and targeted his ethnicity, urging police and prosecutors to identify those responsible. Governance & Public Trust: Skopje’s mayor moved to calm a bottled-water panic after rumors about tap contamination, accusing opponents of misinformation and pointing to controls around the Rašče spring. Regional Peace Anniversary: North Macedonia marked 25 years since the Ohrid Framework Agreement, with officials stressing it as an ongoing institutional responsibility and a constitutional standard for inclusiveness and equitable representation. International Security: A 41-nation push backed by the U.S. and others demands 24-hour notice for ballistic missile and space launches, citing risks from unannounced tests. Sports (Local Interest): Hibernian advanced in the UEFA Conference League after a 0-0 draw with Shkendija in Skopje, setting up a play-off against Gent.

Ohrid Framework Anniversary: North Macedonia marked 25 years since the 13 August 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement, with government leaders calling it an “institutional responsibility” and a constitutional standard for inclusiveness and equitable representation—while DUI warned the VMRO-DPMNE-led government is undermining the deal via language-law challenges, limits on Albanian-language bar exams, and moves to replace the “Balancer” mechanism. EU & Human Rights: A coalition of EU states and partners, including North Macedonia, condemned Iran’s executions of protesters and use of the death penalty; Iran’s foreign minister hit back at France and others, calling the criticism “blatant hypocrisy.” Skopje Water Panic: Skopje’s mayor moved to calm a bottled-water rush after rumours of contamination, accusing the opposition of spreading fear and filing complaints over the source of the claims tied to the Rašče spring. EU Enlargement Watch: Commentary highlights Brussels’ “moment of truth” on enlargement, as negotiations and political questions intensify across the region. Roma Inclusion & China: China’s ambassador met North Macedonia’s integration minister on implementing the Roma inclusion strategy 2022–2030, discussing challenges and capacity-building. Politics & Oversight: Reports raise questions after an intelligence officer convicted in election abuses (“Titanic”) received security clearance for state secrets and was later posted to Vienna. Local Party Funding: An analysis says parties received nearly €9m from the state budget, with VMRO-DPMNE taking the largest share and DUI funding down year-on-year.

Election Oversight: Kazakhstan’s Qurultay vote is drawing more scrutiny as 405 additional international observers were accredited, bringing the total to 656, including OSCE/ODIHR and other regional missions. EU Politics: North Macedonia’s opposition SDSM says PM Hristijan Mickoski’s Brussels visit could signal movement on the EU negotiating framework, including the “French proposal” on constitutional changes for Bulgarians. State Secrets & Accountability: A convicted election-offences intelligence officer, Kiro Todorovski, has reportedly received clearance for “state secret” access and was later posted to Vienna, prompting complaints over how security checks passed. Party Funding: Parties received nearly €9m from the state budget, with VMRO-DPMNE taking a record €2.5m and SDSM down about 40% to around €1m, reflecting electoral performance rules. International Security: The US and allies, including North Macedonia, urged at least 24-hour advance notice for ballistic missile and space-launch tests to reduce miscalculation risks. Public Health: Europe’s West Nile Virus update shows North Macedonia among countries reporting locally acquired human cases, with 13 cases recorded as of 5 August.

Party Funding Watch: North Macedonia’s political parties received nearly €9 million from the state budget in 2026, with VMRO-DPMNE taking a record €2.5 million and SDSM’s funding dropping about 40% to around €1 million, while DUI also saw a decline tied to election performance. EU Accession Politics: SDSM says PM Hristijan Mickoski’s Brussels visit could point to a possible EU negotiating breakthrough, specifically the “French proposal” on constitutional changes, and warns the government must explain any shift to voters. State Secrets & Accountability: An intelligence officer convicted in the “Titanic” election abuses case has been granted clearance for state-secret access and later posted to Vienna, prompting complaints over how security checks were passed despite an active conviction. Diplomatic Missile Notice: The US and allies, including North Macedonia, backed a call for at least 24-hour advance notification of ballistic missile and space launch activity to reduce miscalculation risks. Cross-Border Language Rights: DUI demands Albanian be restored on state signs at the Tabanov border crossing, alleging the change violated constitutional and legal rules. Regional Security: Bulgaria reported a drone carrying explosives exploded near the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, with authorities saying it was not detected and investigations continue.

EU Accession Talks: North Macedonia’s opposition SDSM says PM Hristijan Mickoski’s Brussels visit may signal a shift toward the “French proposal” for constitutional changes tied to EU talks, while government officials insist there’s “nothing secret.” Political Accountability & Rights: Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova and the Foreign Ministry again pressed North Macedonia to allow Bulgarian citizen Iva Mihailova medical treatment abroad after Kočani court refusals, citing risks of permanent injury. Language & Borders: DUI demands Albanian be restored on state signs at the Tabanoc border crossing, alleging legal violations. Domestic Tensions: SDSM accuses the ruling VMRO-DPMNE of intimidation after an attack on young opposition activists during a protest over drinking water contamination in Gostivar. EU Foreign Policy: A broader debate in Brussels over moving from unanimity to qualified majority voting in foreign policy highlights how vetoes still shape outcomes. Regional Infrastructure: Corridor 8 progress continues as Albania opens a new road section linking toward North Macedonia and Bulgaria. Economy & Housing: A global index flags North Macedonia among markets with strong residential price growth, while property prices keep climbing. International Spotlight: Bulgaria also reported a drone explosion near a gas pipeline compressor station, raising security concerns.

EU Accession Talks: North Macedonia’s opposition SDSM says PM Hristijan Mickoski’s Brussels visit could finally point to progress on the EU negotiating framework, specifically the “French proposal” to include Bulgarians in the Constitution—while government officials push back on claims that it’s a done deal. Political Violence Allegations: SDSM accuses the ruling VMRO-DPMNE-linked local authorities of attacking young opposition activists during a protest over Gostivar drinking-water contamination, escalating tensions ahead of the next political fight. Bulgaria–North Macedonia Medical Row: Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova and the Foreign Ministry again urge Skopje to allow Iva Mihailova medical treatment in Bulgaria after Kočani court denials, framing it as a human-rights and life-and-health issue. Language Rights at Borders: DUI demands Albanian be restored on state signs at the Tabanoc border crossing, alleging the change violated constitutional and legal rules. Regional Diplomacy & Infrastructure: The PM and Bulgaria are linked again through Corridor VIII railway tunnel commitments, while Albania opens a new Corridor 8 road section connecting toward North Macedonia and Bulgaria. EU/Regional Security: A drone explosion near Bulgaria’s Trans-Balkan gas pipeline raises fresh alarm about the region’s security environment and cross-border risks.

Medical Diplomacy: Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova and the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry renewed pressure on North Macedonia over Iva Mihailova’s denied access to treatment, after Kočani court refusals and claims that specialized care is only available in Bulgaria. Border Language Row: North Macedonia’s DUI demanded Albanian be restored on state signs at the Tabanoc border crossing, alleging legal breaches and blaming VLEN for not stopping the change. Corridor 8 Rail Push: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski said both countries are committed to the Corridor VIII cross-border tunnel, ahead of signing financing for the Kriva Palanka–Deve Bair railway section, backed by a €149m EU grant plus EIB/EBRD support. Anti-Money Laundering Watch: A GI-TOC report warns that “professional enablers” and enforcement gaps help launder dirty money across the Western Balkans, highlighting weak implementation. EU Enlargement Debate: A new analysis argues EU member states are growing more anxious about admitting new countries, despite candidate reform progress. Regional Security: Bulgaria reported an explosive drone crash near the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, with officials saying it was not detected and Ukraine denying intent. Sports & Politics: Hibs’ Conference League tie with Shkendija heads to Skopje after a late 2-1 win, while North Macedonia’s broader political scene also faces fresh allegations of intimidation tied to local protests.

Medical Rights Clash: Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova and the Foreign Ministry renewed pressure on North Macedonia over Iva Mihailova, after a Kočani court again refused permission for her treatment in Bulgaria, citing the risk of permanent, irreversible injuries and urging access to timely care. Language & Borders: North Macedonia’s DUI demanded Albanian be restored on state border signs at Tabanoc, saying the change violated constitutional rules on official language use. Corridor 8 Rail Push: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski said both sides are committed to the Corridor VIII cross-border tunnel after financing agreements for the Kriva Palanka–Deve Bair section, with an EU grant of €149 million and additional EIB/EBRD funding. Political Tensions on the Ground: Opposition SDSM alleged intimidation and threats against young activists during a protest over Gostivar drinking-water contamination, comparing tactics to those used by Serbia’s ruling style. Regional Security: SEEBRIG’s headquarters relocation from North Macedonia to Istanbul was completed, with full operational capability reached in Turkey. Sports (Local Link): Hibernian secured a 2-1 home lead over Shkendija ahead of the second leg in Skopje.