AGP Executive Report

EU-Western Balkans Summit Momentum: EU leaders in Tivat renewed calls to speed up Western Balkans enlargement, framing it as a security necessity amid Russia-Ukraine and wider geopolitical pressure, while also stressing merit-based reforms, regional cooperation, and stronger foreign/security and defence coordination. North Macedonia-EU Reform Pressure: Separate reporting highlights that EU lawmakers and officials are pushing candidate states—including North Macedonia—to step up EU-related reforms, with corruption and stalled implementation cited as key obstacles. Regional Diplomacy (Skopje–Sarajevo): North Macedonia’s foreign minister Timco Mucunski met Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Elmedin Konakovic in Sarajevo, focusing on EU enlargement, better transport links, more business forums, and restoring the Skopje–Sarajevo air route. Energy Security Watch: An Energy Community report says gas supply security in South-Eastern and Eastern Europe is improving as candidate countries implement EU-aligned storage rules; Serbia and Ukraine met fill targets, while North Macedonia is expected to secure access to gas stored abroad. Cyber Extortion Update: The Silent Ransom Group is shifting tactics with fast-flux botnet infrastructure, raising risks for sensitive sectors such as law firms.

EU Enlargement Push: EU leaders meeting in Montenegro renewed calls to speed up Western Balkans integration, with Franco-German proposals for “gradual integration” and faster, less cumbersome accession steps. North Macedonia-EU Watch: The summit backdrop keeps pressure on candidate states like North Macedonia to deliver reforms, while Bulgaria’s PM stressed merit-based accession and warned against relaxing Copenhagen criteria. Regional Diplomacy: Skopje and Sarajevo discussed EU enlargement and practical cooperation, including transport links and restoring the Skopje–Sarajevo air route. SEECP Anniversary: President Iliana Iotova will host the 30th anniversary SEECP summit in Sofia, marking a key regional cooperation milestone. Domestic Culture & Rights: A Skopje-set film, “Skateboarding Is Not for Girls,” tackles gender expectations and forced marriage, spotlighting women’s spaces and social restrictions. Security/Tech: A report says the Silent Ransom Group is shifting tactics with fast-flux botnet infrastructure, raising risks for sensitive sectors. Sports (Local Angle): Denmark’s Christian Eriksen is reported “conscious and doing well” after collapsing during a friendly vs Ukraine.

EU-Western Balkans Summit: EU leaders meeting in Tivat, Montenegro pushed to speed up enlargement, framing it as a security necessity, with France and Germany backing “gradual integration” and incentives like earlier single-market access or observers to EU bodies while reforms continue. North Macedonia Diplomacy: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines, stressing open support for North Macedonia’s European prospects. EU Accession Timelines: Montenegro’s leaders said the EU is drafting its accession treaty and targeting full membership by 2028, while the EU also moved to formally open talks with Moldova and Ukraine. EU Politics at Home: Bulgaria’s PM reiterated that North Macedonia must meet commitments to advance toward EU membership, as EU officials again warned reforms—especially justice and rule of law—remain decisive. Regional Security: A U.S.-linked case highlighted alleged Iran-backed plots, including an arson attack on a synagogue in North Macedonia, underscoring how Balkan tensions feed wider security concerns.

EU-Western Balkans Summit: EU leaders in Tivat, Montenegro pushed to speed up enlargement, framing it as a security and stability necessity amid Russia-Ukraine tensions, and floated “gradual integration” and faster, more incentive-based steps for candidate states. North Macedonia Diplomacy: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski met France’s Macron and Germany’s Merz on the sidelines, stressing open expectations and support for North Macedonia’s European path. EU Accession Timelines: Montenegro’s leadership said it is on track for EU membership by 2028, with a working group drafting an accession treaty. Kosovo Politics: Kosovo’s snap parliamentary election—triggered by failures to elect key leadership—was described as another test for building stable institutions needed for EU integration. Security & Cyber: Separate reporting highlighted the Silent Ransom Group’s fast-flux infrastructure as it targets sensitive sectors, including law firms, raising new concerns for regional digital resilience. Regional Spillovers: A Serbian-Russian church opening in Banja Luka drew attention to wider influence efforts in the Balkans.

EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat: EU leaders and Balkan candidates met in Montenegro to push a faster, more “credible” enlargement path, with France and Germany backing “gradual integration” that could bring earlier access to EU formats and incentives for reforms. North Macedonia-EU diplomacy: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the region and North Macedonia’s European prospects, as Bulgaria reiterated that Skopje must deliver agreed commitments, including constitutional changes. Accession pressure and security: The summit also stressed regional cooperation on foreign, security and defence policy, while Montenegro tightened security around the event. Cyber and hybrid threats: Discussions included resilience against cyber threats, disinformation and hybrid attacks, alongside new reporting on the Silent Ransom Group’s fast-flux infrastructure. International spotlight: North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev, linking cooperation to education, culture, tourism and energy.

EU-Western Balkans Summit: EU leaders in Tivat, Montenegro pushed a faster, more credible enlargement agenda, with Ursula von der Leyen calling the Western Balkans a “geostrategic imperative” and backing reforms plus “gradual integration” ideas that could bring candidates earlier access to parts of the EU single market and institutions. Franco-German Acceleration Plan: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron backed incentives for quicker progress, including simplifying negotiation steps and rewarding meeting accession criteria. North Macedonia’s EU Outreach: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski met Macron and Merz on the sidelines, stressing North Macedonia’s European prospects and future cooperation. EU Accession Pressure on Reforms: Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev reiterated that North Macedonia must implement the agreed negotiating framework, including constitutional changes, saying Sofia won’t compromise on Copenhagen criteria. Local Diplomacy: Kazanlak’s mayor met a Spanish delegation from Xativa to advance twinning talks, highlighting culture, education, tourism, and business links. Security Angle: Reporting around the summit also flagged heightened security measures in Montenegro amid concerns tied to regional stability.

EU-Western Balkans Summit (Tivat): EU leaders and Western Balkan counterparts met in Montenegro to push a faster, more credible enlargement path, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling integration a “geostrategic imperative” and backing a more dynamic process; France and Germany floated “gradual integration” ideas that could let candidates participate in EU formats before full membership. North Macedonia diplomacy: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stressing open support for North Macedonia’s European prospects. Accession pressure & conditions: The summit also highlighted that reforms—especially rule of law and justice—remain non-negotiable, while Bulgaria reiterated that North Macedonia must implement agreed constitutional changes to move forward. Security backdrop: Montenegro tightened security around the summit after reports of a foiled disruption plot and screening of arrivals. Regional context: The EU also unveiled a €6bn facility aimed at accelerating reforms and accession momentum across the Western Balkans.

EU Enlargement Summit in Tivat: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski met France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the EU–Western Balkans summit, stressing open talks on Skopje’s European prospects. EU Accession Speed Push: EU leaders in Montenegro repeatedly backed a faster, more credible enlargement process, with Germany and France floating “gradual integration” ideas and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling for a more dynamic timetable. Bulgaria’s Condition: Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev said North Macedonia can move forward only by fulfilling agreed EU conditions, including constitutional amendments and rule-of-law reforms, warning Sofia won’t compromise. North Macedonia EU Politics: Opposition SDSM accused the government of misleading citizens, citing Brussels messages that constitutional changes are the key step for starting accession negotiations. Security at the Summit: Montenegro tightened security around Tivat and reportedly turned away 87 Serbian nationals over security concerns, underscoring how enlargement is now tied to regional stability. UN Seat: North Macedonia was elected to the UN Economic and Social Council for a three-year term starting in 2027.

EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat: European Council President Antonio Costa says the EU will look for ways to make enlargement “faster and better” for Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro—while stressing it won’t be easier, only more deliverable. North Macedonia EU politics: Opposition SDSM accuses PM Hristijan Mickoski and VMRO-DPMNE of misleading citizens on EU accession, arguing Brussels is clear that constitutional amendments are the only condition to start talks; meanwhile an EP Foreign Affairs committee report urges renewed commitment to rule-of-law, judicial reform and anti-corruption, warning progress is still insufficient. EU connectivity upgrade: The EU Council approved opening negotiations to extend “Roam Like at Home” to the WB6, a practical benefit tied to sectoral agreements. Regional EU push: EU leaders also signal broader acceleration—Germany and France float “gradual integration” ideas before full membership, and Finland’s Alexander Stubb calls for expanding the EU to 40 states. UN seat: North Macedonia was elected to the UN Economic and Social Council for a three-year term starting Jan. 1, 2027. Local economy/legal: Court restores Euromax’s merger approval for Ilovica concessions, reviving a stalled investment plan. Culture/tech: Ling launches a Macedonian language course with native-speaker audio.

EU-Western Balkans Summit: European Council President António Costa wrapped up a tour of the region and warned that EU membership hinges on legal reforms and regional diplomacy, with the Tivat summit set to focus on “shared prosperity and stability.” EU Accession Pressure on North Macedonia: European Parliament lawmakers say corruption, political divisions and court problems are slowing North Macedonia’s EU path, urging constitutional changes and faster judicial reform. Speeding Up Enlargement: The EU is exploring ways to make the Western Balkans accession process “faster and better” while keeping it merit-based, as leaders meet in Tivat amid frustration over slow progress. Roam Like at Home Boost: The EU Council approved talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” to the Western Balkans, promising cheaper roaming across the region. Regional Security Signals: Montenegro banned 87 Serbs ahead of the Tivat summit, citing security risks. Energy Cooperation: The Energy Community says gas security in the region is improving as EU-aligned storage rules take hold, including access arrangements for North Macedonia. Local Politics Watch: North Macedonia’s EU reform agenda remains under scrutiny as MEPs flag polarization, electoral reform gaps and weak progress on convictions in corruption cases.

EU Accession Pressure: European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee urges North Macedonia to renew EU-related reforms, warning progress is still too slow on rule of law, judicial independence, and anti-corruption, and calling for overdue electoral changes and constitutional amendments. EU Summit Diplomacy: European Council President António Costa tells Skopje the 2022 agreements must be implemented to unlock EU talks, stressing “nothing more than that” and linking momentum to constitutional reform and dialogue with neighbours. Regional Security & Migration: A MARRI committee session in Sarajevo brings together Western Balkan officials on migration, asylum, border control, trafficking, and return/readmission, with North Macedonia among participating states. Energy Security Watch: The Energy Community reports improving gas security across South East and Eastern Europe as EU-aligned storage rules roll out, noting North Macedonia is expected to secure gas stored abroad to cover winter needs. Government Shake-Up: North Macedonia’s deputy prime minister for good governance, Arben Fetai, resigns ahead of a planned government reshuffle, with a replacement to be discussed with coalition partners. Tourism Snapshot: Eurostat data shows Albania’s overnight stays up 11.2% y/y in Q1, while North Macedonia rises just 0.1%—a reminder of uneven regional momentum. International Context: Slovakia’s president reiterates support for North Macedonia’s EU bid during an official visit, framing enlargement as fair and rule-based.

EU Accession Pressure: European Parliament AFET urged North Macedonia to restart EU-related reforms, stressing gaps in rule of law, judicial independence, anti-corruption results, and overdue electoral changes, while warning polarization and foreign disinformation are slowing progress. Enlargement Message from Brussels: European Council President António Costa told Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski that Skopje must implement all 2022 agreements to unlock accession talks, rejecting demands for extra guarantees beyond what was agreed. Government Shake-Up: Deputy PM for good governance Arben Fetai resigned ahead of a planned reshuffle, with Mickoski saying a replacement will be discussed with coalition partners. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Slovakia reiterated support for North Macedonia’s EU bid during President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova’s visit, while a UN-backed joint statement condemned a Russian drone violation of Romanian airspace that included North Macedonia among signatories. Energy Cooperation: The Energy Community reported improving gas security across the region as EU-aligned storage rules roll out, noting North Macedonia relies on access to gas stored abroad. Sports & Politics Collide: Turkey beat North Macedonia 4–0 in a friendly, adding to the backdrop of World Cup preparations.

EU Accession Pressure: European Council President António Costa told Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski that North Macedonia must implement the 2022 constitutional package “and nothing more” to unlock EU talks, stressing enlargement is a real, strategic priority. Government Reshuffle: North Macedonia’s deputy prime minister for good governance, Arben Fetai, resigned ahead of a planned reshuffle, with Mickoski saying a replacement will be discussed with coalition partners. Presidential Diplomacy: President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova began an official visit to Slovakia, meeting top Slovak leaders to push cooperation on trade, energy, transport and investment, with Slovakia reiterating support for North Macedonia’s EU path. Regional Politics & Identity: DUI leader Ali Ahmeti hit back at Albin Kurti’s criticism, defending the Ohr Framework Agreement as a cornerstone for peace and Albanian rights across the region. Disinformation Watch: An International IDEA report warns foreign-linked actors are using environmental, ethnic and cultural issues to spread disinformation across the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia. New Political Player: Ziadin Sela’s Alliance for Albanians wing formally launched a new party, the Albanian League, in Tetovo. Energy Links: Serbia announced 14.4 billion euros for energy investment (2028-2035), including gas interconnectors with North Macedonia and Romania.

Government Accountability: North Macedonia’s deputy prime minister for good governance, Arben Fetai, resigned ahead of a planned reshuffle, with PM Hristijan Mickoski saying a replacement will be discussed with coalition partners. EU Enlargement & Diplomacy: European Council President António Costa said this week’s EU summit with Western Balkan candidates is meant to prove enlargement is “real,” co-chairing a leaders’ meeting in Montenegro; Costa also met regional leaders including a stop in Skopje. EU Migration Rules: The EU agreed tighter migration and return rules, including stricter obligations for people ordered to leave—an issue closely watched across the Western Balkans. Energy Transition: North Macedonia’s JETIP just transition platform reported 1.7bn euros in identified projects, with financing secured for about 460m euros and major renewable capacity plans. Political Parties: Ziadin Sela’s Alliance for Albanians split has now produced a new party, the Albanian League, formally launched at a Tetovo congress. Regional Security & Info Space: An International IDEA report warns foreign-linked actors use environmental and identity issues to spread disinformation across the Balkans, including North Macedonia. Sports (World Cup build-up): Turkey beat North Macedonia 4-0 in a friendly as both sides prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

EU Enlargement Push: European Council President António Costa told Western Balkan leaders the EU accession process is “real,” framing enlargement as a geostrategic investment in peace and security ahead of a summit in Montenegro that will include North Macedonia. Energy Transition: North Macedonia’s Just Energy Transition Investment Platform (JETIP) has identified about €1.7bn in projects, with €460m already secured, as the country expands renewables and energy storage. Regional Infrastructure: Serbia’s environmental process for a Corridor 10 high-speed rail upgrade through North Macedonia is underway, with works planned near the Tabanovce crossing. Gas Security: Serbia’s energy minister says new gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania are planned within two years to diversify supply routes and boost crisis resilience. Politics & Parties: The Alliance for Albanians’ Ziadin Sela faction has formally launched a new party, the Albanian League, in Tetovo. EU Politics at Home: Reports also highlight opposition pressure for referendums on EU-related constitutional changes and election timing concerns. Sports (World Cup Prep): Turkey beat North Macedonia 4-0 in a World Cup warm-up in Istanbul, while Turkey’s friendly against North Macedonia is also being promoted for viewers.

EU Enlargement Push: European Council President António Costa told Western Balkan leaders that this week’s EU summit is meant to prove enlargement is “real,” with North Macedonia among the candidate states heading into the June 5 meeting in Tivat. Energy Transition: North Macedonia’s Just Energy Transition Investment Platform (JETIP) says about €1.7 billion is lined up for roughly 80 projects, with €460 million already secured, as renewables expand. Regional Infrastructure: Serbia’s energy ministry says new gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania are planned within two years to diversify supply and boost security. Cross-border Rail Plans: Serbia’s environmental process for Corridor 10 outlines a modern double-track electrified rail link through North Macedonia, with major speed upgrades and tunnel replacements. Politics & Elections: A People’s Movement of Serbia vice-president argues Serbia is avoiding elections and instead using rallies to signal support ahead of a possible vote. Party Formation: Ziadin Sela’s Alliance for Albanians wing has formally launched a new party, the Albanian League, in Tetovo. EU Accession Pressure: Bulgaria’s foreign minister warns Skopje that Sofia will not step back from 2022 commitments and urges progress rather than escalation. Sports (World Cup Build-up): Turkey hosts North Macedonia in a friendly as both teams prepare for the 2026 World Cup cycle.