AGP Executive Report

Energy Security Watch: HELLENiQ ENERGY reported 2Q26/1H26 results, highlighting steadier fuel supply via diversified crude sourcing and flexible refinery operations, plus €442m adjusted EBITDA in 2Q and €734m in 1H with net debt down to €1.97bn. IoT Buying Reality Check: A new guide compares top IoT app development pricing and warns that lowball quotes often skip firmware integration, device provisioning, and support—work that later hits budgets. Local Resilience & Health: North Macedonia is battling wildfire spread as drought deepens across Europe, with 14 open-air fires recorded by Aug 4 and air support deployed near Kavadarci. Cashless Push in North Macedonia: Nayax launched its cashless payment suite locally, targeting unattended retail like vending, laundromats, EV charging, parking, and kiosks. EU Tech & Policy Context: A European Parliament report says Russia is using hybrid tactics—disinformation, covert funding, cyberattacks, and pressure—to slow EU enlargement, including in North Macedonia. Public Health Alert: West Nile fever is expected to peak in August into mid-September, with North Macedonia among countries already reporting cases. Media & Training: Women in News started a new Social Impact Reporting Initiative, adding fresh support for investigative work.

Climate & Safety: Europe’s worst drought is hitting the Balkans hard, and North Macedonia is dealing with a fresh wave of wildfires as heat and dry vegetation persist; Skopje hit 37°C on Aug 3–4, and by 6 pm CET Aug 4 the Crisis Management Center recorded 14 open-air fires, with the Kavadarci area hardest hit and firefighting using “air tractors” plus army and police helicopters. Digital Payments in North Macedonia: Israeli fintech Nayax has launched its cashless payment suite locally, expanding card acceptance for unattended retail like vending machines, laundromats, EV charging, parking, and self-service kiosks, with merchant tools for sales monitoring and loyalty management. Academic Freedom Map: A new global ranking based on V-Dem’s 2025 Academic Freedom Index shows Czechia leading and the U.S. scoring 0.40, while India sees sharp declines since 2010—an indicator of wider pressure on university autonomy. Public Health Watch: West Nile fever is expected to peak in August into early September, with Bulgaria’s lab ready and North Macedonia among countries already reporting cases in ECDC data. Local Travel Tech Angle: Research highlights Skopje as one of Europe’s cheapest city breaks for a pint and budget stays, reinforcing demand for value-focused travel.

Local Tech & Payments: Israeli fintech Nayax has launched its cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, expanding card acceptance for unattended retail like vending machines, laundromats, EV charging, parking and self-service kiosks, with merchant tools for sales monitoring and loyalty management. Public Health Watch: West Nile fever season is expected to peak from August into mid-September, with North Macedonia already among countries reporting cases, while Bulgaria’s lab readiness is highlighted as the virus may be circulating before confirmed counts rise. Science & Education Policy: A new Academic Freedom Index map (V-Dem via Our World in Data) shows Czechia leading global university autonomy, while India’s academic freedom declines sharply since 2010 and overall freedom erodes in many countries since 2015. EU Security & Tech-Driven Influence: A European Parliament report warns Russia is using hybrid interference—disinformation, covert financing, cyberattacks and proxy actors—to slow EU enlargement, explicitly naming North Macedonia among affected states. STEM/Research Funding (Arts-Tech Angle): The Hubert Bals Fund increased its 2026 Development Support Scheme to 20 projects, including North Macedonia’s debut feature “Bakhmaro – Invisible Formula,” showing continued regional support for creative research and development. Business/Mining Tech: Cygnus Metals says a draft scheme booklet for its acquisition by Central Asia Metals has been lodged with Australia’s ASIC, moving the timeline toward a mid-August court step and early-October implementation. Media Tech & Streaming: Paramount Skydance’s antitrust fight over its $110B Warner Bros Discovery deal is set for a March 2–19, 2027 trial, while Paramount reports streaming momentum and subscriber growth for Paramount+.

Hybrid Threats & EU Accession: A European Parliament report says Russia is stepping up “hybrid interference” against EU enlargement countries, including North Macedonia, using disinformation, covert funding, cyberattacks and proxy actors tailored to local weaknesses. Public Health Watch: West Nile fever’s peak is expected in August into mid-September, with Bulgaria’s infectious disease chief warning the virus may already be circulating there; cases have been reported across Europe, including North Macedonia. Cashless Payments in North Macedonia: Israeli fintech Nayax has launched its full cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, pushing card acceptance for unattended retail like vending machines, laundromats, EV charging and parking. Digital Transformation in the Western Balkans: A policy report argues the region needs tech-driven ecosystems, stronger private-sector roles and less brain drain to accelerate digital transformation as EU integration progresses. Tourism Value for Locals & Visitors: New budget travel research puts Skopje among Europe’s cheapest breaks, including the cheapest pint list where Skopje tops at £2.11.

Cashless Payments in North Macedonia: Israeli fintech Nayax has launched its full cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, letting merchants accept in-person debit and credit card payments via its commerce platform, with a focus on unattended retail like vending machines, laundromats, EV charging, parking and self-service kiosks. Budget Travel Tech Angle (Skopje): New value research from hoppa puts Skopje among Europe’s cheapest summer breaks, ranking it second for 3-star hotel stays at about £42.01 per night and also topping a separate list for the cheapest domestic draft beer at £2.11. Regional Digital Transformation: A Western Balkans policy report argues that tech-driven ecosystems, stronger private-sector involvement, and reversing brain drain are key to accelerating digital transformation across the region. Heritage Tech Diplomacy: China’s “Unity for Prosperity, Heritage for Eternity” cultural heritage week in Shanxi brought together diplomats including North Macedonia, highlighting how technology is increasingly used to share and preserve immovable relics.

Cashless Payments in North Macedonia: Israeli fintech Nayax has launched its full cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, letting merchants accept in-person debit and credit card payments via its commerce platform, with a focus on unattended retail like vending machines, laundromats, EV charging and parking. Local Tech & Public Health: In Gostivar, North Macedonia, tap water is reported safe for personal hygiene but not for drinking or cooking after a stomach-illness outbreak linked to coliform contamination; hyperchlorination and lab tests reduced contaminants, while bottled water continues and officials cite delays in completing a pipeline upgrade. Regional Digital Transformation: A report on the Western Balkans argues that tech-driven ecosystems and stronger private-sector involvement are key to digital transformation, aiming to reduce gaps in ICT use and help reverse brain drain. EU Mobility & Education Tech: The UK confirmed it will rejoin Erasmus+ from 2027, reopening funded cross-border opportunities for students, apprentices, teachers and youth workers. Balkan Tech Economy Signals: Construction remains unusually dominant in Albania’s economy, while ICT’s share is lower than in neighboring countries—highlighting where tech investment could matter most. Travel Tech Angle: New value-for-money research puts Skopje among Europe’s cheapest destinations for both 3-star hotel stays and draft beer, reinforcing interest in the city as a budget hub.

Cashless Payments in North Macedonia: Israeli fintech Nayax has launched its full cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, targeting unattended retail like vending machines, laundromats, EV charging, parking, and self-service kiosks—giving merchants card acceptance plus sales monitoring and loyalty tools. Public Health & Water Safety: Gostivar’s tap water is now safe for hygiene but still not for drinking or cooking after a coliform contamination outbreak; hyperchlorination reduced contaminants, bottled water continues, and officials are investigating delays and possible causes tied to the city’s water modernization project. Regional Tech & Digital Transformation: A Western Balkans policy brief argues the region needs tech-driven ecosystems, stronger private-sector involvement, and better cross-border collaboration to close the gap between “pockets of excellence” and wider ICT adoption. Sports Tech & Culture: The 6th World Nomad Games will bring 3,000 athletes from 113 countries to Kyrgyzstan, with North Macedonia among new participants and cultural/scientific events running alongside 42 sports. Diplomacy Tech Angle: Coverage notes Israel-to-Colombia cooperation plans that include drones and artificial intelligence as relations reset—highlighting how security tech can move with political shifts.

Cashless Payments in North Macedonia: Israeli fintech Nayax has launched its full card-acceptance cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, targeting unattended retail like vending machines, laundromats, EV charging, parking and self-service kiosks, with tools for sales monitoring and loyalty management. Public Health & Water Safety: In Gostivar, tap water is now safe for hygiene but still not for drinking or cooking after a coliform contamination outbreak; authorities say hyperchlorination reduced contaminants, while questions remain about a modernization project that’s reportedly 98% complete. Regional Tech & Security Cooperation: Colombia’s incoming president plans to restore ties with Israel and expand security cooperation, including access to drones and artificial intelligence—potentially aimed at tackling narcotics trafficking and organized crime. Sports Tech & Culture: The 6th World Nomad Games will bring 3,000 athletes from 113 countries to Kyrgyzstan, with North Macedonia among new participants and cultural plus scientific events alongside 42 sports. EU Mobility for Learning: The UK confirmed it will rejoin Erasmus+ from 2027, reopening funded overseas opportunities for students, apprentices, teachers, youth workers and sports organizations.

Cashless Payments in North Macedonia: Israeli fintech Nayax has launched its full cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, letting merchants accept card payments via its commerce platform—aimed especially at unattended retail like vending, laundromats, EV charging and kiosks. Public Health & Water Safety: In Gostivar, tap water is now safe for hygiene but still not for drinking or cooking after a coliform contamination scare; hyperchlorination reduced contaminants, while questions remain over a modernization project and delays to complete key pipeline work. Regional Digital Transformation: A new report argues the Western Balkans need tech-driven ecosystems, stronger private-sector roles, and better regional startup links to accelerate digital transformation and counter brain drain. EU Tech & Mobility: The UK confirmed it will rejoin Erasmus+ from 2027, reopening funded overseas opportunities for students, apprentices, teachers, youth workers and sports organisations. Science & Culture Spotlight: The LAcon Worldcon Film Festival announced its 2026 award winners, highlighting international sci-fi, fantasy, horror and animation. Sports & STEM-Adjacent Events: The 6th World Nomad Games will bring 3,000 athletes from 113 countries to Kyrgyzstan, with cultural and scientific events and North Macedonia among new participants.

Cashless Payments Expansion: Israeli fintech Nayax has launched its full cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, targeting unattended retail like vending machines, laundromats, EV charging and parking, with tools for sales monitoring and loyalty management. Public Health & Water Safety: Gostivar’s tap water is now safe for hygiene but still not for drinking or cooking after a coliform contamination outbreak; hyperchlorination reduced contaminants, while authorities keep bottled water supplies and investigate how modernization work may have contributed. Regional Tech & Digital Growth: A new analysis argues the Western Balkans need tech-driven ecosystems, stronger private-sector involvement, and better regional startup links to accelerate digital transformation and reduce brain drain. Sports Tech-Culture Spotlight: The 6th World Nomad Games will bring 3,000 athletes from 113 countries to Kyrgyzstan, with North Macedonia among new participating countries and a program that also includes cultural and scientific events. EU Research on Trans Lives: A major EU-wide survey analysis (covering EU plus Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia) highlights discrimination, mental health pressures and harassment patterns affecting trans people. Climate & Risk Context: Coverage on intensifying heat and wildfire risk across Europe underscores growing pressure on infrastructure and emergency planning.

Cashless Payments Expansion: Israeli fintech Nayax has launched its full cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, letting merchants accept card payments via its commerce platform—especially targeting unattended retail like vending machines, laundromats, EV charging, parking and self-service kiosks. Public Health & Water Safety: In Gostivar, tap water is now safe for hygiene but still not for drinking or cooking after a coliform contamination outbreak; authorities say hyperchlorination reduced contaminants, while bottled water continues and officials investigate how the system modernization may have contributed. Regional Tech & Digital Transformation: A new analysis argues the Western Balkans’ digital transformation will move faster with stronger private-sector involvement, better regional startup connections, and policies that help reverse brain drain. STEM & Sports Science: The 6th World Nomad Games will bring about 3,000 athletes from 113 countries to Kyrgyzstan, with North Macedonia among new participants and a program that also includes cultural and scientific events. EU Research on Trans Communities: A major EU-wide survey analysis (covering EU plus Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia) highlights discrimination and mental health pressures, using new intersectional findings from Trans Europe and Central Asia. Education & AI Ethics: India’s President Droupadi Murmu stressed education’s role in guiding ethics and compassion amid rapid scientific advances and AI, during an honorary doctorate visit that also included North Macedonia.

Cashless Payments Rollout: Israeli fintech Nayax has launched its full cashless payment services in North Macedonia, letting local merchants accept in-person debit and credit card payments via its commerce platform—especially for unattended retail like vending machines, laundromats, EV charging, parking and self-service kiosks. Public Health & Water Safety: In Gostivar, tap water is now safe for personal hygiene but still not for drinking or cooking after a coliform contamination outbreak; hyperchlorination reduced contaminants, while bottled water continues and officials point to delays in completing pipeline upgrades. Local Tech & Tourism Leadership: North Macedonia appointed Sedat Sulejmani as the new Minister of Culture and Tourism, taking over from Zoran Ljutkov as part of a government reshuffle. Regional Health Watch: WHO reports West Nile virus cases rising across southern Europe, with North Macedonia listed among countries recording infections—another reminder to protect against mosquito bites.

Critical Minerals & Security: A new push under the Trump administration reframes critical minerals as a national-security and military priority, with access secured via bilateral trade and investment deals—often negotiated in secrecy. Digital Transformation in the Balkans: A report argues the Western Balkans need tech-driven ecosystems, stronger private-sector involvement, and faster EU-aligned collaboration to close the ICT-to-business-value gap and reduce brain drain. Public Health Tech Watch (North Macedonia): In Gostivar, tap water is now safe for hygiene but still not for drinking or cooking after a coliform contamination scare; authorities cite lab improvements and ongoing infrastructure work, while bottled water continues. STEM & Mobility: The UK confirmed it will rejoin Erasmus+ from 2027, expanding funded overseas opportunities for students, apprentices, teachers, youth workers, and sports organizations. Health Risk Across Europe: WHO warns West Nile virus is rising in southern Europe, including cases reported in North Macedonia, as mosquito season ramps up. Local Tech Leadership: North Macedonia appoints Sedat Sulejmani as Minister of Culture and Tourism in a government reshuffle.

Public Health Alert: West Nile virus is accelerating across southern Europe, with WHO reporting rising cases in Greece and Italy and additional infections in Spain, Romania, and North Macedonia—health officials urge mosquito-bite precautions as there’s no licensed human vaccine. Climate & Disasters: A brutal heatwave and wildfire season continues to hit Spain and France, while the Balkans are swinging between extreme heat and storms; in Skopje, a storm left people injured and disrupted utilities. Water Safety in North Macedonia: Gostivar residents were told tap water is safe for hygiene but not for drinking or cooking after a coliform contamination scare; hyperchlorination reduced contaminants, but the timeline for safe drinking remains unclear. Digital Transformation in the Western Balkans: A new report argues the private sector and regional startup ecosystems are key to closing the ICT gap and reversing brain drain as countries push toward EU-aligned digital development. Local Tech & Policy: North Macedonia appointed Sedat Sulejmani as the new Minister of Culture and Tourism during a government reshuffle. Mobility & Skills: India and Romania are working on a Mobility Partnership Agreement for skilled professionals, alongside cooperation in trade, technology, and digital public infrastructure.

Water Safety in North Macedonia: Gostivar’s tap water is now safe for hygiene after coliform contamination, but still not cleared for drinking or cooking; hyperchlorination helped, while questions remain over a modernization project and delays for an extra 600m pipeline. Public Health Watch: WHO reports West Nile fever cases rising across southern Europe, with Greece and Italy seeing the steepest increases and North Macedonia listed among affected countries—mosquito-bite precautions urged. Heat & Storm Disruptions: A southern Europe heatwave is colliding with Balkan storms; in Skopje, a night storm left injuries, outages, and blocked roads, while Kosovo warns of lightning, flooding, and power damage. Digital Transformation in the Region: A Western Balkans policy brief argues the private sector and regional startup ecosystems are key to accelerating digital transformation and tackling brain drain. Local Tech Leadership: North Macedonia appoints Sedat Sulejmani as new Minister of Culture and Tourism in a reshuffle, taking over from Zoran Ljutkov. Aviation Tech Trend: China’s eVTOL “air taxi” push is expected to drive a low-altitude economy surpassing 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035. Archaeology & Heritage: Excavations at Gradište near Mlado Nagoričane uncover a rare Hellenistic ritual complex tied to elite religious practice and long-distance trade.

Erasmus+ Return: The UK confirmed it will rejoin the EU’s Erasmus+ programme from 2027, with grants for students, apprentices, teachers, youth workers and sports organisations, and a new funding round expected to open in November 2026. Digital Transformation in the Balkans: A new push for Western Balkans digital growth argues the private sector must help build tech-driven ecosystems, connect startups and reduce brain drain as countries move toward EU-aligned development. Public Health Alert in Gostivar: In North Macedonia, tap water in Gostivar is now safe for hygiene but still not for drinking or cooking after a coliform contamination scare; hyperchlorination reduced contaminants, while bottled water continues and officials await further system approvals. West Nile Virus Watch: WHO warns West Nile fever is rising across southern Europe, with cases reported in Greece, Italy, Spain, Romania and North Macedonia—urging mosquito-bite precautions as the season begins. Heat, Storms and Disruptions: A southern heatwave and storms hit the region, with Skopje reporting hospital admissions after damage and outages, while wildfire risk remains high across parts of Spain and France. Local Science & Heritage: Archaeologists at Gradište near Mlado Nagoričane uncovered a rare Hellenistic ritual complex, including finds linked to a female deity and ritual dining.