AGP Executive Report

Regional Diplomacy & EU Path: North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova met Bulgaria’s Iliana Iotova in Sofia on the sidelines of the SEECP 30th-anniversary summit, with both sides stressing the need to intensify communication across schools, universities, science and culture, and to keep working through “difficult issues” tied to EU accession. Foreign Affairs & Justice: Timco Mucunski said a Bulgarian citizen’s ongoing case in Kočani is for the independent judiciary, while access to healthcare should not depend on criminal proceedings. Culture & Film: Macedonian director Dina Duma discussed her Tribeca feature Skateboarding Is Not for Girls, built from community research and non-professional casting, spotlighting gender expectations and forced marriage in Skopje. Street Art: Kyustendil’s second Colors of Kyustendil International Graffiti Festival runs June 12–14 with a legal graffiti wall, free-paint zone, workshops, and free admission. Heritage Routes: Bulgaria’s Cultural Routes push highlights certified European routes—thermal towns, totalitarian architecture, and Roman wine heritage—showing how regional culture can translate into tourism momentum.

Regional Culture & EU Dialogue: In Sofia, North Macedonia President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova met Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova and Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski, with talks focused on EU accession and the need to intensify communication between schools, universities, cultural institutions, NGOs and citizens to reduce prejudices; both sides agreed to keep discussing “difficult issues.” Diplomacy Meets Identity: Siljanovska-Davkova told Bulgarian media she can’t speak for Parliament on constitutional changes, stressing separation of powers and EU principles on national and cultural identity. Human Stories in Cross-Border Tension: Mucunski said a Bulgarian citizen’s medical travel request in a North Macedonian criminal case is for the judiciary, while healthcare access should be possible regardless of defendant status. Street Art for All Ages: Kyustendil’s “Second Colors” International Graffiti Festival runs June 12–14 with free admission, legal graffiti walls, workshops for children, and artists from Bulgaria, North Macedonia and beyond. Cinema & Gender: Macedonian director Dina Duma’s Tribeca-screened feature “Skateboarding Is Not for Girls” spotlights forced marriage and gender expectations in Skopje, using mostly non-professional women actors. Sports Tourism: Porto Carras Athlos 2026 in Greece wrapped with 800+ participants and 48 activities, including events welcoming athletes and visitors from North Macedonia. Community Mobility: The EU Delegation and Albania’s embassy in Skopje organize a bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid to promote sustainable travel and people-to-people ties.

Graffiti & Youth Culture: Kyustendil’s second Colors of Kyustendil International Graffiti Festival runs June 12–14 along the Banshtitsa River wall, bringing artists from Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Italy and Switzerland, plus free kids’ workshops, a digital art contest, and a big no-fee paint zone for all ages. Film & Gender Equality: Macedonian director Dina Duma discusses her Tribeca-screened feature Skateboarding Is Not for Girls, inspired by a Roma childhood friend’s story and built around non-professional casting to spotlight forced marriage and the limits society places on girls. Sports & Community: North Macedonia is listed in Pot 2 for the 2027 Men’s World Handball Championship draw in Munich, with the event set to be broadcast live and seeded by rankings and regional performance. Regional Cooperation: SEECP’s 30th-anniversary summit in Sofia will be hosted by President Iliana Iotova, with North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova among the expected leaders. EU & Mobility: DiscoverEU selects 40,912 young people for free travel across Europe, with a strong preference for train journeys and pre-departure training. Culture & Heritage Tourism: A Lake Ohrid bicycle tour organized by the EU Delegation and the Albanian Embassy marks Europe Day with a cross-border route promoting sustainable mobility and civic engagement.

Film & Gender: Macedonian director Dina Duma discusses her Tribeca-screened feature Skateboarding Is Not for Girls, rooted in community research in Skopje’s Roma circles and built around non-professional casting to spotlight girls facing social restrictions and forced marriage. Culture & Travel: A lifestyle travel piece puts Ohrid on the “underrated European gems” list, praising its lakeside, church-lined streets and calm, layered history. Regional Cooperation: President Iliana Iotova will host the SEECP 30th-anniversary summit in Sofia, with leaders from across the region including North Macedonia’s Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. Sports & Community: The EU Delegation in North Macedonia and the Albanian Embassy organize a bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid for Europe Day, linking communities through sustainable mobility. Education & Mobility: Bulgaria’s Sofia University reports 1,431 international students from 55 countries, while UniBIT says 59 international students are enrolled, including students from North Macedonia. International Spotlight on North Macedonia: A U.S. court case highlights alleged Iran-linked plots that prosecutors say included an arson attack on a synagogue in North Macedonia. Handball: North Macedonia is listed in Pot 2 for the 2027 World Handball Championship draw in Munich.

Handball & Sports Culture: The IHF confirmed the draw for the 2027 Men’s World Handball Championship will be held in Munich, with North Macedonia placed in Pot 2—an early spotlight for fans and federations. Cinema & Gender: Dina Duma’s “Skateboarding Is Not for Girls” premiered at Tribeca, set in Skopje and centered on girls facing social pressure and forced marriage. Diplomacy & Community Ties: Türkiye’s AK Party deputy chair Kürşad Zorlu visited the Skopje area, stressing deep cultural bonds and support for the Turkish community. Regional Cooperation & Mobility: The EU Delegation and Albania’s embassy organized a bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid for Europe Day, linking communities through sustainable travel. Language & Heritage Learning: Ling launched a full Macedonian language course worldwide, with native-speaker audio—aimed at diaspora, travelers, and digital nomads. EU Integration Watch: SEECP’s 30th-anniversary summit is set for June 10 in Sofia, with regional leaders expected to attend. Education & International Students: Sofia University and UniBIT reported new intakes of international students, including learners from North Macedonia. Culture in the Region: A Bulgarian diary by Georgi Dimitrov was presented in Bucharest, adding another layer to Balkan historical storytelling.

Skopje Film & Gender Rights: Dina Duma’s “Skateboarding Is Not for Girls” premiered at Tribeca, spotlighting two sisters in Skopje as one is pushed toward forced marriage—using skateboarding to challenge the spaces society deems “for girls.” EU Culture & Mobility: The EU Delegation in North Macedonia and the Albanian Embassy are organizing a bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid for Europe Day, linking communities across the border through sustainable travel. Language & Heritage Learning: Ling launched a full Macedonian language course worldwide, with native-speaker audio, aiming to serve diaspora learners, digital nomads, and travelers. Regional Folklore: Kazanlak’s International Folklore Festival will feature dance ensembles from Hungary, Greece, and North Macedonia under “The Dance of the Rose,” promoting cultural unity through performances and a parade. North Macedonia–Bulgaria Education Talks: A joint historical commission meeting in Skopje ended without progress after North Macedonia refused a recommendation on how the Ohrid Archdiocese is presented in seventh-grade textbooks. EU Enlargement Focus: EU leaders meeting in Tivat discussed ways to speed up accession for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro—while stressing reforms and trust-building.

Skopje Gender & Family Rights on Screen: Dina Duma’s new film Skateboarding Is Not for Girls world-premiered at Tribeca, following 11-year-old Adela and her sister Zara as forced marriage and tight gender expectations collide with a push for freedom and real-life empowerment. Youth, Mobility & Culture: DiscoverEU selected 40,912 young people for free travel across Europe, with pre-departure training and city meetups aimed at cultural exchange. EU Day on Two Wheels: The EU Delegation and Albania’s embassy in Skopje organized a bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid to promote sustainable mobility, environmental awareness, and people-to-people ties. Language & Heritage Access: Ling launched a complete Macedonian language course with native-speaker audio, targeting diaspora learners, travelers, and digital nomads. Folklore & Community Dance: Kazanlak’s International Folklore Festival will welcome dance ensembles from Hungary, Greece, and North Macedonia under “The Dance of the Rose.” Education Diplomacy: Bulgaria–North Macedonia historical textbook talks again ended without progress, keeping cultural narratives and school content at the center of the dispute.

Education & Mobility: Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski reports 1,431 international students from 55 countries in 2025/26, with strong interest in Medicine and Pharmacy in English, plus humanities, education, economics and informatics. Tech & Learning: UniBIT in Sofia says 59 international students are enrolled, with the biggest demand in Informatics and Computer Science, including information security. Regional Cooperation: SEECP’s 30th-anniversary summit is set for June 10 in Sofia, with leaders from across the region expected at the National Palace of Culture. Culture & Language: Ling launched a complete Macedonian language course globally, aiming to serve diaspora learners, digital nomads and travelers with native-speaker audio. Heritage & Community: The EU Delegation in North Macedonia and Albania’s embassy are organizing a bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid for Europe Day, promoting sustainable mobility and cross-border civic engagement. EU Path & Politics: EU leaders plan to speed up enlargement for Western Balkans candidates at a summit in Tivat, while North Macedonia’s opposition accuses the government of misrepresenting accession conditions. Arts & Media: Canal+ and Viasat World picked up new factual and lifestyle titles from Cineflix Rights, including HGTV’s “Don’t Hate Your House With the Property Brothers.”

EU Accession Push: The EU has agreed to formally open talks with Ukraine and Moldova on the first cluster of accession issues, with both countries framing it as a major step toward membership. Western Balkans Summit: EU leaders gathered in Tivat, Montenegro, to speed up enlargement, but security and rule-of-law concerns remain in the spotlight as candidate countries try to turn promises into a credible path. North Macedonia–EU Debate: In Skopje, opposition SDSM accused Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski of misleading citizens about EU conditions, pointing to Brussels statements on constitutional amendments and accession negotiations. Heritage & Learning: Ling launched a complete Macedonian language course globally, aiming to serve diaspora learners, digital nomads, and travelers. Culture Calendar: Skopje will host the Albanian Book Fair 2026 (June 4–7) with around 55 publishers and thousands of titles, strengthening regional literary ties. People-to-people Mobility: The EU Delegation and Albania’s embassy organized a bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid for Europe Day, promoting sustainable travel and cross-border cooperation. Art in Kumanovo: Azerbaijani artist Asmar Narimanbayova received a “Golden Diploma” at an international art symposium in Kumanovo, with works inspired by regional landmarks. Sports Pop Culture: World Cup 2026 group guides keep fans focused on star players and matchups across groups E–H.

EU & Culture Diplomacy: The EU Delegation in North Macedonia and the Albanian Embassy in Skopje are organizing a bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid for Europe Day, linking communities across the border through sustainable mobility and shared regional values. Language & Heritage: Ling launched a complete Macedonian language course with native-speaker audio, aiming to serve diaspora learners, digital nomads, travelers, and heritage students worldwide. Books & Identity: Skopje hosts the Albanian Book Fair 2026 (June 4–7), bringing together about 55 publishers from North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania for launches, talks, and cultural programming. Arts in the Region: An international art symposium in Kumanovo honored Azerbaijani artist Asmar Narimanbayova with a “Golden Diploma,” highlighting live creation inspired by Balkan churches and monuments. EU Accession Politics: EU leaders discussed speeding up enlargement for Western Balkan candidates at a summit in Tivat, while North Macedonia’s domestic debate over accession conditions continues. Local Protest Culture: Albania’s “Flamingo Revolution” protests over a luxury coastal development linked to Jared Kushner are spreading, with organizers announcing actions that include protests in Skopje.

EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat: EU leaders met with candidate countries as António Costa pushed a faster, more credible accession path—while security and rule-of-law disputes still hang over the process. Education & Culture Diplomacy: North Macedonia’s region-wide cultural ties keep moving, from municipal cooperation talks (Kazanlak–Xativa) to language access initiatives like Ling’s new Macedonian course with native-speaker audio. Heritage & Community Events: Skopje is set to host the first Albanian Book Fair (June 4–7), bringing together around 55 publishers and thousands of titles. People-to-people Mobility: The EU Delegation and Albania’s embassy are organizing a bicycle tour around Lake Ohrid for Europe Day, linking communities across the border. Arts in the Region: A Kumanovo international art symposium honored Azerbaijani artist Asmar Narimanbayova, with works inspired by Balkan churches and monuments. Local Culture Spotlight: Kazanlak’s Rose Festival network continues through international folklore participation, including ensembles from North Macedonia and neighboring countries.

Education & Culture Diplomacy: North Macedonia’s region-wide push for education diplomacy and skills exchange is echoed by a broader government push for global scholarships and research collaboration, while Historical Memory: the Bulgaria–North Macedonia joint historical commission meeting in Skopje ended “without results” over textbook treatment of the Ohrid Archdiocese. People-to-People Mobility: The EU Delegation and Albania’s embassy are backing a Lake Ohrid bicycle tour for Europe Day, linking communities across the border through sustainable travel. EU Accession Politics: EU leaders in Montenegro’s Tivat summit aim to speed up Western Balkans enlargement, with North Macedonia still caught in domestic disputes over rule of law and accession conditions. Language & Heritage Learning: Ling launched a full Macedonian language course with native-speaker audio for diaspora, travelers, and digital nomads. Arts & Community Life: Skopje hosts the first Albanian Book Fair (55 publishers, June 4–7), and a Kumanovo symposium honored Azerbaijani artist Asmar Narimanbayova with a “Golden Diploma.” Travel & Lifestyle: North Macedonia is being marketed as an underrated, culturally rich summer destination as direct flights expand access.

EU Accession & Politics: EU leaders gathered for a Western Balkans summit in Montenegro, with António Costa pushing a faster, more credible enlargement path for Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro—while reforms and rule-of-law gaps remain the sticking point. North Macedonia EU Debate: In Skopje, opposition SDSM accused Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and VMRO-DPMNE of misleading citizens about EU accession conditions, citing Brussels statements on constitutional amendments. Language & Heritage: Ling launched a full Macedonian language course with native-speaker audio, aiming to serve diaspora learners, travelers, and digital nomads. Culture & Reading: Skopje hosts the first Albanian Book Fair (June 4–7) with 55 publishers and thousands of titles, turning Čair and Skanderbeg Square into a regional literary meeting point. Protest Culture: Albania’s “Flamingo Revolution” protests against a luxury coastal resort linked to Jared Kushner spread from Zvërnec to Tirana, with organizers planning demonstrations including in Skopje. Arts & Recognition: An international art symposium in Kumanovo honored Azerbaijani artist Asmar Narimanbayova with a “Golden Diploma.” Security & Community Impact: A court case in the U.S. spotlighted alleged Iran-linked plots, including an arson attack on a synagogue in North Macedonia.

Albanian “Flamingo Revolution”: Thousands in Tirana are protesting a luxury resort plan at Zvërnec, using flamingos as a symbol against a €1.4bn tourism project tied to the Trump circle and accused of threatening protected coastal wetlands and wildlife. Regional EU push: EU Council President António Costa says the Western Balkans summit in Tivat should prove enlargement is “real,” while the EU weighs ways to speed up accession for Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro. North Macedonia language access: Ling launched a full Macedonian course with native-speaker audio, aiming to serve diaspora learners, digital nomads and travelers. Skopje’s Albanian Book Fair: For the first time, Skopje hosts the Albanian Book Fair 2026 (June 4–7), bringing about 55 publishers and thousands of titles to Skanderbeg Square. Culture through music: “Sevdah on Dunav” in Linz celebrated Bosnian traditional sevdah as a bridge of languages and communities, with regional officials and citizens in attendance. Roma inclusion spotlight: A new focus on Roma employment and education gaps highlights how marginalized communities still miss out on labour programmes across the Western Balkans.

EU Accession Clash: North Macedonia’s opposition SDSM says PM Hristijan Mickoski is misleading citizens about the EU path, after EU Council President Antonio Costa and an EU Parliament progress report tied the start of accession talks to constitutional amendments. Language & Learning: Ling launched a full Macedonian language course worldwide, with native-speaker audio, aiming to serve diaspora learners, digital nomads, and travelers. EU Enlargement Push: EU leaders plan to speed up accession for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro at a summit in Tivat, with Costa stressing reforms and trust-building. Culture on the Ground: Skopje hosts the first Albanian Book Fair (June 4–7) with 55 publishers and thousands of titles, while Kumanovo’s international art symposium recognized Azerbaijani artist Asmar Narimanbayova. Folklore & Identity: Dance ensembles from Hungary, Greece, and North Macedonia will join the Kazanlak International Folklore Festival under a “cultural unity” motto. Community & Heritage: A sevdah gathering in Linz highlighted the music’s role in connecting cultures through dialogue and education.

Folklore & Cultural Unity: Dance ensembles from Hungary, Greece and North Macedonia will join the Kazanlak International Folklore Festival starting June 5 in Sevtopolis Square, with performances by groups including Ljupco Santov (Kocani) and the Ljupco Santov folk ensemble, plus Bulgaria’s UNESCO-recognized Iskra Folk Song and Dance Ensemble and student performers linked to Sofia’s Confucius Institute. Books & Language: Skopje hosts the Albanian Book Fair 2026 from June 4–7 at Skanderbeg Square, bringing about 55 publishers from North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania for exhibitions, launches and author-reader talks. Art Recognition: Azerbaijani painter Asmar Narimanbayova received a “Golden Diploma” at an international art symposium in Kumanovo, with works inspired by Balkan churches and monuments. Activism & Protest Culture: A campaign against Albania’s Zvërnec luxury development is set to expand with protests planned in Europe and North America, with organizers also announcing a June 6 wave including events in Milan, Florence, London, New York and Toronto, and continuing into the following week with Brussels, Bologna and Skopje. EU & Inclusion Watch: A Berlin Work Plan on employment and social policy explicitly names Roma alongside women, older workers and people with disabilities—aiming to move beyond symbolic participation.