AGP Executive Report

International Culture & Dialogue: Academics and diplomats from Albania, China, Italy, and North Macedonia met in Tirana for “Observing Contemporary China from the Balkans,” debating how narratives shape perceptions and what new cooperation could look like. Film & Festivals: Slovenia’s Storyland International Film Festival wrapped its first edition in Murska Sobota after screening 54 films, with Ken Loach’s The Old Oak winning a Golden Pumpkin and Viktor Kossakovsky’s Trillion taking top documentary honors. Sports as Culture: BRAVE CF marked its 10th anniversary by touting the largest European footprint in MMA, with expansion that includes a planned North Macedonia stop later in 2026. Global Youth Football: FIFA launched a new U-15 boys pathway in Azerbaijan, drawing Kenya alongside Malta, Niger, North Macedonia, and Panama. Diplomacy & Education: Foreign ministers Ayman Safadi and Timcho Mucunski signed an MoU on political consultations and discussed expanding cooperation, including education and trade. Local Education Pressure: North Macedonia’s school “optimization” push is closing rural schools, with parents protesting safety and commute concerns for children. Heritage & Faith: Remembering Mother Teresa’s 10th canonization anniversary highlights her Skopje roots and the Missionaries of Charity’s ongoing legacy.

MMA & Sports Culture: BRAVE Combat Federation marks its 10th anniversary with a decade-long European expansion, claiming the biggest continental footprint among major MMA promotions and noting events across 20 European countries, with North Macedonia slated for later in 2026. International Honors & Culture Diplomacy: Paul Kallee-Grover MBE received the 2026 Global Fred Award for International Excellence Contribution, while other laureates tied to trade, culture, and education were recognized in Beijing. North Macedonia in Focus: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski met Jordan’s Ayman Safadi in New York, signing a memorandum on political consultations and discussing cooperation in economy, investment, trade, and education. Education & Community Life: North Macedonia’s school “optimization” is closing 26 schools due to declining student numbers, sparking parent protests over safety and commuting for children. Heritage & Faith: Remembering Mother Teresa on the 10th anniversary of her canonization highlights her Skopje roots and legacy, while coverage also revisits Eastern Catholic traditions in communion with Rome. Culture Beyond Borders: A report notes Germany shutting down Russia’s “Russian House” cultural center network in Berlin, amid wider concerns about cultural influence and propaganda.

Humanitarian Diplomacy: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi urged the international community to enforce international humanitarian law in Gaza, warning that aid is being blocked and calling for accountability mechanisms. Education & Rural Life: North Macedonia’s school “optimization” is closing 26 schools, including unsafe buildings in rural Karbinci, sparking parent protests over longer commutes and fears of further depopulation. Foreign Policy, Local Impact: Safadi and North Macedonia’s Timcho Mucunski signed an MoU on political consultations, with talks also covering trade, investment, and education. Culture & Faith: A Mother Teresa anniversary feature highlights her Skopje-Albanian roots and her path from teaching to founding the Missionaries of Charity. Church Traditions: Analysis explains the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with Rome, their liturgies, and how synods shape governance. Tech & Daily Privacy: A European study on smart support for older people weighs fall-detection and alert tech against fears of surveillance and data access. Culture Calendar: The Golden Rose Bulgarian Feature Film Festival opens in Varna with a full competition lineup and tributes. Regional Heritage: Bulgaria’s consulate in Bitola marked Unification Day and Independence Day with a lecture linking the dates to Macedonia’s historical context. International Recognition: Global Fred Award coverage spotlights North Macedonian scholar-artist Zoran Poposki and other laureates tied to culture, education, and public service.

Education Reform: North Macedonia is “optimizing” schooling as student numbers fall, merging classes and closing 26 schools—mostly in rural areas—after safety concerns at the “Strašo Pindžur” primary school in Dolni Balvan (Karbinci municipality) sparked protests by parents of 13 pupils. Youth & Health Policy: A civil society campaign warns that scrapping sex education rollout for ninth graders will raise risks of sexual- and gender-based violence, following the conservative government’s cancellation of optional classes. Culture & Faith: The 10th anniversary of Mother Teresa’s canonization is marked with renewed attention to her roots in Skopje and the global legacy of the Missionaries of Charity. Heritage & Community: A Bulgarian consulate in Bitola commemorated Unification Day and Independence Day with a lecture linking the two dates to Macedonia’s historical context. International Culture Spotlight: The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair highlighted a Balkan Culture Pavilion during its 35th edition, reinforcing regional publishing and Arabic-language cultural initiatives. Arts & Learning: An international literature festival PRO-ZA Balkan opens in Skopje with Bulgarian participation, adding to the week’s focus on cross-border cultural exchange.

Religious Heritage: Missionaries of Charity and supporters marked the 10th anniversary of Mother Teresa’s canonization with a festive Mass at St. Therese Chinese Catholic Church in Chicago, featuring bilingual tributes and local school participation. Church Traditions: A look at the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches explains how ancient liturgical languages and customs remain in full communion with Rome. Cultural Diplomacy: The Global Fred Award ceremony in Beijing highlighted international economy, trade and culture, with North Macedonian scholar-artist Zoran Poposki among the laureates. Local Culture & Identity: A North Macedonia-linked story notes Mother Teresa’s Skopje roots, while another cultural piece recalls Bulgarian commemorations in Bitola tied to Macedonia’s historical connections. Community & Safety Tech: World Patient Safety Day coverage spotlights privacy-aware smart support for older people, weighing care against surveillance fears. Education & Rights: North Macedonia’s sex education rollout cancellation is criticized for increasing risks of sexual- and gender-based violence. Regional Spotlight: Reports say the U.S. is redirecting $52m in military aid away from North Macedonia toward Latin American partners.

Sex Education Backlash: North Macedonia’s conservative government scrapped the sex education rollout for ninth graders, and a civil society campaigner warns it will raise risks of sexual- and gender-based violence. Cultural Heritage Spotlight: A roundup marks 10 years since Mother Teresa’s canonization and notes she was born in Skopje, connecting global Catholic history directly to North Macedonia. International Culture & Recognition: North Macedonian scholar-artist Zoran Poposki received a 2026 Global Fred Award for international excellence, highlighting cross-border art education and cultural exchange. Arts & Community: The Golden Rose Bulgarian Feature Film Festival opens in Varna with a full competition lineup and special events, including a discussion on Bulgaria’s film ideas in a European context. Tech, Privacy & Care: A European network explores how smart cameras and microphones can help older people live independently—while protecting privacy and dignity. Travel & Lifestyle: A guide lists Europe’s most affordable city breaks, spotlighting places like Pristina and Łódź for culture-packed weekends on a budget. Regional Diplomacy: Bulgaria reaffirmed support for Montenegro’s EU path, pointing to transport links, tourism, and culture as cooperation priorities.

International Culture Honors: North Macedonian scholar-artist Zoran Poposki received the 2026 Global Fred Award for International Excellence Contribution at a Beijing ceremony, alongside other global laureates recognized for AI education, climate leadership, and public service. Cultural Heritage & Faith: A report marking St. Teresa of Calcutta’s 10th canonization anniversary highlights her Skopje roots, while another story spotlights an OCU dispute over a Jerusalem liturgy and national identity. Youth & Education: North Macedonia’s scrapping of sex education rollout is criticized for putting young people at greater risk of sexual- and gender-based violence. Tech, Privacy & Care: World Patient Safety Day coverage looks at privacy-aware smart home monitoring for older people, weighing help against surveillance fears. Travel & Books: Abu Dhabi International Book Fair coverage includes visits to a Balkan Culture Pavilion, and a separate travel roundup points to cheaper European city breaks. Regional Links: Bulgaria reaffirmed support for Montenegro’s EU path, citing transport, trade, tourism, energy, defense, culture, and science cooperation. North Macedonia in the News: The U.S. reprogrammed $52m in military financing away from North Macedonia to Latin America.

Sex Education Backlash: North Macedonia’s conservative government scrapped the sex education rollout for ninth graders, with civil society warning it could raise risks of sexual- and gender-based violence. Smart Tech & Privacy: A European network (GoodBrother) explored how cameras and microphones can help older people live independently—while stressing the line between care and surveillance. International Culture & Books: Abu Dhabi’s 35th International Book Fair welcomed a visit by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, including stops at a Balkan Culture Pavilion and other language-focused programs. Film & Regional Screen Culture: The Adriatic Film and TV Awards 2026 released nominations, with North Macedonia represented (including “Mother” by Teona Strugar Mitevska). Heritage & Faith: A feature marked 10 years since Mother Teresa’s canonization, highlighting her Skopje roots and early life. Youth & Sport Tourism: Aroya Cruises wrapped its Mediterranean Games 2026 charter in Taranto, hosting thousands of athletes and delegations. EU/Regional Diplomacy: Bulgaria reiterated support for Montenegro’s EU path, citing transport links and business ties. North Macedonia in US Policy: Reports say $52 million in US security financing was reprogrammed away from North Macedonia toward Latin American partners.

Sex Education Backlash: North Macedonia’s sex education rollout is being scrapped or deeply revised, with civil society warning it will leave young people more exposed to sexual- and gender-based violence. Privacy vs Care Tech: On World Patient Safety Day, a European network (GoodBrother) highlights how smart cameras and microphones can help older people live independently—while raising urgent questions about who watches, who stores data, and how privacy is protected. Cultural Diplomacy: Bulgaria marked Unification Day and Independence Day at its Bitola consulate with a lecture linking the dates to Macedonia’s historical context. Books & Heritage: The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair opened with major cultural programming, including a Balkan Culture Pavilion visit by the UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. Film & TV Spotlight: Nominations for the Adriatic Film and TV Awards 2026 include North Macedonia’s “Mother” (Teona Strugar Mitevska) among the leading contenders. Local Culture Note: AROYA Cruises wrapped its Mediterranean Games 2026 charter in Taranto, hosting thousands of athletes—an international cultural moment that also put North Macedonia’s president in the spotlight.

Cultural Heritage & Faith: Mother Teresa’s legacy gets a fresh spotlight as a new roundup marks 10 years since her canonization, with a reminder that she was born in Skopje to an ethnic Albanian family. Books & Reading Culture: The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair continues to draw global attention, including visits to a Balkan Culture Pavilion and cultural initiatives that promote Arabic language and translation. Arts & Film: The 44th Golden Rose Bulgarian Feature Film Festival opens in Varna with a full competition slate and tributes, including a roundtable on Bulgaria in Europe and the evolution of film ideas. Local Education & Rights: North Macedonia’s sex education rollout is being scrapped or revised, and civil society warns this will raise risks of sexual- and gender-based violence. Archaeology & Youth Learning: Two U.S. students spend four weeks excavating at Stobi, digging into how ancient buildings were used and how the site changed over time. International Culture Spotlight: The International Literature Festival PRO-ZA Balkan opens in Skopje, bringing regional voices and Bulgarian participation into focus. Sports & Identity: North Macedonia is named among the Nations League stops in Scotland’s new manager Sebastien Pocognoli’s first squad plans. Tech, Media & Ethics: A journalism AI debate keeps heating up, from lawsuits over training on news content to calls for clearer rules on responsibility and authorship.

Eurovision & National Culture: North Macedonia’s MRT confirms it will return to Eurovision 2027 in Burgas, Bulgaria after a five-year absence, aiming to spotlight Macedonian music and culture with a more transparent public-facing selection process. Education & Rights: A civil society campaigner warns that scrapping sex education rollout in North Macedonia will put young people at greater risk of sexual- and gender-based violence, after the conservative government cancelled optional classes for ninth graders. Culture & Heritage: A Balkan Culture Pavilion visit at the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair highlights ongoing cultural exchange across the region, including North Macedonia’s ambassadorial participation. Arts & Film: The Adriatic Film and TV Awards 2026 announce nominations, with North Macedonia represented by “Mother” (Teona Strugar Mitevska), alongside other regional co-productions. Tech, Ethics & Daily Life: A European privacy-focused project on smart cameras and microphones for older people raises the question of how care tech can avoid turning into surveillance. International Context: The U.S. reprograms $52 million in military financing away from Slovakia and North Macedonia toward Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, reflecting a stronger Western Hemisphere security push.

Eurovision & National Culture: North Macedonia’s MRT confirmed it will return to Eurovision 2027 in Burgas, with a new delegation structure led by Jana Burčeska and Aleksandra Jovanovska, aiming to spotlight Macedonian music and culture through a more transparent selection process. UNESCO Heritage Push: Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia are preparing a joint bid to get the Prespa region on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, framing it as cross-border protection for nature and culture plus a boost for sustainable tourism. Education & Values Debate: A civil society campaigner warns that North Macedonia scrapping the planned sex education rollout for ninth graders will raise risks of sexual- and gender-based violence, following a conservative government “deep revision” of the programme. Archaeology & Youth Learning: Two U.S. university students spent four weeks excavating at Stobi, digging and cataloguing artifacts while learning how researchers piece together how ancient buildings changed over time. Regional Cultural Diplomacy: TÜRKSOY highlights how Turkish language, literature, theater, and arts keep cultural heritage alive across the Balkans, pointing to Prizren as a key “cultural hub.” Film & TV Industry: Adriatic Film and TV Awards 2026 nominations include North Macedonia’s Teona Strugar Mitevska (Mother) and DJ Ahmet (Best Film), with winners chosen by the Adriatic region’s Film and TV Academy.

War & Justice: Kosovo’s Specialist Chambers in The Hague sentenced former KLA leaders Hashim Thaci (25 years), Jakup Krasniqi (25), Kadri Veseli (18) and Rexhep Selimi (13) for war crimes including arbitrary detention, torture and murder, with supporters expected to rally in The Hague. Digital Culture & Safety: UNICEF reports about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, with social media driving many cases. Eurovision & National Culture: North Macedonia’s MRT confirmed it will return to Eurovision 2027 in Burgas, with a revamped delegation structure led by Jana Burčeska and Aleksandra Jovanovska and a more transparent selection process. UNESCO Heritage: Albania, Greece and North Macedonia are pushing a joint UNESCO bid for the Prespa region, aiming to boost cross-border cooperation, protection of heritage and sustainable tourism. Arts & Media: CosmoBlue Media’s Da Vinci channel is rolling out in HD across Central and Eastern Europe via A1 Telekom Austria. Literature: PRO-ZA Balkan’s International Literature Festival opened in Skopje, bringing writers from across the region for discussions on contemporary prose and its links to cinema.

Eurovision Return: North Macedonia’s MRT confirms it will go back to Eurovision Song Contest 2027 in Burgas, with a new delegation structure led by Jana Burčeska and Aleksandra Jovanovska, aiming to spotlight Macedonian music and culture through a more transparent selection process. UNESCO & Regional Heritage: Albania, Greece and North Macedonia are pushing a joint UNESCO bid for the Prespa region, arguing the listing would boost protection of shared natural and cultural heritage and strengthen cross-border tourism and community development. Literature in Skopje: The International Literature Festival PRO-ZA Balkan opened at the Museum of the City of Skopje, bringing writers from across the region and exploring links between contemporary prose and cinema. Cultural Diplomacy: North Macedonia’s pavilion appears in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair under the “Balkan Cultures” guest-of-honour theme, highlighting cultural ties with the Arab world. EU Citizenship Watch: The EU criticises proposed changes to North Macedonia’s citizenship law, saying the “golden passport” scheme isn’t being dismantled far enough. Arts & Institutions: The Kennedy Center board voted to close the venue amid financial woes and a dispute over adding Trump’s name, after a judge blocked the move.

UNESCO & Cross-border Heritage: Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia are pushing a joint bid to put the Prespa region on the UNESCO World Heritage List, aiming to boost protection, tourism, and cross-border cooperation around shared natural and cultural heritage. Cultural Exchange & Literature: Skopje hosted the 14th International Literature Festival PRO-ZA Balkan, featuring writers from across the region and discussions linking contemporary prose with cinema, plus readings, film screenings, and poetry. Education & Everyday Culture: Across the Balkans, schools are trying to lighten pupils’ schoolbags with lockers, split textbooks, and more practical timetables—while North Macedonia parents say heavy loads remain a concern. Citizenship Policy: The EU criticized proposed changes to North Macedonia’s citizenship law, saying they don’t fully end the “golden passport” scheme, even as investment thresholds are tightened. Arts & International Spotlight: North Macedonia’s cultural presence also appeared abroad through the “Balkan Culture” Guest of Honour at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, with the country highlighted as part of wider Balkan-Arab cultural dialogue.

Skopje Literature Scene: The International Literature Festival PRO-ZA Balkan opened at the Museum of the City of Skopje, bringing together writers from across the region (including Bulgarian, Albanian, Slovenian, Irish-British and North Macedonian voices) and spotlighting how contemporary prose shapes its own worlds, with a strong literature-and-cinema thread. EU & Citizenship Policy: The EU criticized North Macedonia’s proposed tweaks to its investment-for-citizenship rules, saying they don’t fully end the “golden passport” scheme, even as Skopje moves to tighten thresholds. Books Across Borders: North Macedonia’s “Balkan Culture” presence at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair continues to build cultural ties with the Arab world, with the guest-of-honour pavilion highlighted alongside major fair programming. Education & Daily Life: Across the Balkans, schools are easing heavy schoolbags with lockers and digital textbooks—an issue echoed by parent groups in North Macedonia. Culture & Business: TGI Fridays signed a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into North Macedonia (alongside Kosovo and Albania), aiming for 10 restaurants across the three markets. Arts & Performance: The Secret Chord, a Leonard Cohen docu-concert, returns to the Segal Centre in October with a refreshed storytelling script and a live band reinterpretation of Cohen’s classics.