AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Alert: North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center issued a code red for very high fire risk across the eastern, central and southern regions, after 25 wildfires were registered in 24 hours, with dry grass and agricultural waste flagged as key ignition sources. Energy & Environment: Greece and North Macedonia launched a €3.07m cross-border project to improve Lake Doirani governance, monitoring and sustainable management under Interreg VI-A. Transport & Industry: Progress on Pan-European Corridor 8 continues, with EU-backed work on the rail link to Bulgaria moving forward as a major €149m grant supports the Kriva Palanka–border phase. Mining & Investment: Cygnus Metals’ shareholders are set to vote on a scheme under which Central Asia Metals would acquire the company, with key court steps scheduled in August and a meeting planned for mid-September. Regional Energy Trade: Kosovo says blocked electricity trading with Serbia cost €150m in 2024, citing added transmission routes via North Macedonia and others.

Corridor 8 Rail Push: The EU approved a €149m grant for North Macedonia’s third phase of the railway link toward Bulgaria, including a key cross-border tunnel—another step in accelerating Pan-European Corridor 8. Energy & Environment: Greece launched a €3.07m cross-border project with North Macedonia to improve governance and sustainable management of Lake Doirani, with joint monitoring and public awareness measures. Wildfires & Water Stress: North Macedonia is battling wildfire spread amid Europe’s drought, with 14 open-air fires recorded by Aug. 4 and heavy air support deployed, especially around Kavadarci. Regional Power Trade: Kosovo says blocked electricity trading with Serbia cost it over €150m in 2024, citing missed cross-border capacity deadlines. Aviation Connectivity: Wizz Air opened a new Palermo base with two A321neo aircraft and plans a third plus six additional routes—relevant for regional passenger and cargo flows. Finance Integration: Bosnia and Herzegovina applied to join SEPA, aiming for cheaper, faster euro cross-border payments; North Macedonia is already in SEPA. Local Industry Talent: Macedonian director Marjan Gavrilovski has started shooting “Ants,” a dark comedy drama supported by the Film Agency—spotlighting creative production capacity.

Energy & Climate Shock: North Macedonia is battling worsening drought impacts as Europe’s worst wildfire season hits. By Aug 4, the Crisis Management Center logged 14 open-air fires, with Kavadarci among the hardest-hit areas and aircraft plus helicopters deployed to contain blazes. Cross-Border Water Protection: Greece and North Macedonia launched a €3.07m Interreg VI-A project to protect and sustainably manage Lake Doirani, aiming for joint governance, monitoring, and environmental and hydrological plans with local awareness efforts. Transport & Logistics Corridor 8: Albania opened a new section of Corridor 8 on the Elbasan–Qafë Thanë road, improving safety and travel times and strengthening the route that links Albania with North Macedonia and Bulgaria. Regional Infrastructure Push: The EU has backed Corridor 8’s rail upgrade with a €149m grant for the Kriva Palanka–Bulgaria border stretch, including a cross-border tunnel. Mining & Investment: Cygnus Metals’ shareholders are set to vote on a Central Asia Metals takeover scheme, with North Macedonia production assets in the deal’s wider portfolio.

Corridor 8 Push: The EU has backed North Macedonia’s key rail link to Bulgaria with a €149m grant for the Kriva Palanka–border phase, including a cross-border tunnel—part of a wider push to accelerate Pan-European Corridor 8, now also framed as NATO-relevant for regional connectivity. Energy & Industry: HELLENiQ ENERGY reported 2Q/1H 2026 results focused on keeping fuel supply steady amid market disruption, citing alternative crude sourcing and higher diesel/jet exports. Environment & Risk: North Macedonia is battling wildfire spread as Europe’s drought worsens, with 14 open-air fires registered by Aug. 4 and air support deployed, especially around Kavadarci. Cross-border Water Governance: Greece launched a €3.07m Interreg project with North Macedonia to improve protection, monitoring and sustainable management of Lake Doirani. Labor Costs Watch: Eurostat data shows minimum wages in Europe rose in only eight of 29 countries, but real purchasing power fell in several places—North Macedonia listed among candidate countries with €624. Film & Culture: Macedonian director Marjan Gavrilovski has started shooting “Ants/Mravki,” a dark comedy drama supported by the Film Agency.

Corridor 8 Push: Albania opened a new section of Corridor 8’s Elbasan–Qafë Thanë road, improving traffic flow and cutting travel times—an upgrade that strengthens the Balkans logistics link to North Macedonia and Bulgaria. Rail Funding for North Macedonia: The EU backed Corridor 8 momentum with a €149m grant for North Macedonia’s railway phase toward Bulgaria, including a key cross-border tunnel. Cross-Border Water Protection: Greece launched a €3.07m Interreg project with North Macedonia to improve governance and sustainable management of Lake Doirani, with joint monitoring and hydrological planning. Wildfire Pressure on Industry: North Macedonia is battling wildfire spread amid drought and heat, with multiple fires registered and air support deployed—raising risks for agriculture, transport, and local operations. Regional IT Model Under Strain: A report on Serbia’s IT sector flags that “cheap labour” growth is slowing as foreign firms cut or close offices, pushing the region to invest beyond billable hours. Labour Costs Snapshot: Eurostat data shows North Macedonia among EU candidates with a minimum wage around €624, while many European countries saw real wage pressure from inflation. Film Production Spotlight: Macedonian director Marjan Gavrilovski has started shooting “Ants / Mravki,” backed by the Film Agency, adding to the country’s screen production pipeline.

Corridor 8 Boost: Albania opened a new two-lane section of Corridor 8 on the Elbasan–Qafë Thanë route, improving traffic flow and safety and strengthening the Balkans logistics link that connects toward North Macedonia and Bulgaria. EU Rail Funding: North Macedonia is moving faster on Pan-European Corridor 8 with major EU support for the railway link toward Bulgaria, including a new cross-border tunnel segment. Energy & Environment: Greece and North Macedonia launched a €3.07m cross-border project to protect and sustainably manage Lake Doirani, setting up joint governance and monitoring. Wildfire Pressure: North Macedonia is battling wildfires amid Europe’s drought, with multiple fires reported and air support deployed as heatwave conditions persist. Regional Payments Integration: Bosnia and Herzegovina applied to join SEPA, which would cut cross-border euro payment costs and speed transfers; Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro are already in. Minimum Wage Snapshot: Eurostat data shows candidate countries including North Macedonia and Serbia sit in the lower-middle range for 2026 minimum wages, while inflation erodes real purchasing power. Film & Culture: Macedonian director Marjan Gavrilovski has started shooting “Ants / Mravki,” a darkly comic drama backed by the Film Agency.

Corridor 8 Push: The EU has awarded North Macedonia a €149m grant for the third phase of the railway link to Bulgaria, including a key cross-border tunnel, as Corridor 8 gains strategic weight for both trade and NATO-linked mobility. Energy & Trade Integration: Albania’s hydropower-based electricity exports to the EU are set to face zero CBAM costs under a default emission factor, while the same report flags North Macedonia’s higher per-MWh carbon cost—an issue for regional power pricing. Cross-Border Environment: Greece launched a €3.07m Interreg project with North Macedonia to improve governance, monitoring and sustainable management of Lake Doirani, with joint structures and hydrological planning. Wildfire Pressure: North Macedonia is battling wildfire spread amid drought and heat, with 14 open-air fires recorded by Aug. 4 and heavy response in the Kavadarci area. Labour Costs Watch: Eurostat data for H2 2026 shows North Macedonia among candidate countries with minimum wages rising to €624, while inflation pressures are squeezing real pay across Europe. Mining Deal Update: Cygnus Metals’ shareholders are set to vote on a takeover by Central Asia Metals, with a scheme booklet lodged for ASIC review and a court hearing targeted for Aug. 13. Film & Culture: Director Milcho Manchevski has started work on “Ants / Mravki,” a dark comedy backed by the Film Agency, adding to North Macedonia’s growing screen production momentum.

Corridor 8 Boost: The EU has awarded North Macedonia a €149m grant for the third phase of the railway link to Bulgaria, including a 22-km stretch from Kriva Palanka to the border and a key cross-border tunnel—part of Corridor 8’s growing role in regional trade and NATO-linked mobility. Energy & Industry Costs: A new Energy Community Secretariat report flags a carbon-cost gap for electricity imports: Albania’s hydropower mix gets a zero CBAM default factor, while North Macedonia faces CBAM costs of about €66.8 per MWh—an issue for regional power pricing and exporters. Drought Pressure on Production: Europe’s worst drought in years is hitting North Macedonia with heat-driven wildfire risk; by Aug 4, 14 open-air fires were recorded, with Kavadarci among the hardest-hit areas. Cross-Border Water Protection: Greece launched a €3.07m Interreg project with North Macedonia to improve governance, monitoring and sustainable management of Lake Doirani, led by Macedonia–Thrace authorities with local environment partners. Labor Benchmark: Eurostat released second-half 2026 minimum wage data; North Macedonia is listed among EU candidates with a gross monthly minimum wage around €624, while real purchasing power is pressured by euro-area inflation. Travel & Logistics Demand: WTM London 2026 reports strong early exhibitor demand, with North Macedonia among new destination participants—useful signal for tourism-linked services and inbound logistics.

Energy & Industry: HELLENiQ ENERGY reported 2Q/1H 2026 results, highlighting security of fuel supply via alternative crude sourcing, with Adjusted EBITDA at €442m (2Q) and €734m (1H) plus €226m capex in 2Q. Environment & Agriculture: North Macedonia is battling a wildfire surge as Europe’s drought intensifies; 14 open-air fires were logged by Aug. 4, with Kavadarci hit hardest and air support deployed. Cross-border Water Management: Greece launched a €3.07m Interreg project with North Macedonia to strengthen governance and sustainable management of Lake Doirani, led by Macedonia–Thrace authorities with local environment partners. Mining & Investment: Cygnus Metals’ directors back a Central Asia Metals takeover; a draft scheme booklet has been lodged with ASIC, with a court hearing targeted for Aug. 13 and a shareholder vote planned for mid-September. Energy Trade & Carbon Costs: A new Energy Community Secretariat report says Albania’s hydropower exports to the EU face zero CBAM costs, while North Macedonia’s default factor is €66.773 per MWh. Regional Infrastructure: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut met North Macedonia’s Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid, stressing transport links, energy connectivity, agriculture and tourism, including plans tied to Corridor 8 rail upgrades.

Energy & Industry: HELLENiQ ENERGY reported 2Q/1H 2026 results, highlighting security of supply via alternative crude sourcing and flexible refining, with Adjusted EBITDA of €442m in 2Q and €734m in 1H plus a 35% jump in diesel and jet fuel exports. Environment & Water Management: Greece and North Macedonia launched a €3.07m cross-border Interreg project to protect and sustainably manage Lake Doirani, aiming for joint governance, hydrological plans, and public awareness. Energy Markets: A new Energy Community Secretariat report says Albania’s hydropower-based electricity gets a zero default CBAM cost, while North Macedonia faces estimated CBAM costs of €66.773 per MWh—an advantage that could shape regional power trade. Mining & Metals: Cygnus Metals moved a takeover step forward as its draft scheme booklet was lodged with ASIC for Central Asia Metals’ planned 100% acquisition, with a key court hearing targeted for Aug. 13. Regional Cooperation: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut met North Macedonia’s Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid, focusing on transport links, energy connectivity, agriculture, and tourism, including rail upgrades toward Greece. Labor & Wages: Eurostat data for H2 2026 shows candidate-country minimum wages including North Macedonia at €624, with real wage pressure where inflation outpaced pay. Media & Culture (local relevance): Macedonian director Milcho Manchevski’s documentary “Good People” heads to the Sarajevo Film Festival competition, while director Marjan Gavrilovski began shooting “Ants / Mravki” with support from the North Macedonia Film Agency.

Cross-border Water Protection: Greece and North Macedonia launched a €3.07 million Interreg project to improve governance, monitoring and sustainable management of shared Lake Doirani, with joint structures and hydrological plans led by Greece’s Decentralised Administration of Macedonia–Thrace and partners including North Macedonia’s environment ministry and regional development bodies. Energy & Industry: A new Energy Community Secretariat report says Albania’s hydropower-based electricity gets a zero default CBAM cost, while North Macedonia faces carbon costs per MWh—highlighting how regional power mixes can shift trade economics. Disaster Risk: North Macedonia is battling wildfires amid Europe’s drought, with 14 open-air fires registered by Aug. 4 and air and helicopter support deployed, as heatwaves continue. Mining & Investment: Cygnus Metals’ directors back a takeover by Central Asia Metals, with ASIC review and a court hearing targeted for Aug. 13, and the deal expected to include Cygnus assets in North Macedonia. Digital Payments: Israeli fintech Nayax launched its cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, targeting unattended retail like vending, parking and self-service kiosks. Regional Infrastructure Talks: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut met North Macedonia’s Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid, focusing on transport links, energy connectivity and agriculture, including rail modernization plans. Media/Antitrust (Global, Industry Impact): Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery antitrust trial is set for March 2027, with “ticking fees” adding pressure on deal timing.

Aviation & Connectivity: Wizz Air opened a new base at Palermo Falcone Borsellino with two Airbus A321neos, already adding a third from 6 September and launching six more routes—Rome, Barcelona, Prague, Marrakech, Dortmund and Pisa—signaling stronger-than-expected demand for regional links. Energy & Industry Costs: A new Energy Community Secretariat report says electricity exported from Albania to the EU is treated as zero-emission under CBAM, while North Macedonia’s default carbon cost is estimated at about EUR 66.773 per MWh—an immediate competitiveness signal for regional power trade. Infrastructure & Cross-Border Works: Bulgaria and North Macedonia held the first joint committee meeting for the Corridor 8 cross-border railway tunnel, agreeing rules and a preliminary timetable while discussing financing options with EU lenders. Digital Payments: Israeli fintech Nayax launched its full cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, targeting unattended retail like vending, laundromats, EV charging and kiosks. EU Integration & Geopolitics: A European Parliament report warns Russia is using tailored hybrid interference to slow EU enlargement, explicitly naming North Macedonia among the focus countries. Environment & Agriculture: A €3.07m Interreg project starts to protect and sustainably manage Lake Doirani, building cross-border governance between Greek and North Macedonian authorities. Labour & Migration: Croatia’s work-permit security screening is back in the spotlight after a court case involving a denied permit, as the country relies more on foreign workers across tourism and construction. Regional Cooperation: Serbian PM Djuro Macut met North Macedonia’s Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid, highlighting transport, energy connectivity, agriculture and tourism as priority areas.

Energy & Trade: Albania’s hydropower-based electricity exports to the EU are set to face zero CBAM costs, while North Macedonia’s default carbon cost is reported at about EUR 66.8 per MWh—an advantage that could shape regional power pricing. Infrastructure & Transport: Bulgaria and North Macedonia launched the joint committee for a cross-border railway tunnel under Corridor 8, agreeing rules and a preliminary timetable while discussing financing options. Regional Business & Investment: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut met North Macedonia’s Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid, flagging transport, energy connectivity, agriculture and tourism as key growth areas. Digital Payments: Israeli fintech Nayax rolled out its cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, targeting unattended retail like vending, laundromats, EV charging and kiosks. Local Energy Security: North Macedonia’s gasification push moves closer as the Greece interconnector nears completion, enabling phased expansion of the domestic gas distribution network. Labour & Mobility: A court case in Croatia renewed debate on security screening for foreign work permits, with thousands of permits issued and a small share refused. Culture & Media: Macedonian director Milcho Manchevski’s documentary “Good People” will premiere at the Sarajevo Film Festival, spotlighting the aftermath of a nightclub fire in North Macedonia.

Energy & Trade: A new Energy Community Secretariat report says Albania’s electricity exports to the EU get a default CBAM emission factor of zero, thanks to a hydropower-heavy mix—while North Macedonia’s calculated carbon cost is listed at about EUR 66.773 per MWh, putting regional exporters under very different carbon pricing. Infrastructure & Energy Security: North Macedonia’s gasification push moves forward as the Greece interconnector nears completion, aiming to diversify supply and enable phased expansion of the domestic gas distribution network. Transport Connectivity: Bulgaria and North Macedonia launched the joint committee for a cross-border railway tunnel under Corridor 8, setting rules and a preliminary timetable and discussing financing options. Payments & Retail Tech: Nayax has launched its cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, targeting unattended commerce like vending, parking, EV charging and self-service kiosks. Regional Business & Government: Serbian PM Djuro Macut met North Macedonia’s Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid, flagging transport, energy connectivity, agriculture and tourism as key growth areas. Environment: Wildfire data show parts of Europe facing their worst season in years, while the Balkans—including North Macedonia—sit below historical wildfire medians.

Balkan Infrastructure & Energy: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut met North Macedonia’s Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid, with both sides pointing to transport links, energy connectivity, agriculture and tourism as the biggest growth levers; the talks also covered rail upgrades tied to the Serbia–Greece corridor and plans for a gas interconnector. Gasification Push: North Macedonia’s gas interconnector with Greece is nearing completion, expected next year, as the country moves toward a more diversified gas supply and phased expansion of its distribution network. Payments Modernization: Nayax launched its full cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, targeting unattended retail like vending, laundromats, EV charging and kiosks, and adding merchant tools for sales monitoring and loyalty management. Cross-Border Rail Planning: Bulgaria and North Macedonia held the first joint committee meeting for the Corridor 8 cross-border railway tunnel, setting procedural rules and a preliminary timetable while discussing financing options. Labour & Security Screening: A Croatia work-permit case has reignited debate over security checks for foreign workers, as the country continues relying on foreign labour in tourism, construction and hospitality. Aviation Demand Watch: Europe’s airport passenger growth slowed sharply in Q2 2026 amid Middle East disruptions and higher jet fuel prices, with domestic traffic outperforming international. Local Environment: Lake Ohrid avoided UNESCO’s Danger List again, but experts warn illegal construction, wastewater and shoreline damage remain serious risks. Digital Finance Event: Singapore’s BFSI IT Summit Singapore 2026 will bring 150+ CIOs/CTOs/CISOs to discuss AI, trust and transformation in financial services.

North Macedonia Energy & Industry: The gasification push gets a boost as North Macedonia’s Greece interconnector nears completion, paving the way for phased gasification and a wider domestic gas distribution network. Regional Infrastructure: Bulgaria and North Macedonia kick off the joint committee work for a cross-border railway tunnel under Corridor 8, setting rules and a preliminary timetable while discussing financing options. Bilateral Business & Energy Links: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut meets North Macedonia’s Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid, with transport, energy connectivity, agriculture and tourism flagged as top cooperation areas, including rail upgrades and gas interconnector plans. Payments & Retail Modernization: Nayax launches its full cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, targeting unattended commerce like vending, parking and EV charging with card acceptance plus merchant tools. Monetary Policy: North Macedonia’s central bank keeps the key interest rate at 4.25% as inflation cools but external risks from geopolitics and energy prices remain. Environment & Risk: Europe’s wildfire season is worsening amid a strengthening El Niño, while the Balkans—including North Macedonia—are currently below their historical wildfire median.