AGP Executive Report

Energy Market Reform: The government asked MEMO to prepare a full plan to set up a natural gas market operator, covering organisational, technical, IT, legal and financial steps, with quarterly progress updates; the move aims to build an integrated electricity-and-gas operator as North Macedonia pushes gas interconnectors toward Greece (mid-2027) and Serbia (end-2028). Cross-Border Energy Diplomacy: Energy Minister Iva Petrova will attend the 10th Southeast Europe Energy Forum in Thessaloniki, with North Macedonia’s U.S. envoy and other regional ministers expected to focus on energy security, affordability, regulation and investment, including renewables and storage. Foreign Labour Pressure: With unemployment near 90,000, North Macedonia is still issuing opinions for foreign workers—especially in wholesale/retail, manufacturing, accommodation/food services and construction—under a 2026 quota of 10,000 permits. Logistics & EU Access Tension: Western Balkan professional truckers, including from North Macedonia, are protesting Schengen’s 90-days-in-180 rule and threaten new border blockades from September 14 unless exemptions or higher limits are agreed. Telecom & Satellite Deal: 4iG Group and SpaceX signed agreements for Starlink Mobile connectivity across Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus “Sovereign Solutions” for secure national satellite communications capacity. Finance/Infrastructure Risk Watch: Hungary opened a criminal probe into Eximbank deals, including a €1bn loan to North Macedonia, after an internal audit flagged alleged irregularities.

Film & Creative Industries: Skopje’s “17” (Black Cat Production) has been selected as North Macedonia’s candidate for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film, a North Macedonia–Serbia–Slovenia coproduction now backed by Totem Films ahead of Berlinale’s Perspectives. Telecom & Space: 4iG Group and SpaceX signed Europe’s first Starlink Mobile deal for mobile satellite connectivity across Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus “Sovereign Solutions” for secure national satellite communications. Energy Diplomacy: Energy Minister Iva Petrova is set to attend the 10th Southeast Europe Energy Forum in Thessaloniki, with North Macedonia’s participation highlighted among ministers and investors. Banking & Risk Controls: Hungary opened a criminal probe into Eximbank mismanagement, including a €1bn North Macedonia loan, after police seized thousands of pages tied to alleged irregularities. Labour Market: North Macedonia is increasingly issuing opinions for foreign workers despite high registered unemployment, with demand strongest in manufacturing, construction, and accommodation/food services. Transport & Logistics: Western Balkan truckers, including in Skopje, threaten new EU border blockades over Schengen 90/180 stay limits for professional drivers. Defence Industry: ATS/ Demirovski reporting points to ongoing scrutiny around North Macedonia’s ammo production and regional competition.

Energy & Investment: North Macedonia’s energy diplomacy gets a boost as Energy Minister Iva Petrova is set to attend the 10th Southeast Europe Energy Forum in Thessaloniki, where ministers will focus on energy security, affordability, renewables financing, cross-border connectivity and the role of digitalisation and data centres. Banking & Risk: Hungary has opened a criminal probe into state Eximbank deals, including a controversial €1bn North Macedonia loan, after an internal audit flagged alleged irregularities and police seized thousands of pages of documents. Gas Infrastructure: NOMAGAS signed with Rapid Build for the design and construction of the North Macedonia–Serbia gas interconnector, moving the project into implementation and strengthening regional supply links. Data Centres & Power: PM Hristijan Mickoski says North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors for data centre projects, with plans tied to gas-fired generation to supply electricity. Labour Market: Despite nearly 90,000 registered unemployed, North Macedonia is increasingly hiring foreign workers, with demand strongest in trade, manufacturing, accommodation/food services and construction. Transport & EU Rules: Western Balkan truckers, including from North Macedonia, protested Schengen’s 90/180 stay limits and threaten border blockades from September 14 unless exemptions or longer stays are agreed. Defence Industry: Reporting from Serbia highlights claims that Macedonian ammo maker Demirovski is not implicated in scandals, amid ongoing scrutiny around ammunition production.

Schengen Pressure on Freight: Western Balkan professional truckers staged protests in Belgrade, Sarajevo, Podgorica and Skopje over the 90-days-in-180 rule, warning of new border blockades from Sept. 14 unless they get exemptions or higher limits. Energy Infrastructure: North Macedonia’s gas TSO NOMAGAS signed with Rapid Build for the design and construction of the 70-km gas interconnector with Serbia, moving the project into implementation and strengthening regional supply links. Data Centre Push: PM Hristijan Mickoski said North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors on data centre projects, with plans tied to gas-fired power generation for electricity supply. Labour Market Reality Check: North Macedonia is increasingly hiring foreign workers despite high registered unemployment, with demand strongest in trade, manufacturing, accommodation/food services and construction. Defence Industry Watch: Reporting says Macedonian ammo maker Demirovski/ATS is not implicated in scandals in Serbia, while local defence production faces regional competition concerns. Business Regulation Abroad: Qatar approved draft laws on competition regulation and cloud computing, signalling tighter rules for markets and digital data governance.

Hungary Probe & Regional Finance: Hungarian police opened a criminal investigation into suspected abuse of office and mismanagement at state-owned Eximbank, seizing thousands of pages from the Economy and Energy Ministry after an audit flagged irregularities tied to past deals, including a €1bn general-purpose loan connected to North Macedonia. Defence Industry Watch: North Macedonia’s ammo maker Demirovski (ATS) says it is not implicated in Serbia-linked scandals, while defence sources point to competitive pressure from Serbia’s Prvi Partizan and note other cases still pending. Cross-Border Logistics Pressure: Western Balkan professional truck drivers protested Schengen’s 90/180-day stay cap, warning of new border blockades from September 14 unless exemptions or higher limits are agreed. Energy Infrastructure: NOMAGAS signed with Rapid Build for the design and construction of the North Macedonia–Serbia gas interconnector, a 70-km link aimed at boosting supply security and regional market access. Data Centres & Power Planning: PM Mickoski said North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors on data centre projects, with plans involving gas-fired power generation to supply electricity for the sector. Labour Market Reality: North Macedonia is increasingly seeking foreign workers despite high registered unemployment, with demand strongest in trade, manufacturing, accommodation/food services, and construction.

Schengen Pressure on Freight: Hundreds of Western Balkan professional truck drivers, including from North Macedonia, protested outside EU delegations in Belgrade, Sarajevo, Podgorica and Skopje, warning of new border blockades from September 14 over the 90-days-in-180 Schengen stay cap that they say disrupts regular haulage work. Energy Infrastructure: NOMAGAS signed with Rapid Build for the design and construction of the North Macedonia–Serbia gas interconnector (70 km total), aiming to boost supply security and regional market access. Data Centre Investment Push: PM Hristijan Mickoski said North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors on data centre projects, framing them as tied to new gas-fired power generation and rejecting criticism as technically uninformed. Labour Market Reality Check: Despite nearly 90,000 registered unemployed, North Macedonia is increasingly hiring abroad; the Employment Agency issued hundreds of employment procedure opinions for workers from Bangladesh, Turkey, Nepal, India and Pakistan. Regional Business & Governance: Hungary police seized thousands of pages tied to an investigation into alleged mismanagement at state Eximbank, following complaints over past deals. EUFOR Training: EUFOR continued Exercise Quick Response 2026 across Bosnia and Herzegovina, including North Macedonian troop participation in patrol and infrastructure security drills.

Foreign Labour Crunch: North Macedonia’s Employment Agency says employers are increasingly seeking foreign workers even as the country has nearly 90,000 registered unemployed people, with 1,837 employment-procedure opinions issued for Bangladeshi citizens and 1,200+ for Turkish workers between Jan 1 and Aug 19, 2026, and demand strongest in trade, manufacturing, accommodation/food services and construction. Energy Infrastructure: NOMAGAS has moved the North Macedonia–Serbia gas interconnector into implementation, with a 70-km link (23 km in North Macedonia) aiming for connection by 2028 and boosting regional supply security alongside the Greece link. Data Centres Push: PM Hristijan Mickoski says North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors for data centre projects, arguing they will need power generation and could accelerate development. Road Freight Tensions: Truck drivers across the region, including in Skopje, are protesting Schengen 90/180 stay limits and warning of new border blockades from Sept. 14 unless rules are adapted for professional drivers. Construction & Connectivity: Work has started on a 10.5-km motorway from Skopje to the Kosovo border, with tunnels, viaducts and bridges, and a four-year timeline to link toward Durrës and regional corridors. Agriculture Market Pressure: Northern Macedonian table grape harvest is strong, but growers report lower-than-expected prices and heavy competition from Greece, Spain and Italy.

Schengen Pressure on Logistics: Truck drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia protested outside EU delegations in Belgrade, Sarajevo, Podgorica and Skopje, demanding changes to the 90/180-day Schengen stay limits for professional drivers and warning of new border blockades from September 14 if Brussels doesn’t act. Gas Connectivity Push: NOMAGAS signed with Rapid Build for the design and construction of the North Macedonia–Serbia gas interconnector, a 70-kilometre link aimed at boosting supply security and regional market access, with completion targeted by 2027. Data Centre Investment Talks: PM Hristijan Mickoski said North Macedonia is negotiating with five to six potential investors for data centre projects, while also stressing the role of gas-fired power generation to support demand. Road Infrastructure Start: Construction began on a 10.5-kilometre motorway from Skopje to the Kosovo border, featuring tunnels, viaducts and bridges, with a four-year timeline and a wider corridor impact. Energy Tech in the Region: Hungary’s 4iG launched an energy division and holding company, exploring wind, storage and potential SMR deployments that include opportunities in North Macedonia. Agriculture Market Reality Check: Northern Macedonian table grape harvest is strong, but growers report lower-than-expected prices and tougher competition from Greece, Spain and Italy.

Energy Infrastructure: NOMAGAS signed with Rapid Build for the Serbia gas interconnector design and construction, moving the project from planning to delivery. The 70-kilometre link (23 km in North Macedonia, 47 km in Serbia) would connect to the existing pipeline near Klečovce and to Serbia’s network near Vranje, boosting supply security and regional market access, with the bigger goal of aligning with the future North Macedonia–Greece interconnector. Data Centres & Power Demand: PM Hristijan Mickoski said North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors for data centre projects, pushing back on criticism and noting plans tied to gas-fired power generation to supply electricity for AI and data infrastructure. Road & Logistics: Construction has started on a 10.5-kilometre Skopje–Kosovo border motorway section, expected to take four years and include tunnels, viaducts and bridges, strengthening links toward Albania’s Durrës port and onward trade routes. Agriculture: Grapes are in harvest with a record table-grape season, but growers warn prices are lower than expected due to market pressure and competition from regional producers. Foreign Economic Ties: Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski visited Israel and signed cooperation agreements, with talks expanding into defense, investment, tourism, agriculture and water management, including exploring direct flights.

Energy Infrastructure: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a deal in Skopje for a 67-kilometre gas pipeline, aiming for completion by 2027 and possible connection as early as 2028, alongside the North Macedonia–Greece interconnector expected in 2027—moves meant to diversify supply and turn Skopje into a more central south-north transit hub. Road Construction: Work has started on a 10.5-kilometre motorway linking Skopje to the Kosovo border, with tunnels, viaducts and bridges across hilly terrain; the project is set to finish in four years and improve regional connectivity toward Albania’s port of Durrës and onward to Serbia and Montenegro. Agribusiness: Northern Macedonian table grape harvest is underway with a record season for quality and volume, but growers warn that prices are lower than expected due to heavy competition from Greece, Spain and Italy. Logistics & Trade: Carrier protests are planned in Sarajevo on Aug. 31, with drivers from the Western Balkans—including North Macedonia—pushing the EU for solutions on limited stay rules for professional drivers in Schengen. Industry & Energy Tech: Hungary’s 4iG launched an energy division and holding company, exploring SMR cooperation with X-Energy and assessing wind and storage opportunities including in North Macedonia and Montenegro. Foreign Policy for Investment: North Macedonia’s FM Timčo Mucunski met Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar in Jerusalem to expand cooperation in defense industries, agriculture, water management, tourism and investment, including talks on restoring direct flights.

Energy Infrastructure: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a deal in Skopje for a 67-kilometre gas pipeline, targeting connection as early as 2028 (with completion by 2027), alongside the Greece link expected in 2027—moves aimed at boosting regional supply diversification and turning Skopje into a potential south-north transit hub via the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal. Construction & Transport: Work has started on a 10.5-kilometre Skopje–Kosovo motorway section, with tunnels, viaducts and bridges across hilly terrain; the project is planned to take four years and strengthen links toward Albania’s Durrës port and onward to Serbia and Montenegro. Energy Investment: Hungary’s 4iG launched an energy division and holding structure, exploring SMR cooperation with US-based X-Energy and examining wind and storage opportunities in North Macedonia and Montenegro. Agriculture & Prices: Northern Macedonian table grape harvest is underway with a record season, but growers warn prices are lower than expected due to heavy competition from Greece, Spain and Italy. Logistics & EU Rules: Carrier protests are planned across the Western Balkans, including in Sarajevo, pushing the EU for a concrete solution on limited professional driver stays in Schengen. Business & Film: Macedonian director Arben Thaçi began shooting his second feature film “Ajal” in Tetovo and the Šar Mountain area, with international locations under consideration.

Energy Infrastructure: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a new 67-kilometre gas interconnector deal in Skopje, aiming for completion by 2027 and possible connection as early as 2028, with a second link to Greece expected to be operational in 2027—moves meant to diversify supply and potentially turn Skopje into a south-north transit hub. Road Construction: Work has started on a 10.5-kilometre motorway from Skopje to the Kosovo border, featuring tunnels, viaducts and bridges, with a four-year timeline and a wider goal of improving regional connectivity toward Albania’s port of Durrës and onward to Serbia and Montenegro. Energy Investment & Nuclear Ambitions: Hungary’s 4iG launched an energy division and holding company, exploring wind and storage while pursuing small modular nuclear reactor deployment in the region, including opportunities in North Macedonia. Agriculture & Exports: Northern Macedonian table grapes are in a record season for quality and volume, but growers warn that prices are lower than expected due to heavy competition from Greece, Spain and Italy. Logistics Pressure: Transporters across the Western Balkans plan protests in Sarajevo ahead of an EU Commission meeting, pushing for longer Schengen stay rules tailored to professional drivers. Business & Industry Talent: CineLink Industry Days in Sarajevo hosted panels on how filmmakers across the region can secure fair pay and stay creatively relevant, with North Macedonia among the participating countries. Regional Trade & Climate Context: Fuel prices remain a hot topic across the Western Balkans, while wildfire property risk rankings place North Macedonia among the countries facing growing climate exposure.

Energy Infrastructure: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a new gas interconnector deal in Skopje, with a 67-kilometre pipeline targeted for completion by 2027 and possible connection by 2028, alongside the Greece link expected in 2027—aiming to boost regional supply diversification and make Skopje a stronger transit hub. Road & Construction: Work has started on a 10.5-kilometre motorway from Skopje to the Kosovo border, with tunnels, viaducts and bridges across difficult terrain; the project is planned to run for four years and is positioned as a key corridor to Albania’s Durrës port and onward links. Agriculture & Trade: Northern Macedonian table grape harvest is underway with a record season for quality and volume, but growers warn prices are lower than expected due to heavy competition from Greece, Spain and Italy. Energy Business: Hungary’s 4iG launched a new energy division and holding company, exploring SMR cooperation with X-Energy and looking at wind and storage opportunities including in North Macedonia. Regional Logistics: Carrier protests are planned across the Western Balkans, including in Sarajevo, pushing the EU for a concrete solution on limited stay rules for professional drivers in Schengen. Film & Creative Industries: CineLink Industry Days 2026 in Sarajevo focused on how to improve remuneration for screenwriters and directors, with North Macedonia among the collective management organisations discussed. Legal/Corruption: North Macedonia’s appeals court upheld the acquittal of former PM Nikola Gruevski in the “Talir 2” case, blocking seizure of the VMRO-DPMNE “White Palace” and related properties. Foreign Policy with Industry Links: North Macedonia’s FM Timčo Mucunski met Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar and signed cooperation agreements, with talks also covering agriculture, water management, security and defense industry ties.

Energy Infrastructure: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a deal in Skopje for a 67-kilometre gas pipeline, aiming for connection as early as 2028 (with completion by 2027), alongside the planned North Macedonia–Greece interconnector expected in 2027—moves meant to diversify supply and position Skopje for south-north transit. Roads & Construction: Work has started on a 10.5-kilometre motorway from Skopje to the Kosovo border, with tunnels, viaducts and bridges across hilly terrain; the project is set to run about four years and link onward toward Albania’s Durrës port. Agriculture & Trade: Northern Macedonian table grapes are in harvest, with reports of a record season for quality and volume, but growers face weaker prices due to market pressure and competition from Greece, Spain and Italy. Foreign Policy for Industry: Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski visited Israel and signed cooperation agreements, with talks also covering agriculture, water management, security and defense industry links, plus a push for direct flights to boost tourism and business ties. EU & Logistics: Regional carriers plan protests in Sarajevo over EU rules limiting professional driver stays in Schengen, asking for a concrete solution ahead of an EU Commission meeting on September 1. Energy Business: Hungary’s 4iG is launching an energy division and exploring SMR and wind/storage opportunities, including potential projects in North Macedonia. Legal/Business Climate: North Macedonia’s appeals court confirmed the acquittal of fugitive ex-PM Nikola Gruevski in the “Talir 2” case, ending a seven-year fight over the VMRO-DPMNE “White Palace” headquarters.

Energy & Industry: Hungary’s 4iG is setting up a new energy business and holding company, eyeing small modular nuclear reactors via a letter of intent with US-based X-Energy, plus wind and storage work that includes “opportunities” in North Macedonia and Montenegro—aimed at building generation assets to cut long-term energy-cost exposure. Energy Infrastructure: North Macedonia–Serbia gas link moves forward with a signed deal for a 67-kilometre pipeline, targeting completion by 2027 and possible connection by 2028, alongside the Greece interconnector expected in 2027—positioning Skopje for more regional transit via LNG at Alexandroupolis. Transport & Construction: Construction has started on a 10.5-kilometre Skopje–Kosovo border motorway with tunnels, viaducts and bridges, planned for four years, linking toward Albania’s Durrës port and onward corridors. Agribusiness: Northern Macedonian table grapes face a “record season” in quality and volume, but growers warn prices are lower than expected amid heavy competition from Greece, Spain and Italy. Logistics & Trade Policy: Western Balkan carriers plan protests in Sarajevo over EU rules limiting professional drivers’ stay in the Schengen area, seeking a concrete fix by early September. Film & Production: Skopje director Arben Thaçi begins shooting his second feature “Ajal” in Tetovo and the Šar Mountain area, with international locations under consideration.

Energy Infrastructure: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a new gas interconnector agreement in Skopje, targeting a 67-kilometre pipeline completion by 2027 and possible connection as early as 2028, alongside the North Macedonia–Greece link expected to be operational in 2027—aimed at diversifying supply and giving Skopje “full vertical energy connectivity,” with the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal highlighted as a key gateway. Roads & Construction: Groundbreaking has started on a 10.5-kilometre motorway from Skopje to the Kosovo border, a four-year build featuring tunnels, viaducts, bridges and galleries, designed to strengthen regional trade links toward Albania’s Durrës port and onward to Serbia and Montenegro. Agriculture & Food Markets: Northern Macedonian table grape harvest is underway with a record season for quality and volume, but growers face weaker-than-expected prices and tougher competition from Greece, Spain and Italy. EU Transport Policy: Regional carriers plan protests in Sarajevo over EU rules limiting professional drivers’ stay in the Schengen area, demanding residence conditions adapted to work realities. Foreign Investment & Defense Ties: Skopje is pushing to broaden cooperation with Israel across defense, investment, tourism, agriculture and water management, including talks on restoring direct flights. Legal/Property: North Macedonia’s appeals court upheld the acquittal of fugitive ex-PM Nikola Gruevski in the “Talir 2” case, blocking attempts to confiscate the VMRO-DPMNE “White Palace” and related properties.