AGP Executive Report

AI in Everyday Life: UNICEF says at least 20 million children across 10 countries already use AI, with youth in North Macedonia among the surveyed, raising both learning benefits and scam/safety worries. Cybersecurity & Privacy: Researchers report a new malware loader, SharkLoader, spreading via fake installers and exploiting flaws in systems like Exchange, SharePoint, Fortinet and Cisco; victims include North Macedonia. Digital Rights in the Balkans: BIRN warns digital repression is worsening, documenting 152 digital rights violations in early 2026 tied to fraud, harmful behavior, and attacks on civic actors. Local Tech & Logistics: Serbia’s Post plans a major logistics and warehouse hub at Constantine the Great Airport, aiming faster delivery across the Western Balkans including North Macedonia. Gems & Science Culture: North Macedonia’s rare pink ruby gains protected status, boosting recognition and supporting the local gemstone industry. Defense Tech Spillover: Türkiye’s MKE BORAN 105mm light howitzer reaches Albania, showing growing regional defense-industrial momentum.

NATO & Defense Tech: President Trump pressed NATO allies over spending targets, while NATO chief Mark Rutte tried to soften the blow with new contracts covering drone training, counter-drone tech, aerial refuelers, and even space-related capabilities. Digital Rights in the Balkans: BIRN reports worsening digital repression across the Western Balkans and Turkey, documenting 152 digital rights violations in early 2026, with economic fraud and harmful online behavior making up over 60%. Probation Over Prisons: The Council of Europe says alternatives to imprisonment are rising moderately across Europe, as prison systems report overcrowding and probation caseloads grow. Local Science & Heritage: North Macedonia’s rare pink “Macedonian ruby” has moved toward protected status, with a push to boost global recognition and the country’s gemstone industry. Cybersecurity: Researchers warn of SharkLoader malware using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver payloads, with confirmed victims including North Macedonia. AI & Youth: UNICEF estimates 20 million children in 10 countries already use AI tools, but safeguards are struggling to keep up. Telecom Upgrade: A1 North Macedonia begins staged decommissioning of its 3G network, with Kavadarci and Probistip switching off on 6 July.

Local Heritage Protection: North Macedonia’s rare pink ruby is pushing for official protected status, with a Skopje gemstone expert describing decades of lab work and promotion since the early 2000s and estimating about 10 local stores currently sell the stone. Regional Security & Tech Policy: Coverage around shifting U.S. strategy toward the Balkans and NATO’s Ankara summit highlights how defense, industry, and even AI are becoming part of the same political agenda—while Europe debates burden-sharing and implementation, not just pledges. Mobile & Payments for Inclusion: A World Bank-backed look at fast payments says instant, 24/7 transfers are expanding across 137 countries and could boost jobs and growth when deeply built into merchants, government transfers, and supply chains. Cybersecurity Alert: Researchers report SharkLoader malware using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver Cobalt Strike Beacon, with victims reported including North Macedonia. AI & Children: UNICEF warns that 20 million children in 10 countries are already using AI, adopting it far faster than adults, while safeguards lag behind. Telecom Change: A1 North Macedonia begins staged decommissioning of its 3G network, with Kavadarci and Probistip switching off first.

Fast Payments & Inclusion: A new World Bank Group report highlights how 24/7 instant payments are spreading across 137 countries, boosting digital transactions and potentially strengthening jobs and growth. NATO Tech & Defence Industry: Canada’s PM Mark Carney wrapped up the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara with new defence investments, including submarines, icebreakers and cyber defences—while regional coverage also points to NATO’s shifting priorities around AI and readiness. Local Telecom Upgrade: A1 North Macedonia has begun decommissioning its 3G network, with the first switch-off in Kavadarci and Probistip on 6 July. Cybersecurity Watch: Researchers flagged SharkLoader, a malware loader using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver post-exploitation tools, with reported victims including North Macedonia. AI for Children: UNICEF says about 20 million children in 10 countries already use AI, including in North Macedonia, warning that safeguards lag behind adoption. Health System Pressure: A new overview of healthcare in North Macedonia points to reforms colliding with staffing shortages, uneven access and funding gaps. Mobile Artillery for the Region: Türkiye’s MKE BORAN 105 mm light howitzer has been exported to Albania, adding a faster, GPS-assisted artillery option for NATO’s southeastern flank.

Defence Tech: Türkiye’s MKE BORAN 105 mm air-transportable light towed howitzer keeps scoring export wins, with Albania confirmed as its second NATO customer in Europe after North Macedonia—six systems and ammunition are set for delivery under a deal signed ahead of the Ankara NATO Summit. Cybersecurity: Greek phone-surveillance victims have filed a €7.6M damages lawsuit over Predator spyware, pushing the fight into civil court and naming Intellexa-linked defendants. AI & Kids Safety: UNICEF says about 20 million children across 10 countries have already used AI, with adoption moving far faster than safeguards and governance. Local Telecom: A1 North Macedonia has started phasing out 3G, with the Kavadarci and Probistip regions switching off first as the country moves toward 4G/5G. Health Watch: North Macedonia is among European countries reporting West Nile virus cases, with one human case recorded in Vardarski. Digital Media: A regional study on South-East Europe and Türkiye finds social platforms now shape access to news, making regulation and platform governance a growing challenge for outlets including in North Macedonia.

NATO & AI Agenda: President Trump arrived in Ankara for the NATO summit, pushing allies on AI, defense spending, and Middle East peace as the alliance weighs Europe’s security responsibilities. EU Foreign Policy Rules: Estonia’s Reform Party signaled it won’t back ending the EU’s unanimity veto for foreign policy, arguing the rule matters for security. Cybersecurity: Greek victims of Predator spyware filed a €7.6M damages lawsuit in Athens, expanding the case beyond criminal convictions and naming Intellexa-linked defendants. Digital Media in the Balkans: A UNESCO-supported regional study says social media platforms now act as key gateways to news across Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Türkiye—raising questions about platform governance and regulation. AI for Children: UNICEF reports 20M children in 10 countries already use AI, adopting it over three times faster than adults, while safeguards lag behind. North Macedonia Connectivity: A1 began staged decommissioning of its 3G network, with 3G switched off in Kavadarci and Probistip on 6 July. Public Health Watch: Europe’s West Nile virus update notes North Macedonia reported its first human case in Vardarski, with three cases total as of 24 June.

Global Investment Resilience: Serbia placed 54th out of 102 in a new Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index, ranking on how well societies absorb economic, political, technological and climate shocks. Border Tech Friction: A major EU airport chief says the entry/exit system (EES) is a “design flaw” after border processing reportedly doubled, fueling chaos despite the system’s goal of faster digital checks. AI for Kids, Faster Than Rules: UNICEF estimates 20 million children in 10 countries have used AI, including North Macedonia, adopting it over three times faster than adults while safeguards lag behind. Cybersecurity Alert: Researchers report SharkLoader malware using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver Cobalt Strike, with victims including North Macedonia. Local Connectivity Upgrade: A1 North Macedonia begins staged 3G shutdown, with Kavadarci and Probistip switching off on 6 July. Health Monitoring: Europe’s West Nile virus update lists North Macedonia’s first affected area this year, with three human cases reported so far. Digital Media Access: A regional study on social media platforms and online media regulation covers North Macedonia and shows how platforms increasingly gatekeep news reach.

Mobile Defence Tech: Türkiye’s MKE says Albania will receive six BORAN 105mm air-transportable light towed howitzers (with ammunition), boosting NATO’s southeastern flank with GPS-assisted fire control, rapid emplacement and helicopter transportability. Digital Borders & Travel Tech: An EU airport chief urges the bloc to pause the entry/exit system (EES), calling a “design flaw” responsible for border processing delays that have reportedly doubled since April. EV Policy: Cyprus targets 85,000 electric vehicles by 2030, but adoption remains low (with North Macedonia and Turkey also noted among the laggards in older EU data). Cybersecurity: Researchers report SharkLoader malware that disguises itself as fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers, delivering Cobalt Strike Beacon and targeting victims including North Macedonia. AI & Kids Online: UNICEF estimates 20 million children in 10 countries already use AI, including North Macedonia, warning that safeguards are not keeping up with how fast children adopt these tools. Telecom Upgrade in North Macedonia: A1 starts phasing out 3G, with Kavadarci and Probistip 3G switched off on 6 July. Postal Logistics Tech: Serbia’s Post plans a logistics and warehouse hub at Constantine the Great Airport in Niš, adding robotic support and expanding technological capacity for faster deliveries. Media Platforms: A regional study (including North Macedonia) looks at how social media platforms shape access to news via feeds, search and recommendations, and how regulation is struggling to keep up.

Cybersecurity: Researchers warn of SharkLoader, a malware loader that slips in via fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers, then delivers Cobalt Strike Beacon and targets victims including North Macedonia and Serbia. AI & Youth Safety: UNICEF says 20 million children across 10 countries have already used AI, with uptake outpacing adult use and child protections struggling to keep up. Telecom in North Macedonia: A1 begins phasing out 3G; Kavadarci and Probistip regions switch off on 6 July as the market moves to 4G/5G. Public Health (WNV): Europe’s latest West Nile virus monthly update reports three human cases so far, including one in North Macedonia. Logistics Tech: Post of Serbia plans a major logistics and warehouse center at Constantine the Great Airport in Nis, aiming to speed deliveries across the Western Balkans including North Macedonia. Media Regulation: A regional study on social media platform governance and online media regulation highlights how platforms shape news access across Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye. Climate & Heat: A severe heat wave keeps Balkan countries on alert with health warnings and wildfire risks.

Telecom Upgrade in North Macedonia: A1 started phasing out 3G, with the network fully switched off in Kavadarci and Probistip on 6 July, as the country shifts toward 4G/5G. AI and Kids Online: UNICEF says about 20 million children across 10 countries have already used AI, including North Macedonia, and uptake is moving far faster than child-safety rules. Cybersecurity Threat: Researchers report SharkLoader malware spreading via fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers, with victims reported across the region including North Macedonia. Public Health Update: Europe’s West Nile virus monitoring shows North Macedonia reporting its first human case in a new affected area (Vardarski), with three locally acquired cases total in the latest period. Healthcare Pressure: A new review highlights ongoing staffing shortages, uneven access, and underfunding in North Macedonia’s healthcare system despite reforms and e-services. Regional Tech & Logistics: Serbia’s Post plans a major logistics and warehouse center at Constantine the Great Airport in Nis, aiming to speed deliveries across the Western Balkans including North Macedonia. Heatwave Reality Check: The Balkans brace for extreme temperatures and wildfires as Europe’s record heat moves east, with health warnings issued across the region.

Telecom Switch-Off: A1 North Macedonia has begun phasing out its 3G network, with the Kavadarci and Probistip regions scheduled for full 3G shutdown on 6 July, as the operator shifts focus to 4G and 5G. Cybersecurity Threat: Researchers report SharkLoader malware using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver Cobalt Strike Beacon, with confirmed activity including North Macedonia and Serbia. AI Safety for Kids: UNICEF says about 20 million children in 10 countries already use AI, including North Macedonia, and warns that safeguards are lagging behind adoption rates. Public Health Watch: Europe’s latest West Nile virus update lists North Macedonia with one human case reported in Vardarski, with no deaths so far. Healthcare Pressure: A new overview highlights ongoing staffing shortages, uneven access, and funding gaps in North Macedonia’s healthcare system despite reforms and e-services. Postal Tech & Logistics: Serbia’s Post plans a major logistics and warehouse expansion at Constantine the Great Airport in Nis, aiming to speed deliveries across southern Serbia and the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia. EV Policy Reality Check: Cyprus targets 85,000 EVs by 2030 but faces slow adoption and subsidy/policy challenges, with North Macedonia cited among the lowest adopters in earlier data.

Mobile Networks Update: A1 North Macedonia has started phasing out 3G, with full switch-off planned for Kavadarci and Probistip on 6 July, as the operator moves users toward 4G and 5G. Cybersecurity: Researchers report SharkLoader malware using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver Cobalt Strike Beacon, with confirmed activity including North Macedonia. AI & Kids Online: UNICEF says about 20 million children in 10 countries have already used AI, including North Macedonia, and warns child-safety safeguards are lagging behind adoption speed. Public Health: A monthly WNV (West Nile virus) report notes North Macedonia’s first-ever affected area reporting a human case in Vardarski, alongside cases in Italy. Digital Media Governance: A regional study on social media platforms and online media regulation covers North Macedonia and finds platforms now act as key gateways to audiences, reshaping how news reaches people. Healthcare System Pressure: A review of healthcare in North Macedonia highlights reforms alongside staffing shortages, uneven regional access, and funding gaps. Climate & Heat Risks: Europe’s extreme heat wave is driving health warnings and wildfires across the Balkans, with North Macedonia among the affected region.

Media & Platforms: A new SEENPM/UNESCO-backed study maps how social media feeds, search and recommendation systems now decide which stories reach people across Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye—based on interviews with 71 outlets and risk assessments on platform governance. Cybersecurity: Researchers report SharkLoader malware using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver Cobalt Strike Beacon, with targets including government and diplomatic bodies across multiple countries, including North Macedonia. AI & Children: UNICEF says at least 20 million children in 10 countries have used AI, including in North Macedonia, and that uptake is outpacing safeguards—raising concerns about scams and harmful guidance. Mobile Networks: A1 North Macedonia begins staged 3G shutdown; Kavadarci and Probistip regions switch off on 6 July. Public Health & Climate: Europe’s extreme heat wave keeps spreading east; North Macedonia is among countries facing dangerous temperatures and wildfire/health warnings. Local Tech Governance: A Balkans roundup highlights governments experimenting with AI in public services, including Bulgaria’s planned “advisory council of robots.”

Cybersecurity: Researchers warn of a new SharkLoader malware campaign (“StrikeShark”) that hides inside fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers, then deploys Cobalt Strike Beacon; victims include government and software firms across multiple countries, with confirmed cases reported in North Macedonia. Mobile Networks: A1 North Macedonia begins staged decommissioning of its 3G network, with full shutdown planned for Kavadarci and Probistip on 6 July. AI & Kids: UNICEF says about 20 million children in 10 countries have already used AI, including North Macedonia, and that children adopt it over three times faster than adults—while safeguards lag behind. Public Health & Climate: A Europe-wide heatwave keeps breaking records and pushing emergency measures eastward; in North Macedonia and the region, authorities issue health warnings as temperatures climb and wildfire risk rises. Health System: A new review highlights ongoing healthcare strain in North Macedonia—reforms alongside staffing shortages, uneven regional access, and high patient out-of-pocket costs.

AI Governance for Kids: UNICEF says at least 20 million children across 10 countries have already used AI, adopting it more than three times faster than adults—while safeguards lag behind, including in North Macedonia. Mobile Network Upgrade: A1 North Macedonia begins staged decommissioning of its 3G network; 3G will be fully switched off in Kavadarci and Probistip on 6 July. Healthcare Pressure in North Macedonia: New reporting highlights how reforms haven’t solved structural issues—staffing shortages, uneven regional access, low public funding, and continued migration of medical professionals. Cybersecurity Watch: Kaspersky reports a new malware campaign dubbed StrikeShark, using a previously undocumented SharkLoader to deploy Cobalt Strike Beacon, with targets including organizations in North Macedonia. Public-Sector AI in the Balkans: A roundup describes how the region is moving toward AI-powered governance, from AI governance experiments to robotics pilots in public administration. Health & Safety: Europe’s extreme heat wave is driving health warnings and wildfire risk across the Balkans, including North Macedonia.

Mobile Networks: A1 North Macedonia begins staged decommissioning of its 3G network, with Kavadarci and Probistip 3G switched off on 6 July. AI & Kids Online: UNICEF reports children are adopting AI tools over three times faster than adults, warning that child-safety rules are struggling to keep up. Public Health: Europe’s West Nile virus update shows North Macedonia reporting its first-ever human case in Vardarski, alongside Italy, with all three early cases hospitalized. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky flags a new malware campaign dubbed StrikeShark, using a previously unknown SharkLoader dropper to deploy Cobalt Strike Beacon, with targets including organizations linked to North Macedonia. AI in Governance: A regional roundup highlights how Balkans governments are moving toward AI-powered public services, from virtual advisers to AI governance roles. Extreme Heat: The Balkans stay on alert as Europe’s record heatwave pushes east, bringing health warnings and wildfire risk across the region. Local Tech & Urban Resilience: Skopje’s mayor looks to Israeli cities for crisis-management lessons, focusing on practical municipal digital services and emergency preparedness. Software Engineering: Appsfactory promotes an AI Development Lifecycle (AIDLC) meant to replace traditional Scrum-style sequential development with agent-first workflows.