AGP Executive Report

EU Accession Politics: Former foreign minister Bujar Osmani says North Macedonia’s EU path is stalled and that the negotiating framework with Bulgaria hinges on only two “indispensable” issues: constitutional amendments and the Action Plan on Minorities—arguing the final vote should wait for Sofia’s consent on the plan’s content. Bilateral Economy: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski used a Türkiye–North Macedonia Business Forum in Istanbul to invite Turkish investors, stressing Skopje’s “gateway” location, digitized services, and reduced red tape. Trade Numbers: Türkiye’s trade minister Ömer Bolat said bilateral trade reached $886m by end-2025 and both sides aim to push it toward $2bn, with Turkish contractors delivering major projects and employing about 1,000 firms. Regional Security & Training: North Macedonia participated in the “Platinum Wolf 26” exercise, with visiting officials briefed on tasks and interoperability in peace-support operations. Disaster Preparedness: Skopje is recruiting former police, army and firefighting personnel to bolster wildfire response this summer, offering seasonal pay and field roles. Media & Rule of Law: A regional report warns of political pressure, disinformation and weak safeguards for independent journalism across the Western Balkans, citing North Macedonia among affected countries. Defense Cooperation: A large regional cyber exercise (CACE 2026) brought together North Macedonia and U.S. National Guard partners to strengthen cyber defense coordination.

EU Accession Pressure: DUI deputy leader Bujar Osmani says North Macedonia’s EU talks are stalled and argues the negotiating framework with Bulgaria hinges on just two “indispensable” items: constitutional amendments and the Action Plan on Minorities, warning the delay is meant to distract from citizens’ problems. Bulgaria’s Line on Commitments: Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova told reporters she expects Skopje to fulfill already signed EU commitments, stressing there are no “new conditions” beyond what the two sides agreed, including constitutional inclusion of Bulgarians and implementation of the negotiating framework. Regional Diplomacy: Greece’s FM Giorgios Gerapetritis met Serbian leaders in Belgrade, reiterating Greece’s unchanged stance on the Kosovo issue while backing Serbia’s EU path and reforms. Trade Push: Türkiye and North Macedonia held a business forum in Istanbul aiming to more than double bilateral trade toward a $2bn target, with talks on modernizing the free trade agreement. Security Cooperation: “Platinum Wolf 26” exercise held a Distinguished Visitors Day with North Macedonia among participating countries, focusing on interoperability in peace support operations. Health & Environment: A PM2.5 pollution map links North Macedonia’s Skopski region to high premature-death impacts, adding pressure for cleaner air policies.

EU Accession Talks: North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova met Bulgaria’s Iliana Iotova on the sidelines of the SEECP summit in Sofia, with both sides stressing the need to intensify dialogue on “difficult issues” and to move toward starting Skopje’s EU accession negotiations. Bilateral Dispute Over EU Conditions: Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova said Sofia is not seeking new demands beyond the EU framework, insisting North Macedonia must fulfil existing commitments, including the 2022 French proposal and constitutional inclusion of Bulgarians. Defence & Ukraine Supplies: Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova said she has no reason to doubt Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov’s claim that Bulgaria currently has no available weapons stocks to send to Ukraine. Regional Connectivity Oversight: The EU Court of Auditors warned Western Balkans transport projects are progressing too slowly toward the 2030 core network due to delays, weak oversight, and sustainability concerns, including in North Macedonia. Security Cooperation: 22 countries including North Macedonia jointly condemned Iran over alleged “lethal plotting” and extraterritorial operations, demanding Iran halt attacks on their soil. Housing Pressure in Europe: The EU Fundamental Rights Agency warned soaring housing costs are pushing more people toward homelessness, with young and vulnerable groups hit hardest.

EU Accession Pressure: Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova told North Macedonia’s head of state that Skopje must fulfil EU membership criteria and the 2022 “French proposal,” including constitutional changes for Bulgarians, while North Macedonia’s FM Timco Mucunski and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova stressed shared interest in EU progress and mutual trust. Regional Diplomacy: The SEECP summit in Sofia put bilateral EU-integration talks front and center, with both sides discussing how to restart accession negotiations and implement European Court of Human Rights obligations. EU Enlargement Safeguards: Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg backed stronger EU tools to respond faster to “democratic and legal breaches” by future members, aiming to avoid a repeat of Hungary-style veto and rule-of-law standoffs. Foreign Policy Security: 22 countries, including North Macedonia, jointly condemned Iran for “lethal plotting” and attacks on “our soil,” and for alleged support of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya-linked violence. EU Funds Oversight: The European Court of Auditors warned Western Balkans transport projects are too slow and poorly monitored, including in North Macedonia, risking missed 2030 connectivity goals.

EU Accession Pressure: Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova told North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova that Skopje must fulfil EU membership criteria, including constitutional changes tied to the 2022 “French proposal,” while EU Ambassador Michalis Rokas said the latest Macron–Merz non-paper doesn’t add new conditions—constitutional revisions remain the key prerequisite for talks. Foreign Policy & Rule of Law: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski, in Sofia at the SEECP summit, said the case of Bulgarian citizen Iva Mihailova—documents confiscated and travel blocked for medical treatment—falls under North Macedonia’s judiciary, and access to healthcare should not be linked to criminal proceedings. Regional Diplomacy: The SEECP 30th-anniversary summit in Sofia brought together regional leaders, with Bulgaria and then Romania taking rotating chair roles and prioritizing EU integration, resilience, and connectivity. Iran Condemnation: North Macedonia joined a 22-country statement warning Iran to stop “lethal plotting” and “malign actions” against dissidents, journalists, and Jewish/Israeli communities, including attacks claimed by HAYI. Domestic Politics (Language): VLEN and DUI/BDI traded accusations over Albanian language use in institutions and a 2010 Kumanovo document on Serbian, with the dispute resurfacing through a new case at the Institute of Public Health. Economy Watch: Reporting flags that North Macedonia’s investment push is increasingly tied to EU accession progress, as FDI fell sharply in 2025 and uncertainty may be weighing on new inflows.

SEECP Summit in Sofia: Bulgaria’s foreign minister opened a SEECP foreign ministers conference in Sofia, with North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut among the high-level participants, as the 30-year regional cooperation format pushes cooperation on security, EU integration and connectivity. Bilateral EU track: Siljanovska-Davkova said she will meet Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova during the summit to build trust and tackle “substantive issues,” while Bulgaria’s presidency priorities include EU enlargement support and resilience against hybrid and cyber threats. Iran condemnation: A coalition of 22 countries including North Macedonia issued a joint statement condemning Iran-linked “lethal plotting” and malign activities, calling for an immediate halt and targeting alleged IRGC-linked operations against dissidents, journalists and Jewish/Israeli communities. EU enlargement safeguards debate: Five EU member states proposed new safeguards for future entrants, including possible temporary limits on voting rights and tougher rule-of-law monitoring, as enlargement momentum grows and institutional paralysis fears rise. Energy security angle: The Energy Community’s 2026 gas storage report says supply security in the region is improving, with North Macedonia expected to secure gas via access to storage abroad. Public spending transparency row: A Skopje watchdog says the government is not disclosing costs and selection details for independence celebrations, fueling criticism over opaque public spending. Sports diplomacy: North Macedonia’s national teams featured in regional qualifiers and friendlies, including a reported 1–3 loss to Azerbaijan in women’s action.

Regional Diplomacy: North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova will meet Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova during the SEECP summit in Sofia today, as the South-East European Cooperation Process marks 30 years since its 1996 launch and Bulgaria hands the rotating chair to Romania. SEECP Summit Agenda: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to represent President Erdoğan, with leaders expected to adopt a summit declaration and stress regional unity, connectivity, and peace efforts. EU Enlargement Politics: EU-Western Balkans leaders meeting in Montenegro renewed calls to speed up accession, framing enlargement as a security necessity amid geopolitical pressure. Public Spending Transparency: A Skopje watchdog says the VMRO-DPMNE-led government is withholding costs and selection details for Independence Day celebrations, despite promises of major international performances. Energy Security: An Energy Community report says gas storage security is improving, with North Macedonia expected to secure supply via access to gas stored abroad. Sports & National Teams: North Macedonia is in Pot 2 for the 2027 World Handball Championship draw, while the women’s team faces Azerbaijan in UEFA qualifiers.

SEECP Summit Diplomacy: Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will represent President Erdoğan at the June 10 SEECP Heads of State summit in Sofia, with a focus on regional unity, connectivity projects (transport and energy), and support for dialogue on Russia-Ukraine and Iran-US tensions. Presidential Talks: North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova says she will meet Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova during the same SEECP summit, aiming to build trust and address “substantive issues.” EU Enlargement & Rule of Law Context: A Wider Europe briefing highlights Brussels’ hard line on rule-of-law shortfalls, including a damning EU report on Serbia—another reminder that reforms remain the gatekeeper for Western Balkans progress. Regional Environment Cooperation: A Western Balkans ecosystem restoration conference in North Macedonia is set to push nature-based solutions and regional implementation, including the WB6 Forest Landscape Restoration plan. Energy Security: The Energy Community’s 2026 gas storage report says supply security in South-Eastern Europe is improving, with North Macedonia expected to secure gas stored abroad under EU-aligned storage rules. Sports & International Fixtures: North Macedonia is drawn in UEFA Women’s European Qualifiers against Azerbaijan in Bitola, while Türkiye’s World Cup warm-up coverage also notes a prior 4-0 win over North Macedonia.

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.