AGP Executive Report

Shared Heritage: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania have signed a declaration seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for the Prespa region, citing its biodiversity and cultural history stretching back millennia. Regional Theatre: The Balkan Theatre Festival in Blagoevgrad will present seven plays from five countries, including North Macedonia, from November 1–7. Conservation: A new EU-backed project will protect Egyptian vultures along their Balkan-to-Africa migration route, tackling threats including poisoning and unsafe power lines. Byzantine Art: Restoration of the rare 1191 frescoes at St George’s Church in Kurbinovo has been formally handed over to North Macedonia’s cultural authorities; the site is expected to open to visitors. Film and Archaeology: Skopje’s first Chinese Film Festival is showing contemporary features across five cities through October 13. Archaeologists have also uncovered a 2,600-year-old tomb containing a gold mask and weapons, offering a glimpse of Iron Age life in the region.

Prespa Heritage: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia have signed a declaration seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for the Prespa region, citing its rich biodiversity and cultural history. Byzantine Art: Restoration of the rare 1191 frescoes at St George’s Church in Kurbinovo is complete; North Macedonia plans to open the monument to visitors. Film: Skopje’s Cinematheque opened the country’s first Chinese Film Festival, with screenings in five cities through October 13. A UK screen fund has also awarded support to projects co-produced with North Macedonia, its first time backing partnerships with the country. Archaeology: A 2,600-year-old tomb containing a gold mask and weapons has been uncovered in North Macedonia, offering a glimpse into Iron Age elite burial practices. Historical Memory: The return of Tsar Samuel’s remains to Bulgaria has stirred discontent in North Macedonia over the medieval ruler’s legacy.

Screen Culture: The UK Global Screen Fund’s latest awards include the first co-productions with North Macedonia, opening new opportunities for local filmmakers. Shared Heritage: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia are working on a joint UNESCO bid for the Great Prespa area, recognizing its natural and cultural importance. Film: North Macedonia’s first Chinese Film Festival brought eight features and award-winning shorts to audiences in five cities. Archaeology: A 2,600-year-old tomb containing a gold mask and weapons has been uncovered, offering a glimpse of Iron Age life and burial traditions. Cultural Identity: Bulgaria’s reburial of Tsar Samuel’s remains has renewed debate in North Macedonia over the medieval ruler’s legacy. Youth Travel: North Macedonian residents aged 18 can apply for one of 40,000 DiscoverEU rail passes by October 15.

Film & Cultural Exchange: North Macedonia’s first Chinese Film Festival has opened at the Cinematheque, with eight features and award-winning shorts screening across five cities through October 13. Regional Cinema: Cyprus-set horror Motherwitch, supported by North Macedonia’s Film Agency, has secured North American distribution ahead of its Sitges screening. Archaeology: A 2,600-year-old tomb unearthed in North Macedonia contained a gold mask, weapons and other finds pointing to a high-status warrior burial. History & Heritage: Bulgaria’s reburial of remains attributed to Tsar Samuel has renewed debate in North Macedonia over the medieval ruler’s legacy and the region’s shared history. Youth Travel: North Macedonian 18-year-olds can apply for one of 40,000 free DiscoverEU travel passes by October 15.

Archaeology: A 2,600-year-old tomb uncovered in North Macedonia contained a gold mask, weapons and other objects linked to an ancient elite warrior; researchers say further study is needed to identify its occupant. Books & Translation: A new Frankfurt Book Fair programme will support translations of Emirati and Arab literature into Macedonian, among seven languages. Community: A Turkish children’s kindness initiative that visited Koliçan village is growing through projects that encourage children to lead and help their communities. History & Heritage: Bulgaria’s reburial of remains attributed to Tsar Samuel has renewed debate in North Macedonia over the medieval ruler’s legacy and shared history. Youth Travel: North Macedonian 18-year-olds can apply for one of 40,000 DiscoverEU rail passes by October 15. Lake Prespa: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia are preparing a joint UNESCO bid for the region.

Archaeology: A 2,600-year-old elite tomb uncovered in North Macedonia contained a gold mask, weapons and other artifacts. Further study is needed to identify who was buried there. Children and Community: A Turkish kindness initiative visited Količan, where children from the local Turkish community worked together on a book. Lake Prespa: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia are preparing a joint UNESCO bid, highlighting the region’s shared natural and cultural heritage. History and Identity: Bulgaria’s reburial of remains attributed to Tsar Samuel has renewed debate in North Macedonia over the medieval ruler’s legacy and the region’s shared past. Meanwhile, the country’s EU path remains stalled, with disputes over constitutional changes and references to Macedonian culture and language back in focus.

Children’s Culture: A Turkish kindness club that began with a 10-year-old’s idea has reached North Macedonia: in Koliçan, children from the Turkish community worked with its founder to create a book together. Books and Translation: At the Frankfurt Book Fair, Abu Dhabi’s Arabic Language Centre plans new publishing partnerships, with Macedonian among seven languages selected for translations of Emirati and Arab works. Identity and Heritage: Ursula von der Leyen said Macedonian identity, language and culture belong in the EU, while urging Skopje to take steps to advance accession talks. The return of Tsar Samuel’s remains to Bulgaria has also revived disputes over shared medieval history and heritage. Lake Prespa: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia are preparing a joint UNESCO bid for the lake. Youth Travel: North Macedonian 18-year-olds can apply for one of 40,000 free DiscoverEU rail passes by October 15.

Film & Festivals: Tallinn’s Black Nights (PÖFF) revealed its Official and First Feature selections, with 21 premieres and themes ranging from coming-of-age and family ties to pressing social issues, spotlighting strong mother figures. Co-production & Industry: Thessaloniki’s Agora Crossroads Forum picked 14 projects from 15 countries, while Warsaw’s Co-Production Forum selected 16 European projects in development and works-in-progress. Heritage & Archaeology: Sandanski will host an international archaeology conference on the Middle Struma, with researchers from Bulgaria, Greece, France, Germany and North Macedonia. EU Culture & Mobility: DiscoverEU opened applications for 40,000 free train passes for 18-year-olds (including North Macedonia), with a new heritage-focused route. North Macedonia–Bulgaria Tensions: The repatriation of Tsar Samuel’s remains from Greece to Bulgaria—met with state honors in Sofia—has reignited disputes over shared history and added pressure to North Macedonia’s EU path. EU Accession Politics: Von der Leyen urged Skopje to take a “final step” by amending the Constitution to recognize the Bulgarian minority, while North Macedonia seeks a bilateral meeting to unblock talks.

Film & Co-production: Thessaloniki’s Agora Crossroads Co-production Forum (8–12 Nov) has unveiled 14 projects from 15 countries, with themes ranging from representation and manhood to folk stories and vampires. Industry & Development: The Warsaw Co-Production Forum selected 16 European projects (10 in development, 6 works in progress) for Warsaw Industry Days (15–16 Oct), spotlighting new work from filmmakers across the region. Culture & Heritage: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia are teaming up for a UNESCO bid for Lake Prespa, with EU support funding preparatory studies and culture ministers set to meet in Prespa to map next steps. EU Youth & Travel: DiscoverEU applications for 40,000 free train passes are open until Oct 15 for 18-year-olds (including North Macedonia via Erasmus+ association), with a new heritage-focused route. North Macedonia–Bulgaria EU Deadlock: In Skopje, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said North Macedonia needs a “final step” to open the fundamentals cluster, tied to constitutional recognition of the Bulgarian minority. Historical Memory: Bulgaria’s state reburial of Tsar Samuel’s remains in Sofia—after a handover from Greece—has reignited regional disputes, including fresh reactions in North Macedonia’s media. Tech & Lifestyle: SkyShowtime is now available on Titan OS-powered Philips and Sharp smart TVs across 22 European markets, including North Macedonia.

EU Accession Watch: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met North Macedonian PM Hristijan Mickoski in Skopje and said a “first step” is coming next week to break the deadlock with Bulgaria, with North Macedonia needing constitutional changes to formally recognise the Bulgarian minority before the “fundamentals” negotiation cluster can open. Cultural Diplomacy: The EU also reiterated support for North Macedonia’s identity, language and culture, while the wider region keeps circling heritage disputes. Heritage in the Spotlight: Bulgaria’s state reburial of Tsar Samuel in Sofia—after Greece returned the remains—sparked fresh media and political reactions in North Macedonia, where Samuel is also claimed as part of local history. Culture & Film: Minos Papas’s gothic feature MOTHERWITCH is set for a Cyprus theatrical release, continuing its festival run after a world premiere at Rotterdam. Travel for Youth: The EU opened a new DiscoverEU round for 18-year-olds, offering free rail travel passes with a stronger cultural heritage focus.

EU Accession & Identity Politics: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told North Macedonia in Skopje that the EU path stays blocked until Skopje takes a “final step” toward opening the “fundamentals” cluster, including constitutional recognition of the Bulgarian minority—while Mickoski moves to request a bilateral meeting with Bulgaria to break the deadlock. Heritage & Memory: Bulgaria received Tsar Samuel’s remains from Greece after nearly six decades, with state honors in Sofia and a marble sarcophagus; in North Macedonia, the handover is framed as another chapter in disputes over shared history and political pressure. Culture & Travel for Youth: DiscoverEU opens a new round of free rail travel passes for 18-year-olds, including North Macedonia among eligible countries, with a stronger cultural focus tied to European Heritage Label sites. Regional Culture Projects: Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia are preparing a joint UNESCO bid for Lake Prespa, with EU-funded preparatory studies and culture ministers set to meet in Prespa. Film & Lifestyle: Cyprus cinemas begin showing Minos Papas’s gothic feature “MOTHERWITCH” in late October, after a festival run that included Rotterdam and Manaki Brothers in Bitola. Community & Rights: Bulgarian organizations in North Macedonia protest a delayed proposal to include Bulgarians in the constitution, saying commitments tied to EU accession are being undermined.

Heritage & Identity Clash: Greece’s “Macedonian issue” flared again as Greek officials and diaspora voices reacted to renewed talk of “Macedonian culture” and “Macedonian language,” including EU President Ursula von der Leyen’s remarks during a Skopje visit, reigniting Prespa-era sensitivities. EU Accession, Culture & Politics: Von der Leyen told North Macedonia that constitutional change is the “final step” to unblock talks with Bulgaria, while Skopje moves to request a bilateral meeting aimed at opening the “fundamentals” cluster. Balkan History in the Spotlight: Bulgaria received Tsar Samuel’s remains from Greece after a handover in Thessaloniki and a state ceremony in Sofia, a move that also sparked fresh media debate in North Macedonia about shared history and political pressure. Regional Heritage Project: Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia are preparing a joint UNESCO bid for Lake Prespa, with EU-backed funding for nomination studies. Film & Lifestyle: Cyprus cinemas are set to screen Minos Papas’s gothic fantasy “MOTHERWITCH,” bringing local folklore and history to the big screen. Sports Culture: Scotland forward Kieron Bowie scored in Skopje as he seized a new start under manager Sebastien Pocognoli after World Cup snub.

Culture & Heritage Diplomacy: Bulgaria has reburied the remains attributed to Tsar Samuel in Sofia after Greece handed them over in a ceremony that drew state honors, crowds, and air escorts—an event North Macedonia’s media framed as another chapter in the region’s contested history. North Macedonia–EU Watch: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Skopje that progress depends on constitutional change to formally recognize the Bulgarian minority, while Mickoski said North Macedonia will request a bilateral meeting with Bulgaria to unblock talks. Regional Culture Projects: Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia are preparing a joint UNESCO bid for Lake Prespa, with EU support funding preliminary studies. Arts & Film: Caretta Films announced Cyprus screenings for the gothic feature MOTHERWITCH by Minos Papas, returning to the island where it was shot. Sports & Identity: Scotland’s Kieron Bowie scored in Skopje against North Macedonia, marking a fresh start under new Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli.

Balkan Heritage & Politics: Greece’s handover of Tsar Samuel’s remains to Bulgaria—after nearly six decades—has sparked fresh regional debate, with Bulgaria staging a major state ceremony in Sofia and North Macedonia’s media framing it as a new flashpoint in shared history and pressure tied to EU accession. EU Accession Deadlock: In Skopje, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said North Macedonia needs constitutional changes to formally recognise the Bulgarian minority to unlock the “fundamentals” cluster, while Mickoski moves to request a bilateral meeting with Bulgaria. Culture & Tourism Diplomacy: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia are preparing a joint UNESCO bid for Lake Prespa, with EU-backed funding for preliminary studies. Arts & Film: The gothic Cyprus-shot feature “MOTHERWITCH” is set for theatrical release in Cyprus, while Thessaloniki’s Agora co-production forum selected 14 projects from 15 countries. Youth Mobility: DiscoverEU opens another rail travel-pass round for 18-year-olds, including applicants from North Macedonia.

Medieval Heritage Diplomacy: Bulgaria received Tsar Samuel’s remains from Greece after nearly six decades, with a major state ceremony in Sofia and a marble sarcophagus made with North Macedonia’s Prilep stone—while North Macedonia’s media framed the handover as another flashpoint in shared history and regional politics. EU Accession Pressure: In Skopje, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said North Macedonia must take a “final step” by amending its Constitution to formally recognise the Bulgarian minority, with talks aimed at breaking the deadlock and reopening the “fundamentals” cluster. UNESCO Culture Push: Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia are preparing a joint UNESCO bid for Lake Prespa, with EU-backed funding for preparatory studies. Film & Culture Calendar: Gothic feature MOTHERWITCH continues its festival run and heads to Cyprus cinemas in late October, while Thessaloniki’s Agora selects 14 co-production projects from 15 countries. Youth Travel & Heritage: The EU opens a new DiscoverEU rail pass round for 18-year-olds, including a heritage-focused route tied to European Heritage Label sites.

EU Accession Deadlock: In Skopje, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski that North Macedonia must take a “final step” to unblock talks—amending the Constitution to formally recognise the Bulgarian minority—while the Commission prepares pre-enlargement reviews next week on how EU institutions, policies and budgets should adapt for future members. Heritage & Culture Diplomacy: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia are teaming up for a joint UNESCO bid for Lake Prespa, with EU-funded preparatory studies and culture ministers set to meet in Prespa to map next steps. Film & Local Screens: Caretta Films’ gothic feature MOTHERWITCH (DODEKAMERON) continues its festival run and is set for Cyprus cinemas in late October, with the director Minos Papas and cast attending the premiere. Security & Community Impact: North Macedonia police carried out raids against a suspected ISIS-linked weapons-trafficking group in Skopje, seizing firearms, ammunition, extremist propaganda and cash. Youth Travel: The EU has opened a new DiscoverEU round for 18-year-olds, offering free rail travel passes across Europe with a stronger cultural focus tied to heritage sites.