AGP Executive Report

Energy & Trade: Kosovo and North Macedonia’s state energy firms signed a three-year coal deal for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq mine, priced at €24.40 per tonne, aimed at boosting North Macedonian power generation (about 800 GWh/year) once a contractor is selected. Agribusiness & Food Safety: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency found formetanate pesticide residues above limits in an 11.6-tonne shipment of peppers imported from North Macedonia, ordered it returned, and said intensified border checks will continue across tomatoes, peppers, peaches and watermelons. EU Foreign Policy: The EU welcomed North Macedonia joining restrictive measures against Belarus and also reported the EU extended sanctions against Iran with North Macedonia among the aligned countries. Industry & Jobs Context: ILO data shows Albania’s labor productivity remains the lowest in the Western Balkans, while a separate study flags North Macedonia’s employment rate at 64.4% (among the lower end in Europe). Culture & Media (Local Production): Macedonian director Igor Aleksov has started shooting thriller-drama “The Secret of the Bare Hill,” and Marjan Gavrilovski began work on black comedy-thriller “Ants,” both adding to the country’s film production pipeline.

Energy & Industry Supply: North Macedonia’s Rade Končar delivered power transformers to Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy hubs for use in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia after Russian strikes, with the ministry thanking Skopje and the company for solidarity. Agriculture & Trade Compliance: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency rejected an 11.6-ton shipment of peppers from North Macedonia after formetanate residues exceeded permitted levels; the goods were detained and returned, as border checks on tomatoes, peppers, peaches and watermelons continue. Energy Transition & Environment: In Sar Mountain National Park, dismantling has begun on leftover infrastructure tied to two planned small hydropower plants (Pena 84 and Pena 85), aiming to restore the Leshnica Valley ecosystem after earlier hydropower plans were scrapped. EU Sanctions Alignment: The EU welcomed North Macedonia joining restrictive measures against Belarus and also aligning with the extended EU sanctions against Iran, as Kaja Kallas noted commitments by candidate and partner countries. Regional Energy Deal: Kosovo and North Macedonia state energy firms signed a three-year coal deal for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq mine at €24.40/tonne to support additional power generation. Labor Market Watch: A study using Eurostat data shows North Macedonia’s employment rate at 64.4% (among the lowest in Europe), highlighting ongoing workforce pressures across the region.

EU Sanctions Alignment: The EU welcomed eight countries—including North Macedonia—agreeing to align with restrictive measures against Belarus tied to its role in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Energy Trade: Kosovo and North Macedonia’s state energy companies signed a three-year coal deal for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq mine at €24.40 per tonne, aimed at boosting power generation once a contractor is selected. Power Sector Support: North Macedonia’s Rade Koncar delivered power transformers to Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions to help restore infrastructure hit by Russian attacks. Agrifood Border Controls: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency returned an 11.6-tonne peppers shipment from North Macedonia after detecting formetanate residues above permitted levels, with intensified checks continuing at border points. Hydropower vs Nature: In Sar Mountain National Park, authorities dismantled and removed infrastructure tied to two planned small hydropower plants (Pena 84 and Pena 85) to restore the disturbed Leshnica Valley. Jobs & Industry Context: A new study flags workforce pressure across Central and Southeastern Europe, noting North Macedonia’s employment rate at 64.4% while Hungary saw the steepest decline. EU Market Access Pressure: A report says the EU is moving toward stricter pesticide rules that could hit agricultural exporters, including Brazil, with higher costs and potential price rises. Digital & Manufacturing Tech: Mikrosam (Prilep) showcased automated fiber placement and composites automation systems for industrial production, while a separate initiative highlights identity verification for “Universal Basic Compute” access.

Energy Deal: Kosovo and North Macedonia’s state energy companies signed a three-year coal deal for about 3 million tonnes from the Obiliq mine, priced at €24.40 per tonne, to support roughly 800 GWh of extra electricity annually once a contractor is selected. Film & Production: Macedonian director Igor Aleksov has started shooting thriller-drama “The Secret of the Bare Hill,” while Marjan Gavrilovski began “Ants,” a black comedy-thriller about a retiring homophobic inspector teaming up with a trans woman to solve a murder. Agriculture & Food Safety: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency ordered the return of an 11.6-tonne pepper shipment from North Macedonia after formetanate residues exceeded permitted levels, with intensified border checks continuing across peppers, tomatoes, peaches and watermelons. Hydropower vs Nature: In Sar Mountain National Park, dismantling of unused small hydropower infrastructure for Pena 84 and Pena 85 is underway to restore the Leshnica Valley after earlier hydropower plans were scrapped. Tourism Safety: A recent Ksamil killing is being used to argue that high-end nightlife venues need proper safety licensing and legal oversight, not private “police-style” security. Tech & Industry: North Macedonia’s Rade Končar supplied power transformers to help restore Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia after Russian attacks.

Film & Culture: Macedonian director Marjan Gavrilovski has begun shooting “Ants,” a black comedy-thriller about a retiring homophobic police inspector who teams up with a trans woman to solve a murder, with Nikola Kuzelov and Senko Velinov leading the cast. Energy & Environment: In Sar Mountain National Park, dismantling has started on installed infrastructure tied to the abandoned small hydropower projects Pena 84 and Pena 85, aiming to restore the Leshnica Valley after years of conflict between electricity plans and ecosystem protection. Agri-Food Safety: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency ordered the return of an 11.6-ton shipment of peppers imported from North Macedonia after pesticide residues exceeded permitted levels; intensified border checks continue across tomatoes, peppers, peaches and watermelons. Industry & Trade Support: North Macedonia’s Rade Koncar delivered power transformers to help Ukraine restore energy infrastructure in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions after Russian attacks. Tech & Manufacturing: Prilep-based Mikrosam showcased automated fiber placement and composite automation systems for manufacturers, targeting faster, repeatable production beyond aerospace.

Film & Culture: Macedonian director Marjan Gavrilovski has begun shooting “Ants,” a black comedy-thriller about a homophobic retiring police inspector who teams up with a trans woman to solve a murder, with Nikola Kuzelov and Senko Velinov leading the cast. Energy & Infrastructure: North Macedonia’s Rade Končar delivered power transformers to Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions to help restore energy infrastructure hit by Russian attacks. Agribusiness & Trade Controls: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency ordered the return of an 11.6-ton shipment of peppers from North Macedonia after formetanate residues exceeded permitted levels, as intensified border checks continue. Hydropower vs Nature: In Sar Mountain National Park, dismantling of installed infrastructure for the uncompleted Pena 84 and Pena 85 small hydropower plans is underway to restore the valley. EU Policy & Sanctions: The EU extended sanctions against Iran, with North Macedonia among the countries aligning national policies with the decision. Public Safety: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issued a code red wildfire warning for very high fire risk across eastern, central and southern regions. Digital Commerce: iuteGroup expanded its Myiute app with iuteMarket in North Macedonia, letting customers discover, finance and buy products in one place.

Hydropower vs. nature in Sar Mountain: In North Macedonia’s Leshnica Valley, dismantling crews are removing pipeline infrastructure tied to the uncompleted small hydropower plans Pena 84 and Pena 85, as Sar Mountain National Park pushes to restore the disturbed river landscape. Cross-border food safety: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency detained and ordered the return of an 11.6-tonne shipment of peppers imported from North Macedonia after formetanate residues were found above permitted levels; intensified checks continue at border points. Energy supply for Ukraine: North Macedonia’s Rade Koncar delivered power transformers from Ukraine’s emergency energy hubs to companies in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia to help restore infrastructure hit by Russian attacks. Industry and trade pressure: Bulgaria launched mass fruit-and-vegetable import inspections, but experts warn the controls are too late and should become permanent to avoid market distortions and price spikes. EU sanctions update: The EU extended sanctions against Iran, with North Macedonia among the countries aligning national policies with the decision. Tourism and logistics watch: WTM London 2026 reported strong early exhibitor demand, with North Macedonia listed among new exhibitors—an indicator for regional travel industry momentum.

EU Sanctions: The Council of the EU extended sanctions against Iran tied to its support for Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, with eight more European countries joining—among them North Macedonia—plus Ukraine, all expected to align national policies. Food Safety & Trade: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency ordered the return of an 11.6-tonne peppers shipment from North Macedonia after formetanate pesticide residues were found above permitted levels, with intensified border checks continuing at key checkpoints. Energy Supply: North Macedonia’s Rade Koncar delivered power transformers to help restore energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions amid ongoing attacks. Industry & Production: A report flags Albania’s industrial production slide since 2021, while North Macedonia is noted as comparatively stable in the same period. Business in Apps: Iute Group expanded its Myiute ecosystem with iuteMarket, an integrated shopping service now available in Albania and North Macedonia. Risk Watch: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issued a code red fire warning for very high wildfire risk across eastern, central, and southern areas. Tech & Cyber: A global cyber security index ranks Albania top, while North Macedonia appears among the higher performers. Public Health: West Nile virus updates show North Macedonia among European countries reporting locally acquired human cases.

Sanctions & Diplomacy: The EU extended sanctions against Iran tied to its support for Russia’s aggression, with Ukraine and eight more European countries joining the alignment list that includes North Macedonia. Food Safety & Trade: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency ordered the return of an 11.6-ton shipment of peppers imported from North Macedonia after formetanate pesticide residues were found above permitted levels, as border checks continue. Energy & Industry Support: North Macedonia’s Rade Koncar delivered power transformers to help restore Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions after Russian attacks. Manufacturing & Automation: Prilep-based Mikrosam showcased automated fiber placement and filament winding systems aimed at expanding composite production beyond aerospace, with modular platforms for research and industrial lines. Agriculture & Risk: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issued a code red for very high wildfire risk across eastern, central and southern areas, citing worsening conditions and dry grass/agricultural waste as key triggers. Digital Services: iuteGroup expanded its Myiute app with iuteMarket, an integrated shopping and financing experience available in Albania and North Macedonia. EU Border Tech Impact: The EU’s biometric Entry/Exit System is driving long queues and travel plan changes, raising pressure on border operations and airport staffing. Cybersecurity Benchmark: A global index ranks Albania top for cyber readiness, while North Macedonia appears among the higher performers.

Energy & Industry Aid: North Macedonia’s Rade Koncar delivered power transformers to Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy emergency hubs for grid repair in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, backing infrastructure hit by Russian attacks. Agribusiness & Border Controls: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency sent back an 11.6-tonne peppers shipment from North Macedonia after pesticide residues exceeded limits, with intensified checks continuing at border checkpoints. Public Safety: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issued a code red for very high wildfire risk across eastern, central and southern areas, citing worsening conditions and 25 wildfires in 24 hours. Tech & Finance in Retail: Iute Group expanded its Myiute app with iuteMarket, letting customers browse, finance and buy products in one place in Albania and North Macedonia. EU/Regional Business Context: Kosovo said power trade limits with Serbia cost it and the region over €150m in 2024, while EU enlargement pressure and EU foreign-policy veto debates continue in Brussels. Health Watch: West Nile virus surveillance shows North Macedonia among countries reporting locally acquired cases, with Greece driving the highest summer burden in Europe.

Food Safety & Trade: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency ordered the return of an 11.6-tonne peppers shipment imported from North Macedonia after formetanate pesticide residues were found above permitted levels, with intensified border checks continuing at key crossings. Energy & Industry Supply Chains: North Macedonia’s Rade Koncar delivered power transformers from Ukraine’s emergency energy hubs to operators in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia to help restore infrastructure hit by attacks. Construction & Automation: Prilep-based Mikrosam highlighted its automated fiber placement and filament winding systems for composites manufacturers, positioning the tech for aerospace, defense and industrial production. Agriculture & Risk Management: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issued a code red for very high fire risk, reporting 25 wildfires in 24 hours, with many starting in dry grass and agricultural waste. Public Health: Europe’s West Nile virus update lists 13 locally acquired human cases in North Macedonia as of 5 August, with Greece and Italy carrying the largest burdens. Digital Services: iuteGroup expanded its Myiute app with iuteMarket, an integrated shopping and financing service now available in Albania and North Macedonia. EU & Regional Context: Discussions on EU enlargement and foreign-policy decision-making continue as candidate countries push for faster progress and member states debate veto use.

Food Safety & Trade: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency ordered the return of an 11.6-tonne peppers shipment from North Macedonia after formetanate pesticide residues were found above permitted levels, with intensified border checks continuing at Zlatarevo and Gyueshevo. Energy Infrastructure: North Macedonia’s Rade Koncar delivered power transformers to Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy hubs for use in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions to restore attack-hit infrastructure. Industrial Automation: Prilep-based Mikrosam showcased automated fiber placement and composite manufacturing automation systems aimed at wider industrial use, including scalable platforms for thermoset/thermoplastic materials. Digital & Retail Services: iuteGroup expanded its Myiute app with iuteMarket, an integrated shopping and financing service now available in Albania and North Macedonia. Public Safety: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issued a code red fire warning for very high risk across eastern, central and southern areas, citing worsening wildfire conditions. Regional Business & Media: Paramount’s “The F Ward” secured licensing in 100 territories, including North Macedonia via SkyShowtime. Health Monitoring: Europe reported 245 locally acquired West Nile virus human cases as of 5 August, with North Macedonia among the affected countries.

Energy & Industry Solidarity: North Macedonia’s Rade Koncar delivered power transformers to Ukraine’s energy hubs for companies in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, aimed at restoring infrastructure hit by Russian attacks. Public Safety: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issued a code red fire warning for very high risk across the eastern, central and southern regions, citing worsening conditions and 25 wildfires registered in 24 hours. Business & Consumer Tech: iuteGroup expanded its Myiute app with iuteMarket, an integrated shopping and financing service now available in Albania and North Macedonia. Manufacturing Automation: Prilep-based Mikrosam promoted next-generation automated fiber placement systems for composites, targeting research, prototyping and industrial production with scalable robotic platforms. Health Watch: Europe’s West Nile Virus update shows North Macedonia among countries reporting locally acquired cases, with Greece and Italy leading the regional tally. EU & Regional Policy: Kosovo said lack of electricity trading with Serbia cost it and the region over €150m in 2024, pointing to cross-border capacity issues. Aviation Incident: Investigators detailed how a broken engine part shattered a window on a Ryanair Boeing 737-800, with the flight returning to Thessaloniki after takeoff.

Energy & Industry Solidarity: North Macedonia’s Rade Koncar delivered power transformers from Ukraine’s emergency energy hubs to utilities in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, aimed at restoring infrastructure hit by Russian attacks. Manufacturing Automation: Mikrosam of Prilep showcased next-generation automated fiber placement systems for composites makers, pitching modular AFP platforms for research, prototyping and industrial production. Digital Banking & Retail: Iute Group expanded its Myiute app with iuteMarket, letting customers browse, finance and buy products in one place across Albania and North Macedonia. Fire Risk Watch: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issued a code red for very high wildfire risk across eastern, central and southern regions, citing extreme heat and dry grass/agricultural waste. Agriculture & Borders: Bulgaria launched mass fruit and vegetable import checks at borders with Turkey and North Macedonia, but industry voices say controls are too late and must become permanent. Public Health: Europe’s West Nile Virus update shows North Macedonia reporting 13 locally acquired human cases as Greece enters peak transmission season. Regional Infrastructure: Analysis highlights accelerated progress on Corridor 8, including an EU €149m grant for the Kriva Palanka–Bulgaria railway phase with a cross-border tunnel.

Energy & Industry Aid: North Macedonia’s Rade Koncar delivered power transformers from Ukraine’s emergency energy hubs to restore infrastructure in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia after Russian attacks. Infrastructure & Logistics: EU granted €149m for the third phase of North Macedonia’s railway link toward Bulgaria under Corridor 8, including a cross-border tunnel—another push for faster regional freight and NATO-linked mobility. Manufacturing Tech: Prilep-based Mikrosam is promoting automated fiber placement and filament winding systems for composites makers, pitching scalable automation for aerospace, defense, and research. Retail & Banking Services: Iute Group expanded its Myiute app with iuteMarket, letting customers browse, finance, and buy products inside the same app in Albania and North Macedonia. Agri-Food Trade Pressure: Bulgaria launched fruit and vegetable import checks at borders with Turkey and North Macedonia, but experts warn controls must be permanent to avoid price spikes. Public Safety: North Macedonia issued a code red for very high fire risk, citing worsening wildfire conditions and dozens of active incidents. Health Watch: Europe’s West Nile virus update lists 13 locally acquired human cases in North Macedonia as Greece reports the highest summer burden.

Cyber Security Watch: Albania tops a global National Cyber Security Index, while the ranking also flags North Macedonia among the better-prepared countries—an angle that matters for protecting critical infrastructure as attacks rise. Public Health: Europe reports 245 locally acquired West Nile virus human cases as of 5 August, with North Macedonia recording 13 and Greece driving the bulk of the summer transmission. Fire Risk: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issues a code red for very high wildfire risk across eastern, central and southern areas, with dry grass and agricultural waste blamed for fast-spreading outbreaks. Digital Banking & Retail: iute Group expands Myiute with iuteMarket in Albania and North Macedonia, letting customers browse, finance and buy products inside the app. Composites Manufacturing: Prilep-based Mikrosam promotes next-generation automated fiber placement systems aimed at wider industrial use, including scalable setups for research, prototyping and production. Construction & Logistics: Corridor 8 progress continues as Albania opens a new section of the Elbasan–Qafë Thanë road, boosting regional movement toward North Macedonia and Bulgaria. Energy Trade: Kosovo says blocked electricity trading with Serbia cost it over €150m in 2024, highlighting cross-border grid bottlenecks. EU Payments Integration: Bosnia and Herzegovina applies to join SEPA, with neighbors including North Macedonia already inside—pushing cheaper, faster euro transfers.