AGP Executive Report

Wildfire & climate risk: New EU data show several European countries facing their worst wildfire season in more than a decade, while the Balkans—including North Macedonia—are currently below their historical wildfire median; at the same time, the WMO warns a strengthening super El Niño and shifting rainfall patterns for Aug–Oct 2026 could amplify extreme swings, meaning drought and fire risk may rise again. Public health & heat: The ECDC says longer, warmer summers are expanding the spread of infections across Europe, with growing concern for foodborne illness, mosquito- and tick-borne diseases; it also flags West Nile virus as cases rise, including reports tied to North Macedonia. Lake Ohrid protection: UNESCO kept the Lake Ohrid region off the Danger List, but experts warn serious environmental pressures remain; illegal construction, shoreline damage, weak wastewater management, and ecosystem protection gaps must be addressed under a new five-year deadline. Air quality pressure: Eurostat data rank Albania among Europe’s worst for premature deaths linked to PM2.5, underscoring how the Western Balkans still carry a heavy pollution burden that affects regional health, including in the wider area. Energy security context: A Reuters-style overview highlights Europe’s vulnerable energy situation heading into autumn-winter, with low gas storage and LNG competition—an indirect pressure that can worsen emissions and environmental impacts if energy prices spike. EU integration & environment governance: North Macedonia’s PM again rejected constitutional changes demanded for EU talks, a political uncertainty that can slow environmental and infrastructure reforms tied to EU accession. Conservation monitoring: IUCN reports technical advice for conservation of the Ohrid region as part of its reactive monitoring of World Heritage sites, keeping attention on biodiversity and ecosystem safeguards.

Wildfire & climate risk: New EU data show several European countries facing their worst wildfire year in more than a decade, while the Balkans (including North Macedonia) are still below their historical median—yet the World Meteorological Organization warns the pattern will intensify into autumn with a strengthening super El Niño and more extreme rainfall swings. Public health & heat: The ECDC warns longer, warmer summers are expanding the spread of infectious diseases across Europe, with North Macedonia among places reporting West Nile virus cases; WHO also flags rising West Nile activity as mosquitoes gain more time and territory. Lake Ohrid protection: UNESCO kept the Lake Ohrid region off the Danger List, but experts say serious environmental pressures remain; illegal construction, shoreline damage, weak wastewater management, and ecosystem protection gaps must be addressed within a new five-year deadline. Air pollution burden: Eurostat data rank Albania (and the region) among Europe’s worst for premature deaths linked to fine particulate matter, underscoring how regional pollution sources like heating, transport, and waste burning keep health at risk. EU & environment governance: North Macedonia’s PM again rejected constitutional changes tied to EU accession talks, while IUCN continues reactive monitoring advice for the Ohrid region’s natural heritage.

Lake Ohrid Watch: UNESCO kept the Lake Ohrid region off the World Heritage in Danger list, but warned that illegal construction, uncontrolled urban growth, shoreline damage, weak wastewater management, and ecosystem protection gaps still need urgent action, with a new five-year deadline for Albania and North Macedonia to deliver. Public Health & Heat: The ECDC says longer, warmer summers across Europe are raising the risk of multiple infections, including foodborne illness and mosquito- and tick-borne diseases, urging cross-border and cross-sector cooperation. West Nile Virus in the Region: WHO reports rising West Nile virus cases in Europe, with North Macedonia recording two locally acquired cases, as warmer conditions expand mosquito activity. Air Pollution Impacts: Eurostat data show Albania has high PM2.5-related premature deaths (and the Western Balkans remain the hardest hit), underlining the health stakes of fine particle pollution from heating, transport, industry, and waste burning. Local Environment Governance: North Macedonia’s PM says there will be no constitutional changes “in the form currently demanded,” signaling continued friction around EU accession conditions that can affect environmental policy timelines. Water & Climate Resilience: A report on Dinaric karst highlights how porous groundwater systems make water management inherently cross-border—and harder under climate-driven rainfall swings.

Lake Ohrid Watch: UNESCO kept the Ohrid Region off the “in danger” list, but North Macedonia and Albania still face serious environmental and urban pressures, with a five-year deadline to tackle illegal construction, shoreline damage, weak wastewater management, and ecosystem protection gaps. Public Health & Heat: The ECDC warns that longer, warmer summers across Europe are raising the risk of multiple infections, including foodborne illness and mosquito- and tick-borne diseases—conditions that also help West Nile virus spread. West Nile in the Region: WHO reports rising West Nile virus cases in Europe, including locally acquired infections in North Macedonia, alongside Greece, Romania and others—no vaccine and limited treatment make prevention key. Air Pollution Toll: Eurostat data show Albania has high premature deaths linked to PM2.5, underscoring how the Western Balkans still carry a heavy air-quality health burden that also affects North Macedonia. EU Process Pressure: North Macedonia’s PM says there will be no constitutional changes “in the form currently demanded,” keeping EU accession talks politically tense—while conservation deadlines for Ohrid continue to mount. Water & Karst Reality: A report highlights how Dinaric karst makes water systems porous and unpredictable, pushing the need for cross-border water management as climate shifts rainfall patterns.

Lake Ohrid Protection: UNESCO has extended the Ohrid Region’s World Heritage status by postponing the “in Danger” listing, giving North Macedonia and Albania until 2030 to implement protection measures—while experts stress illegal construction, shoreline damage, weak wastewater management, and urban pressure are still serious. Public Health & Climate: The ECDC warns that longer, warmer summers across Europe are raising the risk of infectious diseases, including mosquito-borne threats; West Nile virus cases are climbing, with reports noting local transmission in North Macedonia. Air Pollution Impacts: Eurostat data show Albania has high PM2.5-related premature deaths, underscoring how the Western Balkans still carry a heavy air-quality health burden—relevant for regional policy and monitoring. Water & Ecosystems: Research highlights how karst water systems in the Dinaric region are highly “porous” and unpredictable, with climate-driven rainfall shifts complicating cross-border water management—an issue that directly affects shared basins around North Macedonia. EU Environment Governance: North Macedonia’s government again signals it won’t make demanded constitutional changes for EU talks, potentially affecting the pace of reforms tied to environmental protection and enforcement. Local Sustainability Tech: Nayax launched its cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, expanding card acceptance for unattended services like vending, parking, and EV charging—small, but part of the shift toward more efficient urban services.

Cashless push in North Macedonia: Israeli fintech Nayax has launched its full cashless payment suite in the country, letting merchants accept in-person debit and credit card payments via its commerce platform—especially for unattended businesses like vending, laundromats, EV charging, parking and self-service kiosks. Heat and health risks: Europe’s longer, warmer summers are driving higher infectious disease threats, with the EU health agency (ECDC) warning about foodborne illnesses and mosquito- and tick-borne infections; in North Macedonia, West Nile virus has recorded locally acquired cases as WHO urges prevention steps like repellents and removing stagnant water. Lake Ohrid protection buys time: UNESCO has avoided placing the Ohrid region on the Danger List again, but North Macedonia and Albania still face serious environmental pressures, including illegal construction, wastewater gaps and shoreline damage, with a five-year implementation window. Air pollution burden: Eurostat data show Albania ranks fourth in Europe for air pollution-related premature deaths from PM2.5—highlighting how the Western Balkans continue to carry a heavy public health load. EU integration pressure point: North Macedonia’s PM says there will be no constitutional changes “in the form currently demanded,” keeping EU accession talks tied up while reforms continue.

Critical Minerals & Security: A new push to secure “critical minerals” is being hardwired into bilateral trade deals, with national security and military dominance driving the agenda more than the green transition. Heat & Disease Risk: Europe’s longer, warmer summers are raising the odds of infectious diseases, with the ECDC urging cross-border cooperation and warning about foodborne illness and mosquito- and tick-borne threats. West Nile Virus in the Region: WHO reports rising West Nile virus cases across Europe, including locally acquired infections in North Macedonia, and stresses prevention steps like repellents and removing stagnant water. Lake Ohrid Watch: UNESCO has avoided placing the Ohrid region on the Danger List, but experts say illegal construction, wastewater gaps, and shoreline damage still threaten the lake’s biodiversity—countries now have a five-year implementation window. Air Pollution Health: Eurostat data show Albania ranks among Europe’s worst for premature deaths linked to PM2.5, highlighting the wider Western Balkans air-quality burden that also affects North Macedonia. EU Integration Pressure: North Macedonia’s PM repeats refusal to carry out constitutional changes demanded for EU talks, keeping the accession process politically tense. Summer Stargazing: Late July is prime for meteor watching, with the Southern Delta Aquariids peaking around July 30–31 and Perseids already active.

Heat & extreme weather: A southern Europe heatwave is driving wildfire risk and disruption, with Spain reporting record temperatures and major blazes (including ~32,000 hectares burned near Guadalajara) and France battling multiple fires; in the Balkans, Skopje saw storm damage with power and water outages, while Kosovo warned of further storms and lightning. Public health: West Nile virus is spreading as warmer conditions extend mosquito season; WHO and European health agencies report rising cases across Europe, including locally acquired infections in North Macedonia, alongside guidance on repellents, screens, and removing stagnant water. Lake Ohrid protection: UNESCO has avoided placing the Ohrid region on the Danger List, but North Macedonia and Albania still face serious environmental pressures—illegal construction, shoreline damage, and wastewater gaps—with a new five-year implementation deadline. Air quality: Eurostat data show Albania ranks among Europe’s worst for air pollution-related premature deaths from fine particles, underscoring the wider Western Balkans health burden that also affects North Macedonia. EU environment governance: IUCN provided technical advice on conservation status for more than 50 World Heritage sites, including the Ohrid region, as monitoring continues. Border infrastructure (environmental procedures): Bulgaria’s Klepalo border crossing with North Macedonia is moving toward construction, with environmental procedures approved and completion expected by 2029.

Lake Ohrid Watch: UNESCO kept the Ohrid Region off the World Heritage in Danger list, but warned that illegal construction, uncontrolled urban growth, shoreline damage, weak wastewater management, and ecosystem protection gaps still threaten the lake—giving North Macedonia and Albania a five-year deadline to act. Heat & Storm Impacts: A southern Europe heatwave and extreme weather hit the Balkans too; in Skopje, a Tuesday storm felled trees, damaged roofs, and caused power outages, sending 11 people to hospital. West Nile Virus Spread: WHO and European health agencies report rising West Nile activity as warmer conditions extend mosquito season; North Macedonia recorded locally acquired cases, alongside increases in Greece, Italy, Spain, and Romania. Air Pollution Health Burden: Eurostat data show Albania has high PM2.5-related premature deaths, underscoring how fine-particle pollution remains a major public health issue across the Western Balkans. EU Environment Governance: IUCN provided technical advice on conservation for dozens of World Heritage sites, including the Ohrid Region, highlighting ongoing pressure on natural and freshwater ecosystems. Border Infrastructure (Environment Angle): Bulgaria–North Macedonia’s Klepalo border crossing is moving toward construction (aiming for completion by 2029), with environmental procedures approved—an infrastructure step that will also shape regional land use and connectivity.

Lake Ohrid Protection: UNESCO has again avoided placing the Ohrid region on the World Heritage in Danger list, but it still warns of serious environmental and urban pressures. The committee gave North Macedonia and Albania a five-year deadline to act on illegal construction, uncontrolled development, shoreline damage, weak wastewater management, and insufficient ecosystem protection. Climate-Linked Extremes: Southern Europe’s heatwave and wildfire crisis is spilling into the Balkans, where conditions are shifting from extreme heat to damaging storms and hail. In North Macedonia, a storm in Skopje left people injured and caused power and water outages. West Nile Virus Watch: WHO and European health agencies report rising West Nile virus activity across Europe, driven by warmer temperatures and longer summers; North Macedonia has recorded locally acquired cases, with no licensed human vaccine and treatment focused on supportive care. Air Pollution Health: Eurostat data show Albania among Europe’s worst for PM2.5-related premature deaths, underscoring the wider regional public-health burden from fine particle pollution. Conservation Expertise: IUCN provided technical advice on the conservation status of more than 50 natural World Heritage sites, including the Ohrid Region. EU Files & Governance: North Macedonia’s PM says there will be no constitutional changes “in the form currently demanded,” keeping EU accession conditions politically contested.

UNESCO & Lake Ohrid: The Ohrid region has avoided being put on UNESCO’s World Heritage in Danger list, but UNESCO says serious environmental and urban pressures remain and has given Albania and North Macedonia a five-year deadline to act. Key risks include illegal construction, uncontrolled development, shoreline damage, weak wastewater management, and insufficient ecosystem protection—while experts warn the extension is not a “clean bill of health.” Climate extremes & wildfire risk: Southern Europe is still in the grip of extreme heat and wildfire danger, with Spain’s Guadalajara blaze burning about 32,000 hectares and France reporting deadly fires; scientists link worsening heatwaves, droughts, and fires to human-driven climate change. Storm impacts in the Balkans: After heat, the region swung to destructive storms—North Macedonia saw strong winds, damage to infrastructure, and injuries, while Albania reported at least one death and major crop losses. West Nile virus rising: WHO and European health agencies warn that warmer conditions are expanding West Nile virus transmission; Greece has reported a sharp rise, and North Macedonia has recorded locally acquired cases. Air pollution health: Eurostat data ranks Albania among Europe’s worst for PM2.5-related premature deaths, underscoring ongoing public health pressure across the Western Balkans. Cross-border infrastructure (environmental angle): Bulgaria’s Klepalo border crossing with North Macedonia is set to be completed by 2029 after environmental procedures were approved, with €11 million allocated for the project and access road.

Heat & wildfire risk: Europe is in a brutal summer pattern, with Spain and France still warning of very high wildfire danger after major blazes (Spain’s Guadalajara fire has burned about 32,000 hectares and forced evacuations). Extreme weather hits the Balkans: After weeks of heat, the region swung to storms and hail—North Macedonia saw damaging winds (up to 134 km/h), with vehicles, trees, and public buildings affected. Public health—West Nile virus: WHO and European health agencies report rising West Nile cases across Europe; Greece has seen a sharp increase, and North Macedonia has recorded locally acquired cases. Water safety crisis in Gostivar: Prosecutors opened an investigation into drinking-water contamination tied to a local stomach illness outbreak, with suspects linked to testing pumps that allegedly allowed coliform bacteria into the supply. Conservation & heritage: North Macedonia received a UNESCO extension to prevent Ohrid Region from being listed as endangered, with a deadline to 2030 for implementing protection measures. EU process & governance: PM Mickoski again said there will be no constitutional changes “in the form currently demanded,” framing it as necessary for a sustainable path to EU membership. Cross-border infrastructure: Bulgaria–North Macedonia’s Klepalo border crossing is expected to be completed by 2029 after environmental procedures were approved. Local economy context: The central bank kept North Macedonia’s key interest rate unchanged at 4.25% as inflation cools, while warning about energy and geopolitical risks.

Air Quality Watch: Eurostat data for 2023 shows Albania recorded 129 premature deaths per 100,000 people linked to PM2.5 exposure—4th-highest in Europe and more than triple the EU average—driven by residential heating, road transport, industry, low-quality fuels and waste burning, underscoring the Western Balkans’ ongoing public-health burden. Climate Extremes in the Region: A severe heatwave and wildfire conditions across southern Europe are now shifting into more volatile weather, with hailstorms and damaging storms reported in the Balkans; in North Macedonia, a storm in Skopje left 11 hospitalized after trees fell, roofs were damaged, and power outages hit. Public Health & Mosquito Risk: West Nile virus is spreading in Greece, with new locally acquired cases rising in the Athens area; WHO Europe urges prevention steps like repellent use and removing stagnant water, as the season peaks July–September. Water Safety Crisis: In Gostivar, North Macedonia’s prosecution opened an investigation into drinking-water contamination after a stomach illness outbreak, alleging harmful substances and coliform contamination entered the water system. Ohrid Protection Deadline: UNESCO postponed the Ohrid Region’s “in danger” listing, giving North Macedonia until 2030 to implement recommendations, including addressing illegal construction and overdue urban planning. Cross-Border Infrastructure: Environmental procedures are approved for the Klepalo border crossing (Bulgaria–North Macedonia), with construction expected to start after permits and finish by 2029.

UNESCO Protection: North Macedonia won a major reprieve for the Ohrid Region as the UNESCO World Heritage Committee postponed any “in danger” listing, giving the country until 2030 to carry out protection recommendations, with a new progress report due in early 2027 and a focus on tackling illegal construction and weak urban planning. Climate & Wildfire Shockwave: Europe’s heat-driven wildfire crisis kept escalating, with Spain and France battling major blazes and emergency warnings as extreme temperatures and dry conditions fuel new fire risk. Balkan Extreme Weather: After heatwaves, violent storms hit the region—Skopje reported severe wind damage (trees down, vehicles damaged, power and water disruptions), while Albania saw at least one death and Bosnia reported major crop losses. Public Health & Mosquito Risk: West Nile virus is spreading in parts of Europe, with Greece reporting rising cases and WHO urging prevention steps like repellent use and removing stagnant water—relevant for North Macedonia as cases are also reported in the region. Water Safety Probe (Gostivar): North Macedonia’s prosecution opened an investigation into drinking-water contamination in Gostivar after a local stomach illness outbreak, including alleged harmful testing practices that led to coliform contamination entering the water system. Mining Opposition: Environmental groups renewed pressure against the Ilovica–Shtuka mines, asking the government to cancel concessions permanently over fears of long-term soil, air, and water pollution. Cross-Border Infrastructure: Bulgaria and North Macedonia advanced plans for the Klepalo border crossing, with environmental procedures approved and construction expected to start after permits, targeting completion by 2029.

Wildfire & heatwave crisis: Spain and France remain in the grip of extreme heat as firefighters battle major wildfires, with Spain’s Guadalajara blaze burning about 32,000 hectares and France mourning two firefighters killed in Gironde; officials warn wildfire danger stays very high as drought and heat fuel new outbreaks. Storm impacts in the Balkans: After weeks of heat, violent storms brought hail and damaging winds across the region, including North Macedonia’s Skopje (up to 134 km/h gusts, widespread tree and vehicle damage) and injuries reported in North Macedonia and eastern Kosovo, while Albania saw at least one death and crop damage. Public health risk from mosquitoes: West Nile virus is spreading in Greece, with new locally acquired cases rising in the Athens area and health agencies urging prevention steps like repellents, screens, nets, and removing stagnant water. Ohrid protection buys time: North Macedonia received a UNESCO extension to prevent the Ohrid Region from being added to the World Heritage List in Danger, with deadlines through 2030 and further progress reporting. Water contamination probe in Gostivar: North Macedonia’s prosecution opened an investigation into drinking water contamination in Gostivar after an outbreak, alleging harmful substances and coliform bacteria entered the water system via improperly used pumps. Local environmental pushback on mining: Environmental groups in the Strumica Valley region renewed opposition to the Ilovica–Shtuka mines, calling for cancellation of concessions over fears for soil, air, and water pollution. Cross-border infrastructure with environmental approvals: Bulgaria–North Macedonia’s Klepalo border crossing is set to be completed by 2029 after environmental procedures were approved, with €11 million allocated for the project and connecting road works.

UNESCO & Ohrid Protection: North Macedonia has secured a UNESCO extension until 2030 to prevent the Ohrid Region being added to the World Heritage List in Danger, with a required implementation timeline and a new progress report due by early February 2027. Public Health & Water Safety: In Gostivar, prosecutors opened an investigation into alleged drinking-water contamination after an outbreak of stomach illness; more than 3,100 people sought medical help, and tests reportedly found coliform bacteria nearly 50 times above the allowed limit. Heat, Wildfires & Extreme Weather: Southern Europe’s heatwave continues to drive major wildfires in Spain and France, while the Balkans swing to hailstorms and flash flooding; in North Macedonia, a storm hit Skopje with powerful winds, damaging vehicles, trees, and public buildings. West Nile Virus Watch: West Nile virus is spreading in Greece and has been reported across Europe including North Macedonia, prompting WHO Europe prevention advice focused on mosquito control and reducing standing water. Cross-Border Infrastructure: Bulgaria–North Macedonia’s Klepalo border crossing is moving forward after environmental procedures were approved, with construction expected to be completed by 2029. Mining Opposition: Environmental groups in the Strumica Valley are pushing for permanent cancellation of the Ilovica–Shtuka mining concessions, warning of pollution risks to soil, air, and water.