AGP Executive Report

Digital Rights & Media: A BIRN report on the first three months of 2026 warns that digital repression is worsening across the Western Balkans, Turkey and beyond, documenting 152 digital rights violations tied to economic fraud, disinformation, gender-based violence and attacks on civic actors. Heritage & Culture: North Macedonia’s rare pink “Macedonian ruby” has been pushed toward protected status as local jewelers and institutions seek global recognition for the stone’s unique identity. Music & Regional Cooperation: Skopje, Sofia and Thessaloniki united again for a cross-border performance of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” bringing together orchestras, choirs and soloists from across the region. Roma Culture: The fifth International Day of the Roma Song returns on August 8, spotlighting Roma musical heritage with venues across seven countries. Online Hate & Tensions: North Macedonia’s interior and security bodies are investigating suspected Facebook and Instagram pages accused of spreading hate speech and inciting tensions with Bulgaria. Sustainability & Learning: The CATALYST project has wrapped up, leaving a platform with 70 courses and practical tools for sustainable transformation.

NATO & Regional Security: Turkey’s Ankara summit put NATO’s future on a more practical footing, with leaders signaling heavier burden-sharing and measurable defense commitments—while Turkey is increasingly treated as an indispensable ally. Local Governance & Defense Spending: The same summit spotlighted how some NATO members, including North Macedonia, still sit at the 2% defense-spending mark as pressure grows toward higher targets. Roma Culture: The 5th International Day of the Roma Song returns on August 8, bringing nearly 30 artists across seven countries and celebrating Roma musical heritage. Film & Audience Choice: Sarajevo Film Festival debuts the Prix Cineplexx, a 20,000-euro award chosen by audiences to boost regional films’ theatrical life. Skopje Online Tensions Probe: North Macedonia’s interior and security services investigate suspected social media pages tied to hate speech and incitement in relations with Bulgaria. Art & Memory: July 6 marked 30 years since Bulgarian modernist Vera Nedkova’s death, with renewed attention on her lasting impact on European modern art. Education & Training: LEORON Institute appoints George Gruevski as COO, reinforcing its operational footprint in North Macedonia and the wider region. Cross-Border Culture: Bosilegrad in Color 2026 (July 12–19) brings artists from Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Serbia for plein air painting and local cultural visits.

Roma Music & Identity: The 5th International Day of the Roma Song returns on August 8, with free concerts in 11 venues across seven countries, spotlighting Roma musical heritage despite funding uncertainty in Hungary. Film Culture: Sarajevo Film Festival debuts the Prix Cineplexx (20,000 euros) for the audience-chosen best film in the Open Air Premiere programme, linking festival buzz to wider cinema distribution. Skopje Online Tensions Probe: North Macedonia’s Interior Ministry and UBK are investigating around 20 Facebook/Instagram pages suspected of spreading hate speech and inciting tensions in Bulgaria-related content, including constitutional inclusion themes. Art & Memory: Bulgaria marks 30 years since modernist painter Vera Nedkova’s death, celebrating her distinctive, emotionally driven style and lasting place in European art. Cross-Border Creativity: Bosilegrad in Color 2026 (July 12–19) brings 17 plein air artists from Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Serbia, with local cultural site visits and gallery stops. Tech, Media & Society: A regional study on social media platform governance and online media regulation highlights how platforms shape access to news across North Macedonia and the wider Balkans. Qatar in Skopje: Qatar joins a sustainability forum in North Macedonia focused on resilient institutions and turning sustainability into a competitive advantage.

Skopje Online Crackdown: North Macedonia’s Interior Ministry and UBK are investigating around 20 websites and Facebook/Instagram profiles suspected of spreading hate speech and stoking tensions with Bulgaria, including posts tied to constitutional inclusion of Bulgarians and alleged financing behind the activity. Sarajevo Film Festival: The Sarajevo Film Festival debuts the Prix Cineplexx (20,000 euros) for the best film in its Open Air Premiere program, picked by the audience and backed by Cineplexx marketing support. Art & Community in the Region: Bosilegrad in Color 2026 (July 12–19) returns with 17 plein air artists from Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Serbia, plus cultural site visits and gallery stops. Culture, Education & Local Growth: LEORON Institute expands leadership in North Macedonia-linked operations, appointing George Gruevski as COO, while the country also hosts a Qatar sustainability forum in Skopje. Media & Society: A regional study highlights how social media platforms shape access to news across South-East Europe and Türkiye, with North Macedonia among the focus countries. UNICEF & AI for Kids: UNICEF reports that millions of children worldwide are already using AI for learning and personal worries, including in North Macedonia.

Investigations & Online Hate: North Macedonia’s MOI and UBK are probing around 20 websites and Facebook/Instagram profiles suspected of spreading hate speech and stoking tensions with Bulgaria, including content tied to constitutional inclusion of Bulgarians and posts aimed at radicalizing public debate, with financing also under review. Art & Community: Bosilegrad in Color 2026, the 6th International Plein Air, runs July 12–19 with 17 artists from Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Serbia, plus cultural site visits and trips to Lake Vlasina. Education & Leadership: LEORON Institute appoints George Gruevski as Chief Operating Officer, strengthening its European operations and training reach. Culture & Youth Media: The Harlequin International Youth Media Festival continues with screenings, feedback from an international jury, and workshops at Nu Boyana Film Studios. Diplomacy & Sustainability: Qatar takes part in a sustainability forum in Skopje focused on turning green goals into competitive advantage and building resilient institutions. EU & Minorities Debate: A deregistered Ivan Mihailov Cultural Centre in Bitola urges PM Mickoski to “tell the truth” about an EP report, arguing it supports constitutional recognition and stronger minority rights for Bulgarians. Tourism Spotlight: North Macedonia’s visitor numbers rise as direct flights expand, with Skopje’s Old Bazaar and the country’s cultural mix drawing more attention.

NATO & Turkey: Erdogan, once seen as NATO’s “black sheep,” is now a key ally as European tensions with Ankara over domestic crackdowns and arms cooperation fade ahead of the Ankara summit. EU & History Politics: A European Parliament Ukraine file is set to face controversy as Poland’s memory politics over Volhynia and the UPA risks being pushed into Ukraine’s EU accession process. Western Balkans Standards: A new regional analysis says the Western Balkans may take decades—sometimes a century—to catch up with EU social and economic standards, even as digitalization advances faster. North Macedonia Governance: Parliament debate on election law was suspended after thousands of amendments, with opposition warning diaspora e-voting could enable fraud. Culture & Identity: A conference at the Macedonian Village complex in Skopje brought religious leaders and scholars together on “Religion as a Weapon of War,” stressing interfaith solidarity. Sustainability Forum: Qatar took part in a Skopje forum on sustainability as a competitive advantage, with PM Mickoski and EU mission partners attending. Youth & Media: Young filmmakers showcased work at the Harlequin International Youth Media Festival, with jurors focusing on stronger storytelling and screenwriting. AI & Children: UNICEF reports millions of children in North Macedonia and across 10 countries are already using AI, raising both learning hopes and scam-related worries. Travel & Lifestyle: A new push highlights North Macedonia’s growing appeal, including direct flights to Skopje and Ohrid and renewed interest in its Ottoman-influenced old town culture.

Leadership & Learning: LEORON Institute named Lule Bunjaku Karapinar as CEO for GCC markets and executive education, expanding its corporate training and EdTech push across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Sustainability Diplomacy: Qatar joined a Skopje forum on turning sustainability into a competitive advantage, with talks involving North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski, foreign affairs minister Timcho Mucunski, and UN officials. Gender & Folklore: A new Balkan-focused piece digs into “gender-bending” traditions in history and folklore, from sworn virgins and ritual roles to women warriors and drag-like reinterpretations. Culture on the Ground: Vietnam Day in Skopje 2026 brought music, exhibitions, and cultural performances to the Skopje Summer Festival, highlighting heritage and ethnic diversity. Arts & Film: Latido Films acquired Srđan Dragojević’s regional coproduction “International Women’s Day / Osmi mart,” set to start shooting in August 2026, with North Macedonia among the participating countries. Religion & Dialogue: A major religious dialogue conference in Skopje examined “Religion as a Weapon of War,” featuring North Macedonia’s top church leaders and the Islamic Religious Community’s head. Local Heritage Exhibition: “Inspirations” opened at Europe House Bitola, spotlighting the 2025 European Capitals of Culture—Chemnitz, Nova Gorica, and Gorizia. Media & Youth: UNICEF reports rapid AI uptake among children, including in North Macedonia, raising both learning hopes and safety concerns. Politics & Culture Policy: North Macedonia’s government reshuffle keeps culture and tourism ministry changes in focus, while election-law debate centers on diaspora e-voting and trust in democratic process.

Skopje Diplomacy & Sustainability: Qatar took part in a sustainability forum in North Macedonia, with talks on turning sustainability into a competitive advantage and building more resilient institutions, attended by PM Hristijan Mickoski, FM Timcho Mucunski, and UN Resident Coordinator Rita Columbia. Gender & Balkan Heritage: A new spotlight piece digs into gender-bending roles in Balkan history and folklore, from sworn virgins and ritual positions to women warriors and drag-like reinterpretations. Culture, Tourism & Visibility: North Macedonia is highlighted as one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, but with signs of change: a 7% rise in visitors and new direct flights to Skopje and Ohrid. AI & Youth: UNICEF reports that millions of children across multiple countries, including North Macedonia, are already using AI—raising both learning hopes and worries about scams and manipulation. Politics & Identity: A deregistered Bitola cultural group urges PM Mickoski to “tell the truth” about an EP report, arguing for constitutional recognition of Bulgarians and stronger minority-rights protections. Government Reshuffle: Mickoski unveiled a planned cabinet reshuffle, including changes to coalition roles and the abolition of the deputy PM post for good governance. Cross-Border Funding: Bulgaria’s EUR 14 million Interreg IPA support targets business, municipalities, and NGOs along the Bulgaria–Serbia and Bulgaria–North Macedonia border areas. Media & Online Life: A regional study looks at how social media platforms shape access to news across South-East Europe, including North Macedonia. Arts & International Film: Latido Films has acquired a new regional coproduction by Srđan Dragojević, shot from August 2026, involving North Macedonia among other partners.

Skopje Diplomacy & Sustainability: Qatar joined a sustainability forum in North Macedonia, with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and UN officials discussing how to turn sustainability into competitiveness and build more resilient institutions. Gender & Culture History: A new look at Balkan folklore and Balkan “gender-bending” traditions spotlights sworn virgins, ritual roles and women warriors in drag—pushing back on the idea that “tradition” is always rigidly patriarchal. Media, Identity & Society: A study on South-East Europe shows how social media platforms now decide who gets reached and how, reshaping local journalism across the region including North Macedonia. Politics & Voting Rules: Parliament debates a new election law after thousands of amendments, with opposition warning that diaspora e-voting could enable controlled voting. Arts & International Film: Latido Films has acquired a new regional coproduction by Srđan Dragojević, “International Women’s Day / Osmi mart,” set to begin shooting in August 2026. Culture & Tourism: North Macedonia’s visitor numbers rose 7% in 2025, helped by new direct flights to Skopje and Ohrid, as travel interest slowly shifts toward the country’s layered cultural mix.

Government & Politics: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle, adding the Democratic Party of Turks and reshaping portfolios while keeping VMRO-DPMNE in control of key ministries. Elections & Diaspora Rights: Parliament suspended debate on a new election law after thousands of amendments over diaspora e-voting, with opposition warning of unsafe electronic voting and possible fraud. Culture & Heritage: “Vietnam Day in Skopje 2026” brought Vietnamese music, exhibitions and tourism promotion to the Skopje Summer Festival, strengthening cultural ties. Media & Society: A regional study on social media platform governance and online media regulation highlights how platforms now decide what people see across South-East Europe, including North Macedonia. Education & Youth: UNICEF reports that millions of children worldwide are already using AI, including in North Macedonia, raising both learning hopes and safety worries. International Cooperation: Qatar joined a sustainability forum in Skopje focused on resilient institutions and greener competitiveness. Arts & Film: Latido Films acquired a new regional coproduction by Srđan Dragojević, shot from August 2026, with North Macedonia among the participating countries. EU & Minorities: A deregistered Bitola cultural group urged PM Mickoski to “tell the truth” about an EP report on minority rights and constitutional recognition. Tourism & Lifestyle: North Macedonia is getting more attention from travelers, with a reported rise in visitors and new direct flights boosting Skopje and Ohrid.

Media & Trust: A regional study backed by UNESCO looks at how social media platforms now act as the main gatekeepers to news across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye, mapping risks and regulation pressures. Culture & Diplomacy: Qatar joined a sustainability forum in Skopje focused on turning green goals into competitive advantage, with Mickoski and foreign affairs officials among the speakers. Tourism & Heritage: A new “Balkan Kaleidoscope” small-group tour with guaranteed departure for 19 September 2026 links eight countries, including North Macedonia, with UNESCO stops and a culture-crossing route. Film & Co-production: Srđan Dragojević’s new black comedy “International Women’s Day / Osmi mart” is set to begin shooting in August 2026, with a multi-country coproduction including North Macedonia and acquisition by Latido Films. Local Arts: “Vietnam Day in Skopje 2026” brought Vietnamese music, exhibitions and tourism promotion to the Skopje Summer Festival. Religion & Dialogue: A major conference in Skopje on “Religion as a Weapon of War” gathered religious leaders and scholars to discuss how faith can be manipulated—and how interfaith cooperation can resist it. EU & Identity Politics: A deregistered Bitola cultural centre urged PM Mickoski to “tell the truth” on an EP report, arguing for constitutional recognition of Bulgarians and stronger minority protections. Sports Culture: Wimbledon opened with Djokovic beating Wu in four sets, while Sabalenka advanced in the women’s draw.

Sustainability Diplomacy in Skopje: Qatar joined a sustainability forum in North Macedonia, with talks on turning green goals into a competitive edge and building resilient institutions, attended by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, foreign affairs officials, and UN representatives. Multicultural Education: Trakia University reports 972 foreign students from 57 countries enrolled for 2025/2026, highlighting a growing international campus culture and intercultural exchange. Tourism Spotlight: A new look at North Macedonia’s low-traffic travel scene points to a 7% visitor rise and fresh direct flights to Skopje and Ohrid, framing the country’s Ottoman-era Skopje and wider heritage as a calmer alternative for Europeans. AI and Youth Concerns: UNICEF says millions of children in multiple countries, including North Macedonia, are already using AI for school and personal questions—while many also worry about scams and manipulation. Culture & Film: A regional coproduction, International Women’s Day / Osmi mart, is set to begin shooting in August 2026 and includes North Macedonia in the creative mix. Religion & Dialogue: A major interfaith conference in Skopje examined how faith can be used in conflict narratives, featuring North Macedonia’s top religious leaders. Politics Touching Daily Life: Parliament suspended debate on election law changes after a flood of amendments over diaspora e-voting and minority rights safeguards.

Cross-Border Culture & Development: Bulgaria will invest EUR 14 million in 24 projects under Interreg IPA programmes with Serbia and North Macedonia, targeting business, municipalities and NGOs in border settlements—an EU-backed push for stronger local ties and living standards. EU Membership & Identity Politics: The deregistered Ivan Mihailov Cultural Centre in Bitola urged Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski to “tell the truth” about an EP report, arguing it supports constitutional recognition of Bulgarians and calls for stronger minority protections, plus renewed bilateral historical commissions. AI & Youth Life: UNICEF warns that 20 million children across 10 countries are already using AI, including in North Macedonia—raising hopes for learning help while spotlighting fears about scams and manipulation. Democracy & Voting Rules: North Macedonia’s election law debate stalled after thousands of amendments over diaspora e-voting, with opposition warning of safety gaps and possible abuse. Government Reshuffle: Mickoski unveiled a cabinet reshuffle, adding the Democratic Party of Turks and reshaping portfolios, including a new structure for social policy, demography and youth. Culture on the Ground: “Vietnam Day in Skopje 2026” brought Vietnamese music, exhibitions and performances to the Skopje Summer Festival, while Bitola hosted the photo exhibition “Inspirations” linking European Capitals of Culture. Religious Dialogue in Skopje: A major conference at the Macedonian Village complex tackled “Religion as a Weapon of War,” featuring leaders from both the Orthodox and Islamic communities and scholars on religious liberty and conflict.

EU Accession & Identity Politics: A deregistered Ivan Mihailov Cultural Centre in Bitola urged Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski to “tell the truth” about the European Parliament’s progress report, arguing it supports constitutional recognition and stronger minority-rights protections for Bulgarians, plus calls to restart the bilateral historical commission and open former UDBA/KOS archives. Government & Culture: Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle, including scrapping the deputy PM post for “good governance,” shifting responsibilities inside the coalition, and transferring the Culture and Tourism portfolio away from VMRO-DPMNE. Democracy & Diaspora Voting: Parliament suspended debate on a new election law after thousands of amendments, with the opposition warning that diaspora e-voting lacks safeguards and could enable controlled voting. Skopje’s Cultural Diplomacy: Vietnam Day in Skopje (part of the Skopje Summer Festival) brought Vietnamese music, exhibitions, and heritage to nearly 300 visitors, reinforcing cultural exchange. Youth Media & Film: The Harlequin International Youth Media Festival continued in Sofia with screenings and workshops, spotlighting young documentary voices. Religion, Dialogue & Conflict: A major conference at the Macedonian Village complex in Skopje examined how religion can be used as a weapon of war, with interfaith leaders and scholars discussing religious liberty and peace. Travel & Lifestyle: North Macedonia is still among Europe’s least-visited destinations, but visitor numbers rose 7% in 2025 as direct flights from the UK expand access—especially to Skopje and Ohrid. Community Rights: In Tetovo, Albanians protested a Constitutional Court ruling that could reverse street and square names adopted in 2007, including a possible return to Marshall Tito Square.

Diaspora Voting Clash: North Macedonia’s election law debate was halted almost immediately after thousands of opposition amendments were filed, with SDSM warning that electronic diaspora voting could enable fraud without proper safeguards. Government Reshuffle: PM Hristijan Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle, adding the Democratic Party of Turks and reshuffling portfolios, including changes tied to health, social policy, demography and youth. Cultural Exchange in Skopje: “Vietnam Day in Skopje 2026” brought Vietnamese music, exhibitions and tourism promotion to the city during the Skopje Summer Festival. Youth Film Spotlight: The Harlequin International Youth Media Festival continued with screenings and workshops at Nu Boyana Film Studios, featuring young filmmakers and international jury feedback. Religion & Dialogue in Skopje: A major conference on religious dialogue and cooperation at the Macedonian Village complex examined how faith can be used as a weapon of war—and how communities can resist manipulation. Photography & European Capitals: An exhibition opened in Bitola at Europe House featuring Cities of Culture from 2025—Chemnitz, Nova Gorica and Gorizia—running through July 5.

Skopje Culture & Heritage: Vietnam Day in Skopje (part of the 47th Skopje Summer Festival) brought nearly 300 locals and visitors together for Vietnamese music, exhibitions, and tourism promotion under “Heritage – Harmony – Hospitality,” with the Vietnamese ambassador stressing culture’s power to build friendship. Youth Film & Media: The Harlequin International Youth Media Festival kept rolling at Nu Boyana Film Studios in Sofia, with competition screenings, jury feedback on storytelling and screenplays, and workshops for young filmmakers. Cinema Production: Latido Films has picked up Srđan Dragojević’s regional coproduction “International Women’s Day / Osmi mart,” shot across multiple countries including North Macedonia, ahead of its August 2026 start. Government & Culture Policy: North Macedonia’s PM Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle, including changes tied to coalition partners and the Culture and Tourism portfolio. Interfaith Dialogue in Skopje: A major conference on “Religion as a Weapon of War” gathered religious leaders and scholars at the Macedonian Village complex, highlighting cooperation and religious liberty. Community & Identity: Albanians in Tetovo protested after a court ruling that could reverse street and square names adopted in 2007, reigniting debates over cultural representation. Education & Inclusion: President Pendarovski visited a school in Gostivar after bullying of an 11-year-old girl with Down syndrome, reaffirming equal access and protection for children with atypical development. Local Arts Spotlight: A photography exhibition opened in Bitola at Europe House, featuring “Cities of Culture” winners from 2025, including Gorizia.