AGP Executive Report

AI Infrastructure for Skopje: North Macedonia officially launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking local researchers and institutions with European AI infrastructure via Ss. Cyril and Methodius University and the Digital Transformation Ministry, with ~EUR 6.2M total funding (Horizon Europe/EuroHPC grant plus state co-financing) and access through Greece’s Pharos AI Factory. Cybersecurity Alert: Kaspersky reports a new campaign dubbed StrikeShark using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver SharkLoader, which then deploys Cobalt Strike Beacon; victims include organizations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, with mentions of North Macedonia among affected locations. Balkan Heat & Health Risks: A record-breaking European heatwave is pushing into the Balkans with warnings up to ~40°C in parts of the region, driving wildfire risk and health advisories for vulnerable groups. Local Tech & Governance: AIDLC is being pitched as a new AI-driven software engineering lifecycle that replaces traditional SDLC/Scrum-style sequencing, while regional public administration continues experimenting with AI-powered governance ideas. Conservation Science: An expedition near Vlahi in Bulgaria collected ~300 butterfly species for first-ever genomic sequencing, aiming to expand Europe’s biodiversity reference data.

AI in North Macedonia: Skopje officially launched the Vezilka project, a national AI center linking universities, public institutions and private firms to Europe’s AI infrastructure, with ~EUR 6.2M over three years (EU Horizon Europe/EuroHPC grant plus state co-financing) and access via Greece’s Pharos AI Factory. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports a new malware campaign dubbed StrikeShark, using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver SharkLoader and then Cobalt Strike Beacon, with targets including government and software firms across multiple countries, including North Macedonia. Climate & health: The Balkans stayed on alert as Europe’s extreme heatwave pushed east, with warnings of up to ~40°C in parts of the region and wildfire risk, alongside record-breaking temperatures across Europe. Local tech & resilience: Skopje’s mayor said he’s studying crisis-handling lessons from Israeli cities, focusing on emergency preparedness and digital public services. Biodiversity: An expedition near Vlahi in Bulgaria collected ~300 butterfly species for first-ever genomic sequencing, aiming to expand Europe’s biodiversity DNA references.

AI & Research: North Macedonia officially launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking local researchers and institutions with Europe’s AI infrastructure via a three-year, ~€6.2M plan supported by EU Horizon Europe and EuroHPC. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports a new malware campaign, StrikeShark, using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver SharkLoader and deploy Cobalt Strike Beacon; victims include organizations tied to North Macedonia among other countries. Climate & Health: The Balkans are bracing for record-high heat with warnings across the region, while scientists say human-driven climate change makes such extreme heat more frequent and intense. Local Resilience: Skopje’s mayor visited Israel’s MUNI EXPO to study how cities handle crisis management, emergency preparedness, and digital public services under pressure. Biodiversity: An international expedition near Vlahi in Bulgaria collected about 300 butterfly species for first-ever genomic sequencing, aiming to expand Europe’s biodiversity DNA references. EU Governance: Civil society groups urge the European Commission to strengthen and add real follow-up to the upcoming Rule of Law Report, warning it risks becoming box-ticking without consequences.

Extreme Heat in the Balkans: A record-breaking European heatwave is pushing east, with health warnings and wildfire risk rising across the region; Croatia, Bosnia and Albania are warning of temperatures up to around 40°C, Kosovo expects peaks near 38°C, and authorities are still dealing with fires including a major landfill blaze near Mostar. Climate Science: Scientists say June heat like this would be “virtually impossible” without human-driven climate change, and Europe is seeing repeated temperature record breaks. Cybersecurity (North Macedonia in the target list): Kaspersky reports a new campaign dubbed StrikeShark using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver SharkLoader, which then deploys Cobalt Strike Beacon; victims include government and software firms across multiple countries, including North Macedonia. AI for Skopje and beyond: North Macedonia launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking local researchers and institutions with European AI infrastructure via Horizon Europe and EuroHPC funding. Local Tech & Governance: Skopje’s mayor visited Israel’s MUNI EXPO 2026 to study practical crisis management and digital public services from municipal peers. Environment & Biodiversity: A Bulgarian-led expedition collected about 300 butterfly species near Vlahi in the Kresna Gorge for first-time genome sequencing, aiming to expand Europe’s genomic references.

AI for North Macedonia: Skopje officially launched the Vezilka project, a national AI center connecting local researchers, institutions and companies to Europe’s AI infrastructure via the Pharos AI Factory in Greece, with ~EUR 6.2M total funding (Horizon Europe/EuroHPC grant plus state co-financing) over three years. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports a new malware campaign dubbed StrikeShark, using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver SharkLoader, which then deploys Cobalt Strike Beacon; victims include government, diplomatic and software firms across multiple countries including North Macedonia. Climate & health tech relevance: A major Europe heatwave is intensifying, with warnings spreading to the Balkans including North Macedonia, as scientists link hotter, longer heatwaves to human-driven global warming. Biodiversity genomics: An international expedition near Vlahi in Bulgaria’s Kresna Gorge collected ~300 butterfly species, aiming for first-ever genomic sequencing to build reference genomes for conservation and climate research. Local environment: North Macedonia’s Eko-svest helped remove an obsolete Pčinja River concrete barrier, part of a wider European push to restore fragmented rivers.

Climate & Health: Europe is bracing for another punishing heatwave, with scientists linking recurring extreme heat to human-driven global warming; Germany saw record warm nights (Kubschuetz not dropping below 29.4°C), and forecasts point to huge numbers facing 35°C+ conditions, while France tallied about 1,000 extra deaths since June 24 and issued sweeping red alerts. Balkan Weather Warnings: The heat is also expected to hit the Western Balkans hard, with warnings across Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro as temperatures may reach around 39°C. AI for Public Services: North Macedonia officially launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, aiming to connect local researchers and institutions with European AI infrastructure via a three-year, ~EUR 6.2M effort. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports a new campaign dubbed StrikeShark using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver SharkLoader and deploy Cobalt Strike Beacon; victims include organizations tied to North Macedonia. Local Governance Learning: Skopje’s mayor is looking to Israeli cities for practical lessons on crisis management and digital public services. Biodiversity: A Bulgarian-led expedition near Vlahi collected ~300 butterfly species for first-ever genomic sequencing, supporting future biodiversity and conservation work.

AI & Research Funding: North Macedonia officially launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking local researchers and institutions with European AI infrastructure via Horizon Europe and EuroHPC, with access through the Pharos AI Factory in Greece. Local Governance & Resilience: Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski traveled to Israel to learn from Israeli cities on emergency preparedness, crisis management, and digital public services at MUNI EXPO 2026. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports a new malware campaign, StrikeShark, using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver SharkLoader and deploy Cobalt Strike Beacon, with victims including organizations tied to North Macedonia. Climate & Public Safety: A Europe-wide heatwave keeps breaking records and triggering emergency measures; the Balkans, including North Macedonia, face warnings as temperatures climb and health risks rise. Biodiversity Science: An international expedition near SW Bulgaria collected about 300 butterfly species for first-ever genomic sequencing, aiming to expand Europe’s biodiversity DNA references.

AI in Public Services: North Macedonia officially launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking the scientific community, public institutions, and private sector to European AI infrastructure via a three-year, ~EUR 6.2M Horizon Europe/EuroHPC-backed effort led by Ss. Cyril and Methodius University with EU supercomputer access. Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports a new malware delivery campaign dubbed StrikeShark, using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deploy the SharkLoader loader and then Cobalt Strike Beacon, with victims including government and software firms across multiple countries, including North Macedonia. Local Tech & Governance: Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski attended MUNI EXPO 2026 in Tel Aviv to study how cities handle emergency preparedness, crisis management, traffic, water, and digital public services. Climate & Safety Tech: A Europe-wide heatwave is driving record June temperatures and emergency measures, with Balkans including North Macedonia under heat warnings and health risks for vulnerable groups.

Cybersecurity: Kaspersky warns that the new StrikeShark campaign is using a previously unknown SharkLoader malware to deploy Cobalt Strike Beacon, with lures including fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers; victims reported include organizations in North Macedonia alongside targets in Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Syria, Colombia, Nepal and Serbia. AI & Research: Skopje officially launched the Vezilka project, a national AI center connecting local researchers, public institutions and private firms to European AI infrastructure via a three-year, ~EUR 6.2M plan supported by EU Horizon Europe and EuroHPC. Climate & Health: A Europe-wide heatwave is breaking June records, with extreme heat alerts and emergency measures spreading across countries; forecasts also include very high temperatures for the Balkans, including North Macedonia. Environment: North Macedonia’s Dojran Lake is being considered for Natura 2000 protection, but shrinking habitats and water-level swings threaten its future status. Tech Policy & Security: The EU proposes stronger Europol/Eurojust mandates and updates to the European Investigation Order, aiming to speed cross-border investigations as crime becomes more digital.

National AI Push: North Macedonia officially launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking universities, public institutions, and the private sector to European AI infrastructure, with a ~EUR 6.2M budget (EU Horizon Europe/EuroHPC grant plus state co-financing) and access via Greece’s Pharos AI Factory. Cybersecurity Alert: Kaspersky reports the StrikeShark campaign is using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to drop SharkLoader, which then deploys Cobalt Strike Beacon on Windows systems; victims listed include North Macedonia. Biodiversity Genomics: An international expedition in Bulgaria collected about 300 butterfly species near the Kresna Gorge for first-ever genomic sequencing, aiming to build Europe-wide reference genomes to support conservation and climate research. EU Rule of Law Pressure: Civil society groups urge the European Commission to make its July 15 Rule of Law Report more than box-ticking, with direct, verifiable follow-up and rule-of-law conditionality tied to EU funds. Environment Watch: Dojran Lake in North Macedonia is being considered for Natura 2000 protection, but shrinking habitats and water-level swings threaten its future.

AI & Research: Skopje officially launched the Vezilka project to build a national AI center, linking local researchers, public institutions and private firms with Europe’s AI infrastructure via the Pharos AI Factory; the 3-year effort is backed by about EUR 6.2M (EU Horizon Europe/EuroHPC grant plus state co-financing). Cybersecurity: Kaspersky reports a global malware campaign dubbed StrikeShark that uses fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers to deliver SharkLoader, which then deploys Cobalt Strike Beacon on Windows systems; victims named include North Macedonia among other countries. Biodiversity & Genomics: An international expedition near Vlahi in Bulgaria collected around 300 butterfly species for first-time genome sequencing, aiming to build Europe-wide reference genomes to support conservation and climate research. EU Policy & Governance: Civil society groups criticize the EU’s upcoming Rule of Law Report as a routine “box-ticking” exercise, urging stronger, verifiable follow-up and conditionality for candidate countries. Environment & Protection: Dojran Lake in North Macedonia is being considered for Natura 2000 status, but shrinking habitats and fluctuating water levels threaten its future.

AI & Research: Skopje officially launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking North Macedonia’s universities, public bodies and private sector to European AI infrastructure via Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, with ~EUR 6.2M total funding (EU Horizon Europe/EuroHPC grant plus state co-financing) and access to Greek supercomputing resources through Pharos AI Factory. Cybersecurity: A new malware campaign, “StrikeShark,” is spreading by disguising payloads as legitimate installers (including Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update lures), with confirmed victims across North Macedonia and other countries; it installs SharkLoader to deploy Cobalt Strike Beacon for remote control. Biodiversity & Genomics: An international expedition near Vlahi in Bulgaria collected about 300 butterfly species for first-time genome sequencing, aiming to build Europe-wide reference genomes—highlighting how Balkan diversity is still underrepresented in DNA databases. Environment & Conservation: Dojran Lake in North Macedonia is pushing toward Natura 2000 protection, but shrinking habitats and fluctuating water levels threaten its future status. Climate Impact: Europe’s record-breaking heatwave continues to trigger emergency measures, with alerts reported across the region including North Macedonia.

Media & Antitrust: Paramount is nearing completion of its $111B Warner Bros. Discovery takeover, with the European Commission expected to approve ahead of a deeper probe deadline, including a condition tied to Paramount exiting its Universal Pictures joint venture; regulators in several countries already cleared it, and North Macedonia is among those cited. EU Security & Data Rules: The European Commission proposes stronger EU tools against cross-border crime and terrorism, including updated mandates for Europol and Eurojust, changes to the European Investigation Order, and tweaks to data protection for EU bodies—aimed at faster joint investigations and less red tape. Climate & Public Health: A new Europe-wide heatwave is driving emergency measures, with France banning public alcohol in red-alert areas and alerts also reported across the region including North Macedonia. Environment & Rivers: North Macedonia’s demolition of an old Pčinja River barrier is highlighted as part of a wider European push to remove obsolete dams and reconnect fragmented waterways. EU Enlargement Watch: EU institutions keep enlargement moving in parallel with politics—Ireland’s EU presidency is set to keep Western Balkans accession high on the agenda, while Parliament reviews progress across candidate countries.

EU Enlargement Watch: Ireland’s EU Council presidency is set to put enlargement back in the spotlight, with talks momentum for Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania, and renewed debate over how fast the Western Balkans can move. Housing Pressure (Local Angle): Eurostat data shows renting is soaring across Europe, with Skopje listed at €470 for a two-bedroom and Zagreb among the more expensive mid-range cities, underlining affordability stress from higher costs and housing shortages. Extreme Heat & Public Safety: A new Europe-wide heatwave is driving emergency measures, including France’s alcohol ban in red-alert areas and alerts across Croatia, Serbia, North Macedonia and Bosnia, as scientists link hotter extremes to climate change. Rivers Reconnected: North Macedonia is highlighted for removing an obsolete river barrier in Kumanovo, part of a wider European push that removed hundreds of dams and barriers in 2025 to restore habitats and fish movement. EU Tech & Cyber Solidarity: Ukraine has been added to the EU Cybersecurity Reserve, enabling incident response support via trusted providers—an EU-wide step that also matters for regional digital resilience. EU Accession Politics: Bulgarian MEPs again stress constitutional revisions as the key path for North Macedonia’s EU talks, while others warn that blaming Bulgaria for the stalemate is damaging.

Climate & Health: A new Europe-wide heatwave is pushing temperatures toward record June highs, with France banning public alcohol in red-alert areas, Spain and Germany disrupting events, and warnings of “tropical nights” as scientists link hotter extremes to human-driven climate change. Water & Environment: North Macedonia’s Pčinja River barrier in Kumanovo was demolished after decades, part of a wider European push that removed hundreds of obsolete dams and barriers in 2025 to help restore river flow and habitats. EU Enlargement & Policy: As Ireland takes over the EU Council presidency, enlargement remains high on the agenda, with talks and momentum for countries including Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Moldova and others—while North Macedonia’s EU path continues to face political friction. Housing Costs & Inequality: Eurostat data shows renting is soaring across Europe, with Skopje listed among the lowest in the two-bedroom rent comparison (€470) while cities like Dublin and Stockholm lead the expensive end—fueling affordability pressure. Local Tech/Industry: A North Macedonia EV components and mechatronics plant in Ohrid is highlighted for producing advanced modules for major global automakers, underscoring the region’s push into higher-tech manufacturing.

Heatwave Watch: Europe is bracing for another record-breaking June heatwave, with France placing many areas under red alerts, banning public alcohol in the worst-hit zones, and even canceling or adjusting events as temperatures push past 40°C; Public Health & Disruption: Spain and Germany reported cancellations or postponements of sports activities, while the UK warned of “tropical nights,” and North Macedonia and Serbia also issued heat alerts; Climate Tech Angle: Scientists link the rising frequency and intensity of extreme heat to human-driven global warming, raising pressure on cooling, health preparedness, and energy planning; River Restoration in North Macedonia: In Kumanovo, a long-blocking concrete barrier on the Pčinja River was demolished after years of environmental campaigning, part of a wider European push that removed hundreds of obsolete river barriers in 2025 to reconnect habitats and improve river health.