AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat Watch: WHO warns Europe may face more deadly weeks as Portugal and southern Spain could hit 43°C, with additional heat waves expected across France and the Benelux, and gaps in national heat-health plans leaving vulnerable groups exposed. Climate & Health Preparedness: The WHO notes uneven readiness across countries, including limited cooling facilities, weaker outreach to homeless people and older adults, and delays in formally declaring heatwaves. Local Sustainability Diplomacy (North Macedonia): Qatar joined a sustainability forum in Skopje focused on turning sustainability into a competitive advantage and strengthening resilient institutions amid global uncertainty. EU Standards Gap (Region): A new analysis says Western Balkans countries are moving toward EU rules, but catching up on environment and infrastructure could take decades—while North Macedonia is cited as closer on governance, healthcare and digitalization. Water Stress Data: A global map highlights severe water stress worldwide, with freshwater withdrawals far exceeding renewable supply in multiple countries—an urgent reminder for climate-linked water planning. Cross-border Green Investment: Bulgaria will invest EUR 14 mln in Interreg IPA projects along its borders with Serbia and North Macedonia to support business, municipalities and the non-governmental sector. Transport & Emissions (Regional): New hybrid intercity trains are set to run on Greece’s Athens–Thessaloniki corridor, traveling via Slovenia, Serbia and North Macedonia, aiming for a reduced environmental footprint.

Extreme Heat & Health Preparedness: WHO warns more deadly weeks may hit Europe as heat-health plans lag, with France reporting a sharp rise in deaths after record heatwaves. Flooding & Water Management: A severe storm flooded Skopje streets on July 1, overwhelming drainage and trapping traffic; officials discuss rainwater drainage and recycling limits, including concerns about water pollution. Climate Risk in the Region: A new Global Investment Risk and Resilience Index ranks Serbia 54th out of 102, factoring climate adaptation alongside economic and political resilience. Biodiversity & Wildlife Crime: An eastern imperial eagle, Feliks, returned to Serbia after being poached and trafficked across the region, highlighting ongoing illegal wildlife trade risks. Sustainability Diplomacy in Skopje: Qatar joined a sustainability forum in North Macedonia focused on turning sustainability into a competitive advantage and strengthening resilient institutions. Cross-Border Green Development Funding: EUR 14 million is set for Bulgaria–Serbia and Bulgaria–North Macedonia projects under Interreg IPA to support business, municipalities, and the non-governmental sector. EV Push (Regional Context): Cyprus targets 85,000 electric vehicles by 2030, but adoption remains low—useful context for regional transport decarbonization.

Extreme Heat Health Warning: WHO warns “more deadly weeks” may hit Europe again as Portugal and southern Spain forecast up to 43C, with France reporting a sharp rise in heat-related deaths and gaps in national heat-health action plans. Climate-Linked Flooding in Skopje: A severe summer storm on July 1 flooded key Skopje roads, overwhelmed drainage systems, and trapped commuters in traffic chaos. Biodiversity Under Pressure (Regional): Albania’s “Flamingo Revolution” protests a major coastal tourism push near the Narta Lagoon, threatening one of the Mediterranean’s most biodiverse areas and flamingo habitat. Wildlife Crime Watch: Serbia’s eastern imperial eagle “Feliks” returned after a trafficking ordeal spanning Syria and the region, highlighting the scale of illegal wildlife trade. Sustainability Diplomacy in North Macedonia: Qatar took part in a Skopje forum on turning sustainability into a competitive advantage and strengthening resilient institutions. EU Standards Gap (Western Balkans): A new analysis says the region is decades away from average EU standards, with environment and infrastructure the biggest long-term obstacles. Public Health Monitoring: Europe’s West Nile virus update reports North Macedonia’s first local human case in Vardarski in 2026, with three hospitalised cases so far. Cross-Border Green Funding: Bulgaria and North Macedonia/Serbia cross-border programs will invest €14m in business, municipalities and NGOs to boost territorial cohesion. Transport & Emissions (Regional): Greece’s new hybrid intercity trains will run on the Athens–Thessaloniki corridor, traveling via Slovenia, Serbia and North Macedonia, aiming for a reduced environmental footprint.

Extreme Heat Alert: WHO warns “more deadly weeks” may hit Europe again as record-breaking heat follows wildfires; France alone saw over 2,000 extra deaths in June, and health chiefs stress gaps in heat-health action plans, cooling access, and climate-resilient healthcare. Flooding in Skopje: A severe summer storm on July 1 overwhelmed drainage in Skopje, flooding Srbija Boulevard and trapping commuters in major traffic chaos. Wildlife Trafficking: Serbia’s tracked eastern imperial eagle “Feliks” returned after being captured and illegally traded across the region; the case spotlights worsening profit-driven illegal wildlife trade along migration routes that pass through North Macedonia. Regional Sustainability Diplomacy: Qatar took part in a sustainability forum in Skopje on turning sustainability into a competitive advantage and building resilient institutions, with North Macedonia’s PM and foreign ministry involved. Cross-Border Water Stress Lens: A new global map highlights extreme water stress worldwide, underscoring how climate-driven demand and freshwater limits can intensify pressures relevant to the Balkans. EU Standards Gap: A regional analysis says Western Balkans countries are moving toward EU rules, but timelines to meet EU environmental and infrastructure standards can stretch for decades or longer.

Severe Storm Impacts Skopje: A strong summer storm hit Skopje on July 1, flooding streets and overwhelming drainage systems, with Srbija Boulevard becoming impassable and causing major traffic chaos. Biodiversity & Wildlife Trafficking: Serbia’s eastern imperial eagle “Feliks” returned home after being captured by poachers, illegally traded across the region, and rescued through a cross-border operation—highlighting the growing threat to protected species. Public Health Watch (West Nile Virus): Europe’s monthly update reports three locally acquired human West Nile virus cases as of June 24, including one in North Macedonia (Vardarski), with all cases hospitalised and no deaths reported. Sustainability Diplomacy in Skopje: Qatar took part in a sustainability-focused economic forum in North Macedonia, discussing how to turn sustainability into a competitive advantage and build more resilient institutions. EU Standards Gap in the Balkans: A regional analysis warns that while Western Balkan laws are moving toward EU standards, progress in areas like the environment and infrastructure is far slower—stretching timelines to decades or more. Cross-Border Green Development Funding: Bulgaria and North Macedonia/Serbia cross-border programmes will invest EUR 14 million in projects supporting business, municipalities, and the NGO sector along the borders.

Extreme Weather & Heat Risk: A record-breaking heat wave pushed Balkan countries on alert, with warnings of up to 40°C and wildfire concerns, while Western Europe also saw unprecedented temperatures—another reminder that climate change is reshaping everyday risk. Flooding & Urban Resilience: Skopje was hit by a sudden summer storm on July 1, with trees down and streets flooded; drainage systems were overwhelmed, turning parts of Srbija Boulevard into an impassable “shallow lake” and trapping traffic for hours. Public Health & Mosquito-Borne Disease: Europe’s monthly West Nile virus update notes new human cases, including one in North Macedonia (Vardarski), alongside outbreaks in animals—highlighting the need for continued surveillance as the season progresses. Sustainability Diplomacy: Qatar joined a sustainability-focused economic forum in Skopje, discussing how to turn sustainability into a competitive advantage and build more resilient institutions. Cross-Border Funding for Local Development: Bulgaria and North Macedonia border areas are set to receive EUR 14 million under Interreg IPA programmes for projects supporting municipalities, business, and NGOs. Wildlife Crime Spotlight: The return of “Feliks,” an eastern imperial eagle tracked across North Macedonia and beyond, underscores illegal wildlife trafficking risks and the role of conservation groups in rescue and recovery.

Climate & Extreme Weather: A severe summer storm hit Skopje on July 1, with heavy rain overwhelming drainage and flooding major roads like Srbija Boulevard, causing major traffic chaos and leaving trucks stuck in the water. Heat Risk Across the Region: Balkan countries issued alerts as a record-breaking European heat wave moved east, with temperatures expected up to around 40°C and warnings for vulnerable people; officials also battled landfill and wildfire smoke. Biodiversity & Wildlife Crime: The eastern imperial eagle “Feliks” returned safely to Serbia after being captured by poachers and illegally trafficked across the Middle East; the case spotlights the growing illegal wildlife trade and conservation efforts that span routes through North Macedonia. Public Health (West Nile Virus): Europe’s monthly update reported three locally acquired human West Nile virus cases as of June 24, including one in North Macedonia (Vardarski), with all cases hospitalised and no deaths reported. Cross-Border Sustainability Cooperation: Qatar took part in a sustainability-focused economic forum in Skopje, discussing how to turn sustainability into a competitive advantage and build more resilient institutions. Cross-Border Funding: Bulgaria and Serbia/North Macedonia cooperation projects will invest EUR 14 million in business, municipalities and NGOs along the borders under Interreg IPA programmes. Governance & Environment Policy: North Macedonia’s government reshuffle is underway, including changes to ministerial roles that affect portfolios tied to environment and social policy.

Sustainability Diplomacy: Qatar joined a sustainability-focused economic forum in Skopje, discussing how to turn sustainability into a competitive advantage and build more resilient institutions, with North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski, foreign minister Timcho Mucunski, and the UN resident coordinator Rita Columbia in attendance. Extreme Weather & Urban Drainage: A severe summer storm hit Skopje on July 1, flooding streets and trapping commuters in major traffic jams as drainage systems were overwhelmed, with Srbija Boulevard turning into a near-lake and heavy vehicles stuck in the congestion. Heatwave Reality Check: Balkan countries stayed on alert for dangerous temperatures as Europe’s record heat moved east, with warnings of up to 40°C and wildfire risks—an issue that directly affects health and local ecosystems. Water Stress Data: A new global map highlights where freshwater withdrawals exceed renewable supply, showing how climate shifts and rising demand can worsen shortages—relevant for planning water security in the region. Public Health Watch (WNV): Europe’s monthly West Nile virus update reports new human cases, including one locally acquired case in North Macedonia, alongside animal outbreaks, underscoring the need for continued surveillance. Wildlife Crime: The eastern imperial eagle “Feliks,” tracked across North Macedonia and beyond, was rescued after illegal trafficking, spotlighting ongoing profit-driven wildlife trade pressures on protected species.

Severe Storms in Skopje: A strong summer storm hit Skopje on July 1, dumping heavy rain fast enough to overwhelm drainage and flood major roads like Srbija Boulevard, trapping commuters in traffic chaos and leaving heavy vehicles stuck. Heatwave Pressure Across the Balkans: Europe’s record-breaking heat wave is pushing dangerous temperatures eastward, with health warnings and wildfire risk as governments scramble for cooling measures and communities face extreme conditions. Water Stress Map Highlights Global Risk: A new data visualization shows how many countries are drawing far more freshwater than nature can replenish, with Kuwait and several Middle East states topping the list—an urgent reminder for water planning as climate patterns shift. Qatar Backs Sustainability Forum in North Macedonia: Qatar joined a Skopje forum on turning sustainability into a competitive advantage, focusing on resilient institutions and stronger sustainability practices. West Nile Virus Update: Europe’s monthly report notes new locally acquired West Nile virus cases, including one in North Macedonia, with all reported human cases hospitalized and no deaths so far. Wildlife Trafficking Exposed by “Feliks” Eagle Case: The eastern imperial eagle Feliks returned safely after being captured and illegally traded across borders, spotlighting the growing scale of profit-driven wildlife trafficking and conservation efforts to stop it. Cross-Border Funding for Local Development: Bulgaria will invest EUR 14 million across 24 projects under Interreg IPA schemes supporting business, municipalities, and NGOs in border areas with Serbia and North Macedonia. Freedom of Information Still Blocked: A regional report says FoI requests are rising and approvals improving, but access is still routinely disrupted by delays, barriers, and weak enforcement—affecting transparency on public issues. NATO Parliamentary Push: NATO parliamentary leaders called for stronger defense capabilities and allied unity, linking security to resilience and critical infrastructure.

Climate & extreme weather: A severe summer storm hit Skopje on July 1, flooding major roads like Srbija Boulevard and overwhelming drainage systems, leaving commuters stuck in traffic and heavy vehicles unable to pass. Heatwave pressure across the region: Balkan countries braced for dangerous temperatures as Europe’s record-breaking heat wave moved east, with warnings tied to climate change and heightened wildfire risk. Biodiversity & wildlife trafficking: The eastern imperial eagle “Feliks” returned safely to Serbia after being captured and illegally traded across the Middle East; the case spotlights profit-driven wildlife trafficking and the work of conservation groups. Public access & accountability: A new report says freedom of information requests are rising across the Western Balkans, but access is still routinely blocked by delays, administrative barriers, and weak enforcement—an issue that affects environmental oversight too. Sustainability diplomacy: Qatar joined a Skopje forum on turning sustainability into a competitive advantage and strengthening resilient institutions, with North Macedonia’s government, the EU mission, and UN partners in attendance. Cross-border cooperation: EUR 14 million in Interreg IPA funding will support business, municipalities, and NGOs in border settlements between Bulgaria, Serbia, and North Macedonia.

Sustainability Diplomacy: Qatar joined a sustainability forum in Skopje aimed at turning green practices into a competitive advantage and strengthening resilient institutions, with talks involving North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski, foreign trade officials, and the UN. Extreme Weather & Flooding: A severe summer storm hit Skopje on July 1, flooding major roads like Srbija Boulevard, overwhelming drainage systems, and causing major traffic chaos as heavy vehicles got stuck. Heatwave Reality Check: Across the Balkans, record-breaking European heat is colliding with local “normal” summer conditions, while authorities warn of dangerous temperatures and wildfire risk. Biodiversity Under Threat: The eastern imperial eagle “Feliks,” tracked across North Macedonia and beyond, was rescued after illegal trafficking, highlighting ongoing wildlife crime pressures on migratory species. Public Health Watch: Europe’s monthly West Nile virus update reports new human cases including one in North Macedonia, with surveillance covering both humans and animals. Cross-Border Funding: EUR 14 million is set for cross-border projects along the Bulgaria–Serbia and Bulgaria–North Macedonia borders under Interreg IPA, supporting business, municipalities, and NGOs.

Extreme Weather in Skopje: A strong summer storm hit Skopje on July 1, flooding major roads like Srbija Boulevard and overwhelming drainage systems, leaving commuters stuck in traffic and heavy vehicles unable to pass. Heatwave and Wildfire Risk Across the Balkans: Europe’s record-breaking heat wave is pushing temperatures toward dangerous levels in the region, with authorities warning of extreme heat (up to around 40°C in parts of the Balkans) and ongoing wildfire threats, including landfill fire smoke in Bosnia. Biodiversity Under Pressure (Wildlife Trafficking): The eastern imperial eagle “Feliks” returned safely to Serbia after being captured and illegally traded across the Middle East, highlighting how profit-driven wildlife trafficking threatens protected species and migration routes that pass through North Macedonia. Public Health Signal (West Nile Virus): Europe’s monthly update reports new locally acquired West Nile virus infections, including one human case in North Macedonia (Vardarski), with cases hospitalised and no deaths reported so far. Tourism Shift (and what it means for sustainability): North Macedonia is seeing a modest rise in visitors, with new direct flights to Skopje and Ohrid, which could increase pressure on water, waste, and heat resilience if growth isn’t managed. Governance and Environment Portfolios: A government reshuffle is underway, with coalition partners taking on key ministries, including environment-related responsibilities, as the country reorganizes leadership ahead of cabinet announcements.

Extreme Weather in Skopje: A sudden summer storm hit Skopje on July 1, bringing heavy rain, fallen trees and major flooding that turned Srbija Boulevard into an impassable “shallow lake,” trapping commuters and blocking industrial transport routes. Heatwave Risk Across the Balkans: The wider region is bracing for record-breaking temperatures, with authorities warning of dangerous heat (up to around 40°C in parts of the Balkans) and wildfire risk, while scientists link more intense heatwaves to human-driven climate change. West Nile Virus Watch: Europe’s monthly surveillance update reports new locally acquired West Nile virus infections, including one human case in North Macedonia (Vardarski) with cases also reported in Italy; all reported patients were hospitalised. Wildlife Trafficking Spotlight: The eastern imperial eagle “Feliks,” tracked across North Macedonia and beyond, was captured and illegally traded before a cross-border rescue; the case underlines ongoing profit-driven wildlife trafficking pressures on protected species. Governance & Environment Policy: North Macedonia’s planned cabinet reshuffle moves responsibilities across coalition partners, including changes tied to health and social policy—an issue that can affect how the country responds to health and climate shocks.

Extreme Weather & Flooding: A sudden summer storm hit Skopje on July 1, bringing heavy rain that overwhelmed drainage and flooded key roads like Srbija Boulevard, trapping commuters and causing major traffic chaos. Climate Heatwave: Across Europe, a record-breaking heatwave is driving dangerous temperatures and wildfire risk, with scientists linking the pattern to human-caused global warming and warning that extremes are set to intensify. Biodiversity & Wildlife Crime: The eastern imperial eagle “Feliks,” tracked across North Macedonia, was returned to Serbia after being captured by poachers and trafficked through the region; conservationists say illegal wildlife trade is worsening and needs stronger enforcement. Public Health Surveillance: Europe’s monthly West Nile virus update (data to June 24) reports new human cases, including one in North Macedonia, alongside outbreaks in birds and equids. Governance & Environment: North Macedonia’s planned cabinet reshuffle is underway, including changes to ministerial roles that could affect how environmental and public services priorities are delivered. Transparency & Accountability: A Western Balkans report says freedom of information requests are rising, but access is still routinely blocked through delays and administrative barriers.

Severe Weather in Skopje: A strong summer storm hit Skopje on July 1, flooding streets and overwhelming drainage systems, with Srbija Boulevard turning into a near-lake that trapped vehicles and triggered major traffic chaos. Public Health Watch: Europe’s monthly West Nile virus update (data up to June 24) reports three locally acquired human cases so far in 2026, including one in North Macedonia’s Vardarski region, with all patients hospitalised and no deaths reported. Wildlife Crime & Conservation: The eastern imperial eagle “Feliks” returned safely to Serbia after being captured and illegally traded across the Middle East, with rescue efforts involving wildlife groups and cross-border coordination—highlighting the growing scale of illegal animal trafficking. Government & Environment Governance: North Macedonia’s PM Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle, including changes to coalition minister roles and the abolition of the deputy PM post for good governance, reshaping how key portfolios are managed. Heatwave Pressure Across the Region: Reports on Europe’s record heatwave and its spread eastward underline rising wildfire and health risks for the Balkans, with authorities issuing warnings for extreme temperatures. Transparency & Access to Information: A Western Balkans report says freedom of information requests are rising, but access is still often blocked through delays and administrative barriers—affecting how environmental and public-interest issues can be monitored.

Heatwave Watch: Balkans and wider Europe stayed on alert for extreme temperatures, with warnings of dangerous heat and wildfire risk as the record-breaking spell moved east. Public Health & Climate: A European monthly update on West Nile virus (WNV) reported three locally acquired human cases (Italy: two; North Macedonia: one in Vardarski), with all patients hospitalised and no deaths yet—an early-season signal that climate-linked mosquito risks are rising. Wildlife Crime: Serbia’s eastern imperial eagle “Feliks” returned after being poached and illegally trafficked across the region; his route included North Macedonia, and the case spotlights worsening illegal wildlife trade and the need for stronger protection of migratory species. Local Governance: Skopje’s mayor shared lessons from crisis-ready city management abroad, while North Macedonia’s government reshuffle reshuffled ministries and responsibilities—important for how environment and resilience policies get delivered. Water Security: A global map highlighted where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring the infrastructure gap that leaves communities exposed during heat and disasters.