AGP Executive Report

Travel & Local Culture: Budget travelers are eyeing Europe’s “hidden gems,” and Skopje makes the list: hoppa’s value ranking puts the Macedonian capital among the cheapest for 3-star stays, at about £42.01 a night, alongside Tirana at £41.72—good news for anyone planning a culture-filled summer on a tighter budget. Heritage in Focus: An international cultural heritage protection week in China highlighted global efforts to preserve ancient sites, with diplomats including North Macedonia in attendance and Shanxi’s protected historical treasures showcased through music and performances. Film & Regional Spotlight: Ohrid hosted the 9th Beach Film Festival, where the Czech/Slovak co-production Broken Voices / Sbormistr won the Large Wave Award for Best Film, while Macedonian student film Tilting at Windmills took the Small Wave – Student Award. Roma History & Memory: Across Europe, August 2 marks the European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, recalling the Nazi genocide of Roma and Sinti and how remembrance has grown over decades. Church & Politics: Macedonian Orthodox Church non-recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is again linked by civic voices to Russian influence, with claims that Russian-backed narratives are actively promoted in North Macedonia.

Film & Culture in Ohrid: The 9th Beach Film Festival in Ohrid wrapped up with Czech/Slovak co-production Broken Voices / Sbormistr winning the Large Wave Award for Best Film, while Estonian short On Weary Wings Go By took the Small Wave and Macedonian student Tilting at Windmills won the Student prize. Roma History & Memory: A look at how Europe commemorates the Roma Holocaust, including Germany’s long path to official remembrance for the genocide of Roma and Sinti. Local Arts Spotlight: Austrian-German film Gipsy Queen—starring Roma activist Alina Șerban—continues to draw attention for its story of a Roma mother rebuilding her life in Germany. Heritage Watch in the Region: Lake Ohrid narrowly avoided UNESCO’s Danger List, but experts warn illegal construction, wastewater problems, and shoreline damage still threaten the site. Culture, Identity & Faith: A reflection on Balkan pilgrimage traditions where Muslims and Christians share shrines and healing springs under different names. World Nomad Games: North Macedonia is set to join the 6th World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, bringing new cultural visibility alongside sports and community events.

Roma Holocaust Commemoration: Germany and Europe mark Aug. 2 as the European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, recalling the 1944 “Gypsy Family Camp” liquidation at Auschwitz-Birkenau and the long fight for official remembrance. Film & Identity: “Gipsy Queen,” an Austrian-German-Romanian co-production starring Roma actress Alina Șerban, follows a Roma mother rebuilding her life in Germany—film as cultural activism. Local Cinema Spotlight: Ohrid’s Beach Film Festival (July 22–26) crowned “Broken Voices / Sbormistr” (Czech/Slovak) and honored Macedonian student work “Tilting at Windmills.” Heritage Under Pressure: Lake Ohrid narrowly avoids UNESCO’s Danger List, but experts warn illegal construction, wastewater problems, and shoreline damage still threaten the ecosystem. Culture & Community Events: Bosilegrad hosts the International Folk Festival “Horo Se Vie” (through Aug. 2) with ensembles from North Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Montenegro. Regional Education & Mobility: The UK confirms return to Erasmus+ from 2027, reopening funded exchanges for students, youth workers, and educators across Europe. Sports Culture: The 6th World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan (Aug. 31–Sept. 6) will bring 3,000 athletes from 113 countries, with North Macedonia among first-time participants.

Roma Holocaust Remembrance: Germany and Europe mark August 2 as the European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, recalling the 1944 “Gypsy Family Camp” liquidation at Auschwitz-Birkenau and urging renewed awareness against Antiziganism. Film & Identity: “Gipsy Queen,” an Austrian-German co-production starring Romanian Roma actress Alina Șerban, brings a Roma mother’s fight for her children to Romanian cinemas, blending social theater, film, and cultural activism. Ohrid on Screen: Ohrid hosted the Beach Film Festival (July 22–26), where Czech/Slovak coproduction “Broken Voices / Sbormistr” won Best Film, while Macedonian student “Tilting at Windmills” took the Student Award. Western Balkans Culture & Heritage: Lake Ohrid narrowly avoided UNESCO’s Danger List, but experts warn illegal construction, wastewater problems, and shoreline damage still threaten the ecosystem. Education & Exchange: The UK confirmed it will rejoin Erasmus+ from 2027, reopening funded opportunities for students, teachers, youth workers, and sports organizations across Europe. Sports Diplomacy: The 6th World Nomad Games (Aug 31–Sep 6, Kyrgyzstan) will feature 3,000 athletes from 113 countries, with North Macedonia among new participants. Community & Inclusion: A new analysis of the EU’s trans survey highlights discrimination and mental health strain across EU and partner countries, including North Macedonia.

Film & Identity: “Gipsy Queen,” an Austrian-German co-production starring Romanian Roma actress Alina Șerban, spotlights Roma identity and courage as it follows a woman rebuilding her life after leaving Romania for Germany. Ohrid on Screen: The 9th Beach Film Festival in Ohrid crowned Czech/Slovak “Broken Voices / Sbormistr” with the Large Wave Award for Best Film, while Macedonian student “Tilting at Windmills” won the Small Wave – Student Award. Culture & Community: The first International Folk Festival “Horo Se Vie” opened in Bosilegrad with a parade and mass horo dance, bringing together folk ensembles from Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Montenegro. Arts Loss: Skopje’s Drama Theatre mourns beloved actor Goce Todorovski, remembered for comedy roles and TV staples like “Macedonian Folk Tales” and “Scruffy Alphabet.” Heritage Watch: Lake Ohrid narrowly avoided UNESCO’s Danger List, but experts warn illegal construction, wastewater problems and shoreline damage still threaten the ecosystem. Faith & Influence: Civic activists say Russian influence in North Macedonia works through localized narratives and also affects the Macedonian Orthodox Church’s stance toward Ukraine’s Orthodox Church. Sports Culture: The 6th World Nomad Games will bring 3,000 athletes from 113 countries to Kyrgyzstan, with North Macedonia among new participants.

Ohrid Film Scene: The 9th Beach Film Festival in Ohrid wrapped up with Czech/Slovak coproduction Broken Voices / Sbormistr (directed by Ondřej Provazník) winning the Large Wave Award, while Estonian short On Weary Wings Go By took the Small Wave Award and Macedonian student film Tilting at Windmills (Borjan Gagovski) won the Small Wave – Student Award, with 54 films screened across four Ohrid locations and support from the North Macedonia Film Agency and the Municipality of Ohrid. Cultural Heritage Watch: Lake Ohrid avoided UNESCO’s Danger List again, but experts warn the environmental and urban pressures are still serious, with Albania and North Macedonia given five years to implement measures on illegal construction, wastewater management, and shoreline protection. Arts & Memory: North Macedonia mourns beloved actor Goce Todorovski (75), known for comedy on stage and screen, including the cult TV series Macedonian Folk Tales and children’s education show Scruffy Alphabet. Sports Culture: The 6th World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan (Aug 31–Sep 6) will feature 3,000 athletes from 113 countries and, for the first time, North Macedonia among the participating nations, alongside new disciplines and cultural events. Identity & Faith Politics: A civic activist warns that Russian influence in North Macedonia works through localized narratives and also points to the Macedonian Orthodox Church’s refusal to recognize the Orthodox Church of Ukraine as a sign of Russian sway.

New Skopje Cultural Leadership: Sedat Sulejmani has been appointed North Macedonia’s new Minister of Culture and Tourism, taking over from Zoran Ljutkov after the July reshuffle. He previously served as deputy minister and has a background in sociology, theology studies, radio work, NGO activity, and folklore. Ohrid Heritage Relief, Real Work Ahead: UNESCO has postponed placing the Ohrid Region on the World Heritage in Danger list, giving North Macedonia until 2030 to carry out recommendations. The government says diplomacy bought time, but implementation is now the priority, including tackling illegal construction and overdue urban planning. Culture, Community, and Folk Traditions: The International Folk Festival Horo Se Vie opened in Bosilegrad (July 27) with ensembles from Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Montenegro, featuring a town parade and mass horo dancing through August 2. Faith and Shared Sacred Space: A reflection on Balkan pilgrimage highlights how Muslims and Christians have long prayed at the same shrines under different names, focusing on shared hope rather than theology. Media and Influence Watch: Macedonian civic voices warn that Russian influence in North Macedonia adapts local Serbian narratives, and that Russian pressure is linked to the Macedonian Orthodox Church’s stance toward recognizing the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Global Culture Politics: In the UK, a coalition is urging the culture secretary to intervene in the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger over fears of reduced media plurality. Arts Loss: Actor Goce Todorovski has died at 75; the Drama Theatre in Skopje and his family confirmed his passing, remembering him for comedy and beloved TV roles based on Macedonian folklore.

North Macedonia Culture & Tourism: Sedat Sulejmani has been appointed the new Minister of Culture and Tourism, taking over from Zoran Ljutkov after the July reshuffle, with a background spanning municipal work in Tetovo, media, and folklore. UNESCO Watch: Ohrid’s World Heritage status is safe for now: UNESCO postponed the “in danger” listing and gave North Macedonia until 2030 to carry out protection measures, with a new progress report due in early 2027—while experts warn illegal construction and weak enforcement remain serious. Representation & Education: A new Law on Fair and Adequate Representation is sparking debate over whether it will be enforced, as opposition parties say key details will be left to future “political measures,” leaving universities and students exposed to the current ranking system. Folk Culture: The International Folk Festival Horo Se Vie opened in Bosilegrad with a parade and mass horo dance, bringing together ensembles from Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Montenegro through August 2. Arts & Memory: North Macedonia mourns beloved actor Goce Todorovski, known for comedy and for TV hits like Macedonian Folk Tales and Scruffy Alphabet.

Culture & Heritage: North Macedonia’s Ohrid Region narrowly avoids UNESCO’s “in danger” listing, buying time until 2030 to implement protection measures, while experts warn illegal construction and weak wastewater and urban planning still threaten the lake’s ecosystem. Arts & Community: Skopje mourns beloved actor Goce Todorovski (75), famed for comedy and TV classics like “Macedonian Folk Tales” and “Scruffy Alphabet,” after a long career at the Drama Theatre. Local Culture Policy: Sedat Sulejmani takes over as North Macedonia’s new Minister of Culture and Tourism, replacing Zoran Ljutkov, after serving as deputy minister and working in Tetovo and media. Regional Culture Exchange: The International Folk Festival “Horo Se Vie” opens in Bosilegrad, bringing ensembles from Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Montenegro for mass horo dancing through August 2. Women’s Rights & Health: Serbian feminists react to Montenegro’s new paid menstrual leave law, praising the progress while noting the region still has work to do. Sports Governance: Elena Mickovska of North Macedonia is named to the International School Sports Federation’s Management Committee for 2026–2030, alongside Africa’s Olabisi Joseph. EU & Inclusion: A major EU-wide trans survey analysis includes North Macedonia, highlighting discrimination, harassment, and wellbeing challenges.

North Macedonia Culture & Tourism: Sedat Sulejmani has been appointed the new Minister of Culture and Tourism, taking over from Zoran Ljutkov after the government reshuffle, with a background in sociology, theology studies, local cultural work, and media. UNESCO & Heritage: The Ohrid Region has avoided being placed on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger, but North Macedonia and Albania now have until 2030 to carry out recommended protections, with UNESCO warning that illegal construction, uncontrolled development, wastewater problems, and ecosystem risks still need real action. Folk Culture: The first International Folk Festival “Horo Se Vie” opened in Bosilegrad, running until August 2, bringing together ensembles from Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Montenegro for parades, mass horo dancing, and stage performances. International Culture & Education: Kazakhstan’s interfaith conference in Skopje, supported by North Macedonia’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, highlighted the Astana Forum and the Astana Declaration of Peace-2025 as a model for dialogue. Arts & Memory: Skopje’s Drama Theatre mourns beloved actor Goce Todorovski, known for comedy and for TV staples like “Macedonian Folk Tales” and “Scruffy Alphabet.” Sports Governance: Elena Mickovska of North Macedonia was selected to serve on the International School Sports Federation’s Management Committee for 2026–2030.

North Macedonia Culture & Heritage: UNESCO has postponed placing the Ohrid Region on the World Heritage in Danger list, giving North Macedonia and Albania until 2030 to implement protection measures, with a new progress report due in early 2027—yet experts warn illegal construction, uncontrolled urban growth, shoreline damage, and wastewater problems still need urgent action. Arts & Community: Skopje mourns beloved actor Goce Todorovski (75), known for comedy and for generations of viewers through “Macedonian Folk Tales,” “Scruffy Alphabet,” and the satirical radio show “Hihiriku.” Local Governance & Culture: Sedat Sulejmani has been appointed North Macedonia’s new Minister of Culture and Tourism, taking over from Zoran Ljutkov after the government reshuffle. Regional Culture Exchange: The first International Folk Festival “Horo Se Vie” opened in Bosilegrad, bringing together folk ensembles from Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Montenegro through Aug. 2. International Mobility for Youth: The UK confirmed it will rejoin Erasmus+ from 2027, funding students, apprentices, teachers, youth workers, and sports organisations for placements and partnerships across Europe. Global Spotlight on Inclusion: A major EU-wide survey analysis of trans people highlights discrimination and mental health pressures across EU countries including North Macedonia.

UNESCO & Ohrid: The Lake Ohrid region has avoided being added to UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger, but experts warn illegal construction, uncontrolled urban growth, shoreline damage, weak wastewater management, and ecosystem protection gaps still need urgent action, with a five-year deadline for reforms. Culture & Memory: North Macedonia mourns beloved actor Goce Todorovski, a longtime Drama Theatre performer and familiar TV face from Macedonian Folk Tales and Scruffy Alphabet. Heritage Discovery: Archaeologists report a rare Hellenistic ritual complex at Gradište, including a pithos linked to a female deity (likely Demeter) and evidence of elite sacred feasting and long-distance trade. Arts & Diplomacy: India’s President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a Mahatma Gandhi bust in Skopje, spotlighting truth and non-violence as a shared cultural message. Local Culture Exchange: China’s ambassador Jiang Xiaoyan joined events across North Macedonia, including the Ilinden Days “Ilinden Days” folk festival in Bitola and visits to multiple municipalities. Sports Governance: North Macedonia’s Elena Mickovska joins the International School Sports Federation management structure, alongside new Africa representation. Trans Rights: A major EU survey analysis on trans people includes findings relevant to Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia, focusing on discrimination, wellbeing, and safety. Culture Calendar: The Cultural Survival Bazaar returns Aug 1–2 in Providence, celebrating Indigenous art, music, food, and hands-on craft experiences.

North Macedonia Culture & Tourism: Sedat Sulejmani has been appointed the new Minister of Culture and Tourism, taking over from Zoran Ljutkov after the government reshuffle. UNESCO & Heritage: Skopje secured an extension to prevent the Ohrid Region from being listed as World Heritage in Danger, with a 2030 deadline for implementing UNESCO recommendations. Arts & Memory: Beloved actor Goce Todorovski has died at 75; he was a fixture of Macedonian comedy and TV, including “Macedonian Folk Tales” and “Scruffy Alphabet.” Culture Diplomacy: President Droupadi Murmu and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova unveiled a Mahatma Gandhi bust in Skopje and visited the Mother Teresa Memorial House, underscoring people-to-people ties. Archaeology: Rare Hellenistic ritual finds at Gradište point to elite religious practice and long-distance trade in the 4th–3rd centuries BC. International Culture & Sport: North Macedonia’s Elena Mickovska joins the International School Sports Federation management structure, while the Sarajevo Film Festival revealed competition lineups with major regional premieres.

Culture Loss: North Macedonia mourns beloved actor Goce Todorovski, a Skopje Drama Theatre mainstay whose comedy and TV roles—from “Macedonian Folk Tales” to “Scruffy Alphabet” and radio satire—made him a household name. Arts & Heritage: UNESCO has granted North Macedonia an extension to prevent the Ohrid Region from being listed as World Heritage in Danger, giving the country until 2030 to meet protection recommendations. Government & Culture: Sedat Sulejmani has been appointed North Macedonia’s new Minister of Culture and Tourism, taking over after Zoran Ljutkov in the latest reshuffle. Diplomacy Through Culture: During Indian President Droupadi Murmu’s visit, she and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of the City of Skopje, framing it as a symbol of peace and friendship. Archaeology: A rare Hellenistic ritual complex has been discovered at Gradište, with finds linked to elite religious practice and long-distance trade. Film Scene: Sarajevo Film Festival revealed its competition lineups, with North Macedonia’s Sara Klimoska joining the feature film jury alongside Emily Watson and others. Community & Faith: A conference in Skopje brought together religious leaders and officials, highlighting interfaith dialogue and harmony with support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

North Macedonia Culture & Tourism: Sedat Sulejmani was appointed the new Minister of Culture and Tourism, taking over from Zoran Ljutkov after the government reshuffle, with a background that includes work as a folklorist and media editor. UNESCO & Heritage: North Macedonia secured an extension from UNESCO to keep the Ohrid Region off the “World Heritage in Danger” list, with a deadline until 2030 and new reporting milestones aimed at tackling illegal construction and overdue urban planning. State Visit, Culture Diplomacy: Indian President Droupadi Murmu and North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of the City of Skopje, framing it as a symbol of peace and friendship, following a visit to the Mother Teresa Memorial House. Cinema & Creative Exchange: During Murmu’s Skopje visit, India-North Macedonia talks highlighted Tamil films as a tool for tourism and people-to-people ties, and North Macedonia was invited to join India’s WAVES media and entertainment summit. Arts in the Spotlight: Actor Goce Todorovski, a beloved stage and screen comedy figure and star of “Macedonian Folk Tales,” died at 75, leaving a major imprint on Macedonian cultural life.

Culture & Diplomacy: India’s President Droupadi Murmu, alongside North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, unveiled a Mahatma Gandhi bust at the Museum of the City of Skopje, framing it as a symbol of friendship and peace for young visitors. Heritage Protection: UNESCO postponed the Ohrid Region’s “in danger” listing, giving North Macedonia until 2030 to meet protection recommendations, with a new progress report due in early 2027. Arts & Film: The Sarajevo Film Festival revealed its competition lineups, including 21 world premieres, and named Emily Watson (with Sara Klimoska, Igor Bezinović, Matthijs Wouter Knol and Athina Rachel Tsangari) as jury president for the feature film competition. Local Culture Events: China’s ambassador Jiang Xiaoyan joined cultural programming in Bitola for “Ilinden Days,” and attended municipal visits plus festival openings, highlighting sister-city ties with Ningbo. Archaeology: A rare Hellenistic ritual complex was discovered at Gradište, with finds linked to elite religious practice and long-distance trade. Arts Administration: North Macedonia appointed Sedat Sulejmani as the new Minister of Culture and Tourism.