AGP Executive Report

EU Enlargement Push: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron urged faster EU enlargement at the EU–Western Balkans summit in Montenegro, backing “gradual integration” rewards for candidates that meet accession criteria, plus a simpler, less veto-heavy negotiation path. Roam Like at Home: The EU Council approved opening talks to extend the “Roam Like at Home” roaming zone to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, with sectoral agreements now set to follow. North Macedonia Business & Resources: Euromax Resources says North Macedonia’s Higher Administrative Court restored approval for the merger of its Ilovica 6 and Ilovica 11 concessions, clearing the way to finalise a new agreement and restart its Ilovica-Shtuka gold-copper project. Aviation & Trade Links: ACI Europe reported Europe’s airport passenger traffic fell 0.7% year-on-year in April 2026; notably, Albania, North Macedonia and Moldova still posted growth, while Germany and parts of Western Europe declined. Education Diplomacy: Separate from the EU track, governments are doubling down on education diplomacy and global scholarships to build skills and research partnerships worldwide.

EU Enlargement Push: EU leaders in Montenegro’s Tivat backed “gradual integration” for the WB6—Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia—so candidates can join parts of EU programmes and single-market formats before full membership, with Germany and France urging a faster, more credible path. Roam Like at Home: The EU Council approved talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” to the WB6, aiming to cut roaming costs for citizens and boost cross-border business connectivity. North Macedonia Business & Industry: Euromax Resources says North Macedonia’s Higher Administrative Court restored its 2023 merger approval for Ilovica 6 and Ilovica 11 concessions, clearing the way to finalize a new agreement and restart momentum for its Ilovica-Shtuka gold-copper project. Energy Security: The Energy Community reports improving gas security in South East and Eastern Europe as aspirants implement EU-aligned storage rules; North Macedonia is expected to secure gas via access to storage abroad. Aviation Demand: ACI Europe reports European airport passenger traffic fell 0.7% year-on-year in April 2026, with notable declines in Germany, the UK and France, while Albania, North Macedonia and Moldova still grew. Food & Trade: Balkan Expo 2026 in Montenegro runs through June 6 with B2B meetings drawing 400+ food-industry representatives across the region, alongside agriculture and packaging players.

EU-Western Balkans Summit: EU leaders in Tivat, Montenegro pushed “faster and more credible” enlargement, with Germany and France backing a gradual integration-by-sector idea that could let candidates join parts of EU formats before full membership; EU Connectivity for Businesses: the EU Council approved talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” to the WB6 (including North Macedonia), aiming to cut roaming costs and boost cross-border trade and everyday travel; North Macedonia Mining: Euromax Resources won a North Macedonian court ruling restoring approval for its Ilovica 6/Ilovica 11 concession merger, clearing the way to finalize a new deal with state institutions for its Ilovica-Shtuka gold-copper project; Aviation Demand Signals: ACI Europe reported European airport passenger traffic fell 0.7% year-on-year in April 2026, with North Macedonia among markets still posting growth—useful context for logistics planning; Energy Security: the Energy Community said gas security is improving as storage rules advance, with North Macedonia expected to secure gas stored abroad to meet winter needs.

EU-Western Balkans Summit: EU leaders and Western Balkan officials meet in Tivat to push accession momentum, gradual integration ideas, and regional cooperation, with Commissioner Marta Kos saying Montenegro and Albania are moving into next accession phases. Roam Like at Home: The EU Council approved talks to extend the “Roam Like at Home” roaming area to the WB6 (including North Macedonia), with the Commission now negotiating sectoral agreements tied to Stabilisation and Association Agreements. North Macedonia mining & investment: Euromax says North Macedonia’s Higher Administrative Court restored its 2023 merger approval for Ilovica 6 and Ilovica 11 concessions, clearing the way to finalise a new agreement and restart growth plans around its Ilovica-Shtuka gold-copper project. Aviation demand: ACI Europe reports Europe’s airport passenger traffic fell 0.7% year-on-year in April 2026, with declines in Germany and other markets; Albania, North Macedonia and Moldova still posted growth. Energy transition: North Macedonia’s JETIP platform lists ~80 projects worth about €1.7bn, with financing secured for ~€460m, including major renewables like the Bitola 3 solar plant. Transport infrastructure: Serbia has launched an environmental process for a Corridor 10 high-speed double-track rail upgrade through North Macedonia, aiming to replace slow tunnels and raise speeds. Energy security: The Energy Community says gas security is improving as storage rules advance; for countries without storage like North Macedonia, access to gas stored abroad is expected to cover at least 15% of average annual consumption. Just transition finance: North Macedonia’s just transition platform has reached €1.7bn, supporting the country’s shift toward cleaner energy and industry. Film industry: North Macedonia Film Agency awarded €1.5m in 2026 production grants to 14 projects, including major feature and documentary titles.

Roam Like at Home for WB6: The EU Council has approved talks to extend the “Roam Like at Home” roaming deal to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, with sectoral negotiations to follow under their Stabilisation and Association Agreements—meaning travelers could use calls, texts and mobile data abroad without extra roaming charges. EU enlargement push: EU Council President António Costa used a Western Balkans tour to stress enlargement as a geostrategic priority, pairing reform demands (rule of law, institutions, regional cooperation, EU policy alignment) with political reassurance ahead of a summit in Montenegro. Energy security in the region: The Energy Community says gas security is improving as EU-aligned storage rules roll out; for countries without storage, including North Macedonia, access to gas stored abroad is expected to cover at least 15% of average annual consumption. North Macedonia energy transition: The Ministry of Energy reported progress on the Just Energy Transition Investment Platform (JETIP), with about €1.7bn in identified projects and financing secured for roughly €460m, including major renewables like the Bitola 3 solar plant. North Macedonia film funding: The Film Agency awarded €1.5m in 2026 production grants to 14 projects, backing major features and documentaries, including “The King of the Garbage” and “Whirlwind of Extinction.” Aviation demand signal: Airport traffic across Europe fell 0.7% in April 2026 year-on-year, but Albania, North Macedonia and Moldova still posted strong growth. Construction and jobs pressure (regional): A Western Balkans employment commentary warns employers can’t find workers while large groups remain excluded from the labour market, with the Berlin Work Plan explicitly naming Roma and other vulnerable groups.

Energy & Infrastructure: SOCAR, TotalEnergies, XRG and BOTAŞ signed a 15-year gas deal for 33bn cubic metres from Azerbaijan’s Absheron field to Turkey starting in 2029, with production planned above 4bn cm annually and a final investment decision expected in 2026—an agreement that could unlock full-scale development. Energy Security: The Energy Community says gas security in South East and Eastern Europe is improving as EU-aligned storage rules roll out; for North Macedonia, Moldova and Bosnia, the focus is securing access to gas stored abroad equivalent to at least 15% of average annual consumption. Power & Transition (North Macedonia): North Macedonia’s Just Energy Transition Investment Platform (JETIP) has identified about 80 projects worth ~€1.7bn, with financing secured for ~€460m, including public renewables and storage, plus private-sector mobilization of over €210m. Transport (Corridor 10): Serbia’s environmental process for a double-track high-speed railway on Corridor 10 through North Macedonia is underway, with works starting near Tabanovce and plans to replace tunnels that currently cap speeds. Aviation: European airport passenger traffic fell 0.7% in April 2026 year-on-year, with declines linked to Middle East disruption, Easter timing and industrial action; Albania, North Macedonia and Moldova still posted growth. Business & Industry (Mining): Central Asia Metals proposed buying Cygnus Metals for about $232m, adding a copper-gold development project in Québec to its existing North Macedonia and Kazakhstan assets. Local Industry Support (Film): North Macedonia’s Film Agency awarded €1.5m in 2026 production grants to 14 projects, including major feature and documentary funding.

Energy Security Watch: The Energy Community says gas security in South East and Eastern Europe is improving as EU-aligned storage rules roll out, with North Macedonia expected to secure access to gas stored abroad equivalent to at least 15% of average annual consumption. Just Transition Funding: North Macedonia’s Just Energy Transition Investment Platform has reached about €1.7bn in identified projects, with financing secured for roughly €460m, including major renewables like the Bitola 3 solar plant. Energy Infrastructure Push: Serbia’s energy ministry backs a €14.4bn plan for 2028-2035, including gas interconnectors with North Macedonia and Romania, plus storage expansion and new power and grid projects. Mining & Investment: Central Asia Metals proposes buying ASX-listed Cygnus Metals in an all-scrip deal valued around $232m, adding the Chibougamau copper-gold project to its portfolio that already includes North Macedonia assets. EU Enlargement & Migration: EU lawmakers strike a deal on tougher return rules and “return hubs,” while EU leaders signal enlargement remains a strategic priority for the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia. Film Industry Grants: North Macedonia’s Film Agency awarded €1.5m in 2026 production grants to 14 projects, spanning features, documentaries and minority co-productions. Transport Connectivity: Serbia has started an environmental assessment process for a Corridor 10 high-speed double-track railway through North Macedonia, targeting faster passenger and freight speeds.

Mining & M&A: Central Asia Metals has proposed to buy Cygnus Metals in an all-share deal worth about A$232m, offering 0.06 new CAML shares per Cygnus share (a 60% premium), adding the Chibougamau copper-gold project in Québec to its portfolio alongside its North Macedonia operations. Energy Transition: North Macedonia’s Just Energy Transition Investment Platform (JETIP) has identified around 80 projects worth ~€1.7bn, with financing secured for about €460m, including 252 MW of public-sector renewables such as the 134 MW Bitola 3 solar plant. Transport Infrastructure: A step toward a high-speed rail link on Corridor 10 is moving forward, with Serbia publishing details for a double-track electrified upgrade through North Macedonia (about 195 km), aimed at higher speeds and replacing tunnel-limited sections. Energy Security: Serbia’s energy ministry says new gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania are planned within two years as part of a broader gas-sector development program. Culture & Creative Industries: The North Macedonia Film Agency awarded €1.5m in 2026 production grants to 14 films, including major feature and documentary projects. EU Policy Watch: EU leaders are pushing a renewed enlargement push for the Western Balkans while also tightening migration return rules, with North Macedonia still described as stuck in the accession process. Retail Demand: North Macedonia’s retail sales rose 2.1% year-on-year in April, with food and essential categories driving the strongest growth.

EU Enlargement & Migration: EU lawmakers backed tougher return rules for people ordered to leave, as Brussels pushes a Western Balkans summit in Montenegro to signal enlargement is back as a “strategic priority,” while North Macedonia Energy Transition: the country’s Just Energy Transition Investment Platform (JETIP) reached €1.7bn in identified projects (with €460m already financed), including 252 MW of public-sector renewables and the €134m Bitola 3 solar deal; Energy Security & Infrastructure: Serbia’s energy ministry says new gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania are due within two years, alongside upgrades to transport capacity, compressor stations and storage; Rail Corridor 10: Serbia has started an environmental assessment process for a double-track high-speed rail upgrade through North Macedonia on Corridor 10, with new electrified sections planned after older tunnels limit speeds; Film & Creative Industries: Skopje’s Film Agency awarded €1.5m in 2026 production grants to 14 projects, including major feature funding; Mining & Investment: Central Asia Metals proposed acquiring Cygnus Metals for A$232m, adding a Québec copper/gold project to a portfolio that already includes production assets in North Macedonia; Retail Demand: North Macedonia’s retail sales grew 2.1% year-on-year in April, with food and essential categories driving the strongest real growth.

Energy Transition: North Macedonia’s Just Energy Transition Investment Platform (JETIP) has reached €1.7 billion in identified projects, with €460 million already secured, including 252 MW of public-sector renewables and the Bitola 3 solar plant (134 MW) financed via EBRD and KfW. Rail & Corridor 10: Serbia has started the early screening phase for an environmental impact process tied to a double-track, electrified high-speed rail upgrade through North Macedonia on Corridor 10, aiming to replace slow tunnels and lift speeds for passengers and freight. Gas Security: Serbia’s energy ministry says new gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania are planned within two years, alongside upgrades to transport capacity, compressor stations and underground storage. EU Enlargement Watch: EU leaders are pushing to keep enlargement credible for Western Balkans candidates, while North Macedonia’s accession process is described as stuck in EU Parliament committee discussions. Trade & Industry Demand: North Macedonia retail sales grew 2.1% in real terms in April, with food and essential categories driving the strongest turnover gains. Regional Business Links: Croatia and North Macedonia signed a strategic cooperation agreement, including an energy-sector memorandum to expand interconnections and joint infrastructure.

Energy Transition: North Macedonia’s Just Energy Transition Investment Platform (JETIP) has reached €1.7bn in identified projects, with financing already secured for about €460m; the portfolio includes 252 MW of public-sector renewables (solar, wind and storage), led by the 134 MW Bitola 3 solar plant backed by EBRD and KfW, while the private sector has mobilised over €210m for renewables. Transport & Rail: Serbia has published early steps for a transboundary environmental impact process tied to modernising Corridor 10 rail through North Macedonia into a double-track electrified line, with new alignments to replace speed-limiting tunnels. Gas Security: Serbia’s energy ministry says new gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania are planned within two years to diversify routes and strengthen supply security, alongside upgrades to transport capacity, compressor stations and storage. Energy Cooperation (Bilateral): North Macedonia and Croatia signed a strategic cooperation framework, including an energy-sector memorandum aimed at boosting regional interconnections and energy security. EU Policy Watch: EU committee discussions note North Macedonia’s accession process remains at a standstill, as enlargement and Western Balkans progress are assessed. Industry Demand Signal: Retail sales in North Macedonia grew 2.1% year-on-year in April, with food, beverages and tobacco showing the strongest turnover rise. Connectivity for Consumers: Roaming data prices were cut for spusu customers in North Macedonia and Serbia, with some destinations priced at £2 per GB.

Rail & Corridor 10: Serbia has published early details for a double-track, electrified high-speed upgrade on Corridor 10 through North Macedonia, with an environmental impact assessment now in the initial screening phase near the Tabanovce crossing. Gas & Energy Security: Serbia’s energy ministry says new gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania are planned within two years, alongside upgrades to transport capacity, compressor stations and storage—discussed with the World Bank. North Macedonia–Croatia Deal: Prime Ministers Hristijan Mickoski and Andrej Plenković are set to sign a strategic cooperation agreement, with energy and infrastructure cooperation plus a business forum in Ohrid. EU Enlargement Pressure: EU committees debate enlargement models as Western Balkans frustration grows; North Macedonia is described as still at a standstill in accession talks. Energy Efficiency Push: A regional panel urges companies to prioritize energy efficiency first, then shift toward renewables, while Serbia outlines major energy-sector investment plans. Retail Snapshot: North Macedonia’s retail sales rose 2.1% in real terms in April, with food and essentials driving growth while fuel sales fell sharply. Industry & Skills: Global Engineer Girls events in Istanbul and Türkiye bring new cohorts of young women in engineering from North Macedonia and the region into STEM networks. Aviation/Connectivity Note: Roaming data prices are being cut in multiple destinations including North Macedonia, as operators expand cheaper travel connectivity.

Rail & Corridor 10: Serbia’s environmental ministry has published details for a double-track high-speed upgrade on Corridor 10 through North Macedonia, with works planned near the Tabanovce border crossing; the plan targets up to 160 km/h passenger and 120 km/h freight, replacing sections limited by six tunnels and tight curves. Gas Infrastructure: Serbia’s Mining and Energy minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic says new gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania are due within two years, alongside pipeline, compressor and storage capacity upgrades supported by a multi-phase World Bank-backed programme. Energy Cooperation: North Macedonia and Croatia move to deepen ties with a strategic cooperation agreement and an energy-sector memorandum, focused on regional interconnections and joint infrastructure. EU Enlargement Watch: EU Parliament committee discussions flag North Macedonia’s accession process as still at a standstill, while also reviewing Western Balkans progress and rule-of-law concerns. Retail Demand Signal: North Macedonia’s retail sales grew 2.1% year-on-year in April, with food and essential categories driving the strongest turnover gains. STEM & Industry Talent: Global Engineer Girls events in Türkiye bring new cohorts of young women in engineering from North Macedonia-linked participation and regional partners, reinforcing skills pipelines for future industry.

China-CEEC Local Leaders: More than 600 delegates from 44 countries met in Shandong for the 7th China–CEEC Local Leaders’ Meeting, with North Macedonia’s Deputy PM Ivan Stoilkovikj among speakers, pushing business matchmaking and local-to-local cooperation. Energy Efficiency Push: A Belgrade panel urged companies to start with energy efficiency, then move toward new energy sources, as Serbia signals major state investment in power and gas infrastructure. Gas Interconnectors: Serbia’s energy minister discussed a World Bank-backed gas development programme, prioritizing new interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania to strengthen supply security. North Macedonia–Croatia Deal: Prime ministers Mickoski and Plenković are set to sign a strategic cooperation agreement, with a business forum focused on energy, transport, infrastructure and investment. EU Enlargement Pressure: EU committee discussions again flagged North Macedonia’s accession process as at a standstill, while enlargement models face internal EU debate. Retail Demand Signal: North Macedonia retail sales rose 2.1% in real terms in April, with food and essential categories driving stronger growth. Data Centres Framework: North Macedonia says legal amendments for data centre development are nearing completion to attract digital infrastructure investment. Corridor VIII & Connectivity: US policy highlights Corridor 8 as a strategic priority, while regional transport and energy links remain central to cooperation talks.

Energy Efficiency Push: Experts say companies should tackle energy efficiency first, then move toward new energy sources as regional firms plan for uncertainty; Serbia also flagged major energy spending and gas interconnector priorities that include links with North Macedonia. Gas Sector Talks: Serbia’s mining and energy minister met the World Bank to discuss a multi-stage gas development programme, with emphasis on interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania to boost supply security. North Macedonia Retail Watch: April retail sales in North Macedonia grew 2.1% year-on-year, with food and essential categories driving the strongest demand while fuel sales fell sharply in real terms. Energy Cooperation with Croatia: North Macedonia and Croatia signed a strategic cooperation framework, including an energy-sector memorandum, aiming to strengthen regional interconnections and energy security. Data Centres Legal Update: North Macedonia says amendments supporting data centre development are nearing completion, targeting more investment in digital infrastructure and related jobs. EU Accession Pressure: EU discussions keep highlighting that North Macedonia’s accession process remains at a standstill, while PM Mickoski reiterates his government won’t proceed with constitutional changes. US Corridor 8 Priority: A new US approach for the Western Balkans puts stability and economic partnerships first, naming Corridor 8 as a key strategic project. Roaming Cost Cuts: spusu cut roaming data prices across 115 countries, with North Macedonia among destinations now priced at £2 per GB in select markets.

Energy Infrastructure: Serbia’s Mining and Energy minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic met the World Bank’s Nicola Pontara on a multi-stage gas sector programme, with priorities including new gas interconnections with North Macedonia and Romania plus upgrades to transport capacity, compression stations and storage. Regional Energy Cooperation: North Macedonia and Croatia are set to sign a strategic cooperation agreement, including an energy-sector memorandum between the two countries’ energy ministries, aimed at strengthening security and regional interconnections. Transport & Connectivity: Bulgaria’s transport minister discussed Corridor VIII with the US, including speeding up the railway link and coordinating with North Macedonia on the cross-border tunnel, alongside talks on aviation modernization and 6G and critical-infrastructure protection. Digital Infrastructure: North Macedonia is nearing completion of legal amendments to enable and accelerate data centre development, positioning the country for higher-value digital investment and jobs. Retail Demand Watch: North Macedonia’s retail sales growth slowed to 2.1% year-on-year in April, with food and essential categories still driving the strongest turnover gains. Industry Talent & STEM: Global Engineer Girls events in Istanbul and Türkiye are drawing young women from North Macedonia and the region into engineering networks and mentoring.