AGP Executive Report

Transport & Infrastructure: North Macedonia’s Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski says construction of a rail link between Skopje and Petrovec airport will start in spring 2027, cutting the trip to 8–11 minutes, alongside new Skopje suburban routes and procurement of 4–6 multiple-units (with space for bicycles and prams) plus up to five electric freight locomotives with EBRD support. EU Integration & Rule of Law: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told the UN General Assembly that European integration must stay merit-based and predictable, warning that changing criteria and unequal application erode public trust and dignity for smaller states. Diplomacy & Regional Cooperation: North Macedonia’s President Siljanovska-Davkova met European Parliament rapporteur Waitz, while MEPs pushed for stronger EU reporting and inclusion related to the Iva Mihaylova case and argued integration is not a bilateral issue. Public Life & Culture: Director Milcho Manchevski presented his documentary “Good People” in Sofia, focused on the Kochani Pulse nightclub tragedy and the stories of those affected. Sports (Local angle): In UEFA Nations League action, Switzerland beat North Macedonia 3-0 with Nico Elvedi playing the full match; Scotland’s new coach Sebastien Pocognoli began his tenure with a 0-0 draw vs Slovenia, setting up a key home match vs Switzerland and a later trip to North Macedonia.

EU Accession & Rule of Law: North Macedonia PM Hristijan Mickoski told the UN General Assembly that EU integration must stay predictable and rules-based, warning that shifting criteria and one-sided obligations erode public trust in institutions. EU-Bulgaria Dispute: In Skopje, MEP Kristian Vigenin said Bulgaria and North Macedonia need no mediator because EU integration is not a bilateral issue, while MEP Ivaylo Valchev pushed for the Iva Mihaylova case to be named in the EU’s next North Macedonia report. UN Diplomacy: Mickoski also framed dignity and justice as central to reforms, arguing smaller states should see membership criteria lead to progress rather than new demands. Regional Economy & Sports Ties: North Macedonia and Azerbaijan discussed expanding trade, investment, and energy cooperation, and signed a sports cooperation memorandum. International Football (Politics-adjacent): Switzerland’s Breel Embolo was dropped from the Nations League squad over forged COVID certificate reports, leaving Switzerland to open in Skopje against North Macedonia without him. Nations League Focus: North Macedonia’s Nations League opener vs Switzerland is set for Saturday, with Scotland also facing Slovenia under new coach Sebastien Pocognoli.

EU Accession Diplomacy: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told the UN General Assembly that North Macedonia needs a rules-based, predictable EU integration process, warning against shifting goalposts and arguing that trust erodes when criteria change midstream. EU Parliament & Minorities: MEP Ivaylo Valchev said EU-North Macedonia committee conclusions include cross-border cooperation on humanitarian cases, while he pushes for the Iva Mihaylova case to be named in the EP’s next North Macedonia report; MEP Kristian Vigenin added that Bulgaria’s constitutional condition for talks is not a bilateral matter. Regional Economy & Investment: North Macedonia’s economy ministry reported talks with Azerbaijan on expanding trade, investment and energy cooperation. Bilateral Sports Ties: Azerbaijan and North Macedonia signed a sports cooperation memorandum. Domestic Policy Pressure: A new report highlights North Macedonia’s shrinking school network as rural closures and mergers accelerate due to low birth rates and emigration. International Spotlight: Switzerland dropped striker Breel Embolo from Nations League duty over forged COVID-19 documents, adding to the disruption after Granit Xhaka’s similar case—relevant as Switzerland play North Macedonia in Skopje.

EU Accession Talks: Bulgaria says North Macedonia must fulfil EU accession commitments and start “necessary changes” to move forward, rejecting Skopje’s push for EU talks via member states or EU institutions and framing the dispute as Skopje’s refusal to meet conditions. EU Parliament Oversight: In Skopje, MEP Ivaylo Valchev says the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee included a call for cross-border cooperation in humanitarian cases, but he wants the Iva Mihaylova case named in the EP’s next progress report; MEP Kristian Vigenin adds that North Macedonia’s EU integration is not a bilateral matter with Bulgaria. Regional Diplomacy: UNGA coverage highlights a major walkout during Netanyahu’s speech, with North Macedonia among delegations listed as leaving/absent. Education & Demographics: A new report shows rural school closures across North Macedonia as birth rates and emigration shrink enrolment, with communities losing local schools and pupils moved to larger centres. Energy & Investment: Envision Energy’s Štip Wind Farm in North Macedonia reaches financial close, a 131MW first phase aimed at expanding the country’s wind capacity. Sports Cooperation: Azerbaijan and North Macedonia discussed expanding economic ties and signed a sports cooperation memorandum.

EU Accession Pressure: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry says North Macedonia must fulfil commitments and make “necessary changes” to advance on its EU path, stressing good-neighbourly relations and that accession is handled through EU institutions, after Skopje’s push for EU participation in talks via member states or EU bodies. UN Diplomacy Clash: At the UN General Assembly in New York, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu faced a mass walkout as dozens of delegations left the hall at the start of his speech, with North Macedonia among those listed among absent/walkout delegations. Kosovo Security Talks: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić met UN chief António Guterres in New York to discuss Kosovo-Metohija and full implementation of UNSCR 1244, with North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski also in the wider diplomatic mix. Energy & EU Concerns: EU officials worry US LNG plans could lock Western Balkan states into long-term fossil fuel dependence, even as countries argue for transition away from Russian gas. Sports Diplomacy: North Macedonia and Azerbaijan signed a sports cooperation memorandum, while North Macedonia’s President Siljanovska-Davkova met an EP rapporteur on EU-related engagement. Renewables Deal: Envision Energy reached financial close for the Štip Wind Farm (131.25 MW first phase), positioning it as North Macedonia’s largest wind project yet.

EU Accession Push: North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova met European Parliament rapporteur Thomas Waitz, urging reforms to unblock EU accession and warning against “irrational obstruction” and abuse of vetoes tied to identity, history and language. Diplomacy with Bulgaria: Future ambassador Krum Efremov said Skopje wants de-escalation with Sofia and a “positive climate,” but flagged Bulgaria’s EU-accession obstruction as the biggest challenge, stressing dialogue and existing friendship guarantees. Sports Cooperation: North Macedonia and Azerbaijan signed a sports cooperation MoU during a visit by Sports Minister Borko Ristovski, including talks with Azerbaijan’s youth and sports minister. Energy Transition: Envision Energy reached financial close on the 131.25MW Štip Wind Farm phase in North Macedonia, a major step toward scaling up wind capacity and shifting away from coal. Regional Mobility Watch: A Western Balkans rail-reform report says Albania lagged on implementation, while North Macedonia sits at 62%—a reminder that transport reforms are uneven across the region. Nations League Spotlight: North Macedonia’s President and EU talks may dominate politics, but on the pitch the national team opens its UEFA Nations League run in League B, with Switzerland next—an important chance to end a winless spell.

EU Accession & Veto Politics: North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova met European Parliament rapporteur Thomas Waitz, urging reforms to speed EU enlargement and warning against “irrational obstruction” and abuse of vetoes tied to identity, history and language. Bilateral De-escalation: Future ambassador Krum Efremov says Skopje wants a “de-escalation” approach with Bulgaria, stressing dialogue, goodwill and security while pointing to Sofia’s EU-accession obstruction as the main challenge. Sports Diplomacy: North Macedonia and Azerbaijan signed a memorandum on sports cooperation after a visit by Minister of Sport Borko Ristovski to Baku. Regional Security: Kosovo formally requested full membership in the US-backed US-Adriatic Charter, citing Banjska and the Ibar-Lepenac canal attacks; North Macedonia is among the group’s members. Infrastructure & Trade Links: A Western Balkans rail-reform report shows North Macedonia at 62% implementation in 2025, with market opening and multimodal terminal modernization still uneven across the region. Energy Transition: Envision Energy announced a 131MW wind project in Štip, aiming to boost North Macedonia’s installed wind capacity and support the shift away from coal. International Human Rights: President Iliana Iotova briefed UN High Commissioner Volker Turk on alleged discrimination against Bulgarians in North Macedonia, including the Iva Mihaylova medical-treatment case.

EU Accession & Diplomacy: North Macedonia’s future ambassador to Bulgaria, Krum Efremov, says Sofia’s obstruction of Skopje’s EU talks is the biggest challenge, urging de-escalation and a “positive climate,” while stressing EU consensus from July 2022 and insisting on constitutional amendments and the 2017 friendship treaty. UN & Ukraine Ceasefire: More than 50 UN member states plus the EU backed a UN Security Council push for a full, immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, calling on Russia to agree and to return detained and deported civilians; the US did not join the statement. North Macedonia–Bulgaria Human Rights: President Iliana Iotova told UN human rights chief Volker Turk about alleged pressure on Bulgarians in North Macedonia, including job and university discrimination and the Iva Mihaylova case over medical treatment access. Energy Transition: Envision Energy reached financial close on the Štip Wind Farm, supplying 21 large turbines for a project expected to more than quadruple North Macedonia’s installed wind capacity as construction begins. Foreign Policy Cooperation: Mongolia and North Macedonia agreed a protocol on cooperation and consultations after talks between their foreign ministers at the UN General Assembly. Regional Security Training: Common Challenge 2026 brought mountain warfare and rescue drills with forces from Montenegro, the US, Austria, North Macedonia, Slovenia and Spain.

EU Rule of Law & Budget Talks: EU ministers debated the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework and discussed rule-of-law trends in candidate countries including North Macedonia, as preparations for the October European Council ramp up. EU Accession Deadlock: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told the UN’s Concordia Summit that North Macedonia is ready to move forward out of the EU accession deadlock, arguing negotiations are about changing institutions, not identity. Human Rights at UN: President Iliana Iotova briefed the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on alleged discrimination against Bulgarians in North Macedonia and the Iva Mihaylova medical-treatment case, pressing for access and non-retroactive rights protections. Energy Transition Investment: Envision Energy advanced North Macedonia’s Štip Wind Farm, supplying 21 large turbines for a 131.25MW first phase, with the wider project planned up to 396MW. Regional Security Cooperation: Montenegro hosted Common Challenge 2026, bringing together forces including North Macedonia for mountain warfare and rescue training. Diplomacy Protocol Signed: Mongolia and North Macedonia signed a cooperation and consultations protocol on expanding bilateral ties. Consular Reshuffle: Kosovo closed its Consulate General in Struga, keeping services via an honorary consul and the embassy in Skopje.

EU Rule of Law & Budget Talks: EU ministers met at the General Affairs Council in Brussels to prepare for the October European Council, debating the next 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework and holding the annual rule-of-law dialogue that covered Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. EU Education & Digital Divide: The European Commission released two reports on generative AI in education and on digital education in schools, warning that AI’s learning impact depends on how it’s used and that access and support still vary widely across Europe. EU Accession Deadlock: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told the Concordia Summit in New York that North Macedonia is ready to find a way out of the EU accession deadlock, arguing negotiations are about changing institutions—not identity. UN Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova said the UN General Assembly high-level meeting sets political direction and should open space for diplomacy and peace, while Serbia’s Vucic used UNGA week to push dialogue and international law. Regional Security Cooperation: Slovenia hosted defence ministers discussing European security readiness and regional cooperation, including Western Balkans engagement under the CEDC framework. Migration Border Politics: Croatia’s interior minister backed expanding Frontex activities in Bosnia and pushing cooperation on the Western Balkan migrant route. Sports With Political Spillover: Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka admitted obtaining a fake COVID certificate and faces investigation; meanwhile, Nations League preparations keep North Macedonia in the spotlight as teams plan around injuries and withdrawals.

EU Accession Deadlock: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told the UN’s Concordia Summit in New York that North Macedonia is ready to “find a way out” of the EU enlargement deadlock, arguing negotiations are about changing institutions, while some member states try to reshape Macedonian identity. UN Diplomacy: Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić used UN General Assembly week to push for dialogue and multilateralism, meeting leaders including North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski. Foreign Policy & Connectivity: Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova said the UN high-level meeting sets political direction and should drive active diplomacy and peace, with security and connectivity high on her agenda. Kosovo- North Macedonia Consular Shift: Kosovo closed its Consulate General in Struga, keeping services via an honorary consul and centralizing consular work through the Kosovo embassy in Skopje. Sports With Political Spillover: Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka admitted obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate and was dropped from Nations League duty, while Manchester United’s Benjamin Šeško withdrew from Slovenia’s squad due to a shin injury—affecting matches involving North Macedonia. Regional Security & Justice: Serbia released Kosovo citizen Osman Selmani, detained since July on war-crimes suspicion, after Kosovo said he was expelled from Kosovo and that his family was in North Macedonia at the time.

EU Enlargement & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski says North Macedonia is ready to discuss a minorities plan with Bulgaria, but only with EU participation, while also telling partners in Europe that Skopje is working to regain lost positions after the previous government. Foreign Policy & Humanitarian Law: Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi urged the international community to enforce international humanitarian law in Gaza, warning that aid is blocked and calling for accountability through legal mechanisms. International Spotlight on North Macedonia: Swiss captain Granit Xhaka admitted he used a forged Covid-19 vaccination certificate and was dropped from Switzerland’s Nations League camp, meaning Switzerland will play upcoming matches that include North Macedonia without him. Regional Tragedy in Focus: Director Milcho Manchevski is set to attend the Sofia DocuMental premiere of his new documentary “Good People,” centered on the Kocani nightclub fire that killed 63 people and injured more than 150. Sports & National Team Changes: Scotland’s Sebastien Pocognoli named Kristi Montgomery after Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean withdrew, as the international break reshuffles squads ahead of fixtures involving North Macedonia.

EU Enlargement & Diplomacy: At the Friends of the Western Balkans meeting in New York, Minister Macinka said enlargement must be judged by results, citing progress by Montenegro and Albania while warning North Macedonia has waited “too long.” Bilateral Talks (North Macedonia–Bulgaria): Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Skopje is discussing the minorities plan with Bulgaria with EU participation, stressing dialogue and predictable outcomes. Foreign Policy (Jordan–North Macedonia): In New York, Jordan’s Ayman Safadi and North Macedonia’s Timcho Mucunski signed a memorandum to set up political consultations between their foreign ministries. Education Policy: North Macedonia’s Ministry of Education is optimizing classes, closing 26 schools due to declining enrollment, including safety concerns at a rural primary school in Karbinci municipality. International Sports & North Macedonia Fixtures: Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka withdrew from Nations League duty after admitting he obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate; Switzerland will still face North Macedonia in the international break.

EU Western Balkans Diplomacy: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will tour the region Sept. 30–Oct. 2 but will skip Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, citing upcoming parliamentary and general elections; she will instead visit Tirana, Pristina, Podgorica and Skopje, focusing on EU-path steps and EU-funded projects. Rail Corridor 8 Progress: North Macedonia’s Rail Infrastructure director says about 40% of the Beljakovce–Kriva Palanka section is done, with Bridge No. 7 (194m) and restoration of older bridges underway; the project aims to reach 50% by year-end. Regional Security & EU Politics: A Bulgarian foreign minister meeting with Kosovo’s EU chief negotiator reiterated support for Kosovo’s EU membership perspective and stressed alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. Energy Support for Winter: Ukraine reported receiving over 2,300 tons of energy equipment in June–August, including deliveries from North Macedonia, to help repair critical infrastructure ahead of winter. US Military Aid Shift: The US plans to redirect $52m in military financing from Europe and the Middle East to Latin America, including Colombia, Panama, Peru and Ecuador, as Washington increases Western Hemisphere security focus.

EU Enlargement & Diplomacy: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, but will skip Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina due to upcoming elections, focusing on EU accession steps and EU-funded projects. Rail Infrastructure: North Macedonia’s Railway Corridor 8 (Beljakovce–Kriva Palanka) is about 40% complete, with work on Bridge No. 7 and production of concrete elements underway, aiming to reach 50% by year-end. Energy Security Cooperation: Ukraine says Kyiv and 21 regions received over 2,333 tons of energy equipment via 188 shipments from partners including North Macedonia, to repair critical infrastructure ahead of winter. Regional Security & Military Aid: The U.S. plans to redirect $52 million in security aid from Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq to Colombia, Panama, Peru and Ecuador, citing a stronger Western Hemisphere focus against narcoterrorism. International Mobility Rules: The UK published a 73-country list whose nationals need an airport transit visa in 2026, including Albania and North Macedonia’s region. International Recognition: North Macedonia’s Zoran Poposki received a 2026 Global Fred Award for international excellence contribution in art communication and education.

EU Accession & Diplomacy: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, but will skip Serbia and Bosnia due to upcoming elections, focusing talks on EU integration steps and EU-funded projects. EU-Regional Politics: The omission follows renewed controversy around Serbia’s political climate, with EU officials pointing to elections as the official reason. North Macedonia Infrastructure: Rail Corridor 8’s Beljakovce–Kriva Palanka section is about 40% complete, with construction of Bridge No. 7 and production of concrete elements progressing toward a 50% target by year-end. Domestic Governance Watch: North Macedonia’s opposition is urging a deeper probe into Independence Day spending, keeping pressure on government accountability. Regional Security & Aid: The U.S. is redirecting $52m in military financing away from Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq toward Colombia, Panama, Peru and Ecuador as Washington shifts security focus to the Americas. International Spotlight: A COST Action report highlights privacy-aware smart home tech for older people, weighing safety benefits against surveillance concerns.