AGP Executive Report

Heat & Public Health: Europe’s extreme heatwave is pushing health warnings across the Balkans, with temperatures expected to reach around 39°C in parts of Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro—especially risky for vulnerable groups. Infectious Disease Watch: A monthly Europe report on West Nile virus notes North Macedonia recorded its first-ever affected area (Vardarski) with three locally acquired human cases as of 24 June; all were hospitalised and no deaths were reported. Health System & Workforce: A new overview of healthcare in North Macedonia highlights reforms alongside a staffing crisis, uneven regional access, low public funding, high out-of-pocket costs, and ongoing migration of young professionals to the EU. Government Health Leadership: After coalition talks, North Macedonia’s PM Mickoski unveiled a cabinet reshuffle that includes appointing Sašo Klekovski (director of the Health Insurance Fund) as Minister of Health, while also reorganising social policy, demography and youth responsibilities. AI & Children’s Safety: UNICEF warns that millions of children—including in North Macedonia—are using AI faster than adults, with many expressing worries about scams and misuse, as AI governance safeguards lag. Cross-Border Funding: Bulgaria’s EUR 14 million Interreg IPA programmes will support business, municipalities and NGOs in settlements along the Bulgaria–Serbia and Bulgaria–North Macedonia borders.

Health System Strain: A new review of healthcare in North Macedonia says reforms and e-services haven’t fixed core problems: low public funding, high out-of-pocket costs, doctor and nurse shortages, uneven regional access, and continued migration of young professionals to the EU. Governance & Health Leadership: PM Hristijan Mickoski’s cabinet reshuffle includes a major health move: Sašo Klekovski (director of the Health Insurance Fund) is proposed as Minister of Health, while coalition partners adjust other portfolios. West Nile Virus Watch: Europe’s monthly WNV update reports 3 locally acquired human cases so far, including one in North Macedonia (Vardarski); all were hospitalized, with no deaths reported. Heatwave Health Risks: Across the Balkans and Europe, extreme heat is driving health warnings for vulnerable groups; in North Macedonia and neighbors, temperatures are expected to climb toward the high 30s, raising concerns for heat exhaustion and related emergencies. Water Safety Data: A global mapping project highlights that safe drinking water access remains far from universal, underscoring ongoing public health risks where clean water infrastructure is lacking.

West Nile virus update: Europe’s monthly surveillance report (data up to 24 June 2026) says North Macedonia recorded 1 locally acquired human case of WNV in Vardarski, with 3 hospitalised cases total across Italy (2) and North Macedonia (1); no deaths reported and onset dates ranged from 12–27 May. Heat-health risk: Balkans and wider Europe are bracing for another wave of extreme heat, with health warnings focused on vulnerable groups and reports of rising emergency calls and heat-related deaths in parts of Europe—an urgent reminder for hydration, cooling, and protecting older adults. North Macedonia health leadership reshuffle: After coalition talks, Prime Minister Mickoski unveiled a cabinet lineup that includes Sašo Klekovski (Health Insurance Fund director) as Minister of Health, alongside changes to social policy, demography and youth responsibilities. AI for healthcare-adjacent services: North Macedonia launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking local researchers and institutions with European AI infrastructure via a 3-year, ~EUR 6.2m plan supported by EU funding. Local health system pressure (context): The Skopje mayor’s visit to Israel’s MUNI EXPO highlighted crisis management and municipal services—relevant as heat and outbreaks strain public systems.

North Macedonia Health Leadership Shake-Up: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle after coalition talks, including appointing Sašo Klekovski (director of the Health Insurance Fund) as the new Minister of Health, while the Health and Social Policy portfolio shifts under VMRO-DPMNE control. West Nile Virus Update: Europe’s monthly surveillance report (data up to 24 June) notes three locally acquired human West Nile virus cases so far in 2026—Italy (2) and North Macedonia (1, in Vardarski)—with all three hospitalized and no deaths reported. Heatwave Health Pressure in the Balkans: A severe European heatwave is pushing health warnings across the region, with temperatures expected up to around 39°C in parts of the Balkans including North Macedonia, raising risks for vulnerable groups. AI for Public Services: North Macedonia officially launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking science, public institutions and private firms to European AI infrastructure over three years with EU and state funding. Governance & Legal Process: Qatar’s cabinet approved steps to regulate preparation and review of government draft legislative instruments and also backed new memoranda with North Macedonia covering political consultations and diplomatic training.

West Nile virus update: Europe’s monthly surveillance report (data to 24 June) shows 3 locally acquired human WNV cases so far—Italy (2) and North Macedonia (1, in Vardarski). All three were hospitalised; no deaths were reported, and onset dates ranged from 12–27 May. Heatwave health pressure: A major European heatwave is pushing health warnings across the region, with Balkans temperatures expected up to around 39°C in places, raising risks for vulnerable groups and driving emergency strain. EU4Health funding for North Macedonia: The EU signed an agreement associating North Macedonia to EU4Health, retroactive to 1 January 2026, enabling public and private health entities to access grants for prevention, diagnosis and treatment (including cancer and cardiovascular disease), mental health support for young people, and responses to cross-border health threats. Health ministry leadership reshuffle: North Macedonia’s PM Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle after coalition talks, including Sašo Klekovski (Health Insurance Fund director) as the new Minister of Health, and changes to social policy, demography and youth governance. AI for health-adjacent systems: Skopje launched the Vezilka national AI center project, linking local institutions with European AI infrastructure via a three-year, ~EUR 6.2m plan.

EU4Health Access: The EU signed an agreement associating North Macedonia with EU4Health, letting health authorities and both public and private providers access funding from 1 January 2026 to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, mental health for young people, and cross-border health threats. Heatwave & Health Risks: The Balkans, including North Macedonia, are bracing for record-high temperatures as Europe’s heatwave moves east, with health warnings focused on vulnerable groups and wildfire risk rising alongside extreme heat. Water Safety Gap: A new data map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring that millions rely on unsafe or unreliable sources—an issue that directly affects public health planning. Local AI Push: Skopje launched the national AI center project “Vezilka,” linking researchers, public institutions and private firms with European AI infrastructure via a three-year, €6.2m initiative supported by EU grants and state co-financing. Leadership in Training (Health Workforce Angle): LEORON Institute appointed Lule Bunjaku Karapinar as CEO for GCC markets and executive education, signaling continued investment in professional training that can support regional health workforce development.

Heatwave Health Alerts: A record-breaking European heatwave is pushing temperatures across the Balkans, with North Macedonia among countries warned for dangerous conditions and extra strain on vulnerable groups. Public Health Impact: Reports from the region describe health warnings tied to extreme heat, including risks for people with chronic illness, older adults, and outdoor workers. EU Health Funding: North Macedonia has officially been associated with the EU4Health programme, unlocking EU funding for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, mental health support for young people, and preparedness for cross-border health threats. Water Access Data: A global map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring ongoing infrastructure gaps that affect health outcomes. Cross-Border Ombudsman Cooperation: Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia’s ombudsmen agreed to help citizens facing problems across borders, including issues related to healthcare and documents. Local Digital Health Capacity: Skopje launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center to connect researchers, institutions and the private sector with European AI infrastructure.

Extreme Heat & Health Warnings: A record-breaking heatwave is moving east across Europe, with the Balkans—including North Macedonia—bracing for dangerous temperatures up to around 39°C and issuing health alerts, especially for vulnerable groups. EU4Health Funding for North Macedonia: The EU has signed an agreement associating North Macedonia to EU4Health, unlocking retroactive funding from 1 January 2026 to support prevention, diagnosis, treatment, mental health services for young people, and cross-border health threats. Cross-Border Ombudsman Support: Ombudsmen from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia agreed to help citizens facing problems across borders, including healthcare access and civil documents, with a joint yearly human-rights report planned. Coal Pollution & Public Health Risk: A watchdog report says Western Balkans coal plants—covering Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia—breached sulphur dioxide and dust pollution limits in 2025, highlighting ongoing health costs from coal dependence. AI for Health Systems (Digital Capacity): North Macedonia launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, connecting researchers, public institutions, and the private sector to European AI infrastructure.

EU4Health Funding: The EU has signed an agreement associating North Macedonia with the EU4Health programme, letting public and private health entities access funding from 1 January 2026 to strengthen prevention, diagnosis and treatment for areas like cardiovascular disease and cancer, boost mental health services for young people, and tackle cross-border health threats. Heat & Health Risks: A record-breaking European heatwave is moving east, with health warnings across the Balkans as temperatures in the region are forecast to reach around 38–40°C, raising concerns for vulnerable groups and increasing wildfire risk. Air Pollution & Public Health: A Bankwatch report says Western Balkans coal plants, including in North Macedonia, breached sulphur dioxide limits in 2025 at far above legal ceilings, highlighting ongoing health costs from dirty air. Cross-Border Ombudsman Help: Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia’s ombudsmen agreed to help citizens with cross-border problems, including healthcare access and documents, aiming to make regional agreements work in practice. Local Health System Capacity: Skopje’s mayor is studying crisis management and service delivery lessons from Israeli cities, focusing on emergency preparedness, water management and digital public services. National AI for Health Tech: North Macedonia launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, connecting science, public institutions and the private sector to European AI infrastructure over three years. Health Worker Safety Context: Germany’s student health insurance rules note that exemptions from statutory coverage still require valid health coverage during study, relevant for international students planning care access. Community Health Reminder: Reports say music legend Vlado Janevski died after a short illness in a Skopje hospital, prompting public condolences.

EU4Health Deal: The EU signed an agreement associating North Macedonia with the EU4Health programme, unlocking funding from 1 January 2026 for prevention, diagnosis, cancer and cardiovascular care, mental health (especially for young people), critical medicines and stockpiling, and cross-border health threats. National AI for Health & Services: Skopje launched the Vezilka project, a national AI center connecting universities, public institutions and the private sector to European AI infrastructure, with a ~EUR 6.2m budget (half EU grant) and access via Greece’s Pharos AI Factory. Regional Ombudsman Cooperation: Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia agreed to help citizens dealing with cross-border issues, including healthcare access, civil documents, family decisions and university diplomas, with a joint yearly human-rights report. Heatwave Health Risks in the Balkans: A Europe-wide heatwave is pushing temperatures toward the high 30s in parts of the Balkans, with health warnings focused on vulnerable groups and rising emergency pressure in some countries. Air Pollution & Public Health: A Bankwatch report says Western Balkans coal plants breached sulphur dioxide and dust pollution limits in 2025, underlining ongoing health costs from coal dependence.

Heatwave Health Risks: Europe’s extreme heat has pushed health systems under strain, with France reporting about 1,000 extra deaths since June 24 and warning the toll may rise, while emergency calls in Paris jumped by 80% and Belgium saw a storm-related death. Public Cooling Measures: With few homes having air conditioning, authorities urged people to cool in air-conditioned public spaces; Berlin police used water cannons to help residents stay safe. Balkan Heat Warning: A heatwave moving east is set to bring very high temperatures to the Balkans, including North Macedonia, with forecasts up to around 39°C and health warnings focused on vulnerable groups. Water Access Map: A new global data map highlights that more than 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, underscoring ongoing public health and infrastructure gaps. EU Health Funding for North Macedonia: The EU signed an agreement associating North Macedonia to EU4Health, allowing health authorities and partners to access funding from 1 January 2026 for areas like cardiovascular disease, cancer, mental health, and medicines stockpiling. Cross-Border Ombudsman Help: Ombudsmen from Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia agreed to help citizens with cross-border issues including healthcare and documents, publishing a joint yearly human rights report. Coal Pollution Watch: A report says Western Balkans coal plants breached sulphur dioxide limits in 2025, with North Macedonia among the countries cited, linking pollution to ongoing public health costs.

EU4Health Access: The EU signed an agreement associating North Macedonia with EU4Health, letting public and private health entities access funding from 1 January 2026 to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, cancer and cardiovascular care, mental health for young people, critical medicines and cross-border health threats. AI for Health & Research: North Macedonia launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking universities, public institutions and private firms with European AI infrastructure, with €6.2m total funding over three years. Cross-Border Citizen Support: Ombudsmen from Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia agreed to help people facing problems across borders, including healthcare access and civil documents. Heat & Health Risks: A new Europe-wide heatwave is pushing health warnings for vulnerable groups; in the Balkans, temperatures up to around 39°C are expected, with alerts aimed at protecting people most at risk. Air Pollution & Public Health: A Bankwatch report says Western Balkans coal plants breached sulphur dioxide limits in 2025 (6.6x over permitted levels), with dust pollution also spiking—raising ongoing health concerns.

Heat & Health: Europe’s heatwave is intensifying, with emergency measures and health warnings across countries; in the UK, an amber extreme heat warning was extended and officials warned about heat exhaustion and possible power cuts, while in France authorities placed record departments under red alert and even banned alcohol in public areas in high-risk zones. Balkans Heat Alert: A heatwave moving east is expected to bring very high temperatures to the Balkans, with forecasts up to around 39°C in parts of the region including North Macedonia, prompting warnings especially for vulnerable groups. Local Resilience Learning: Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski visited Israel to study how municipalities handle crises and deliver services under pressure, focusing on emergency preparedness, traffic, water management and digital public services. EU Health Funding: The EU signed an agreement associating North Macedonia to EU4Health, allowing health authorities and partners to access funding from 1 January 2026 for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, mental health and cross-border health threats. Cross-Border Ombudsman Help: Ombudsmen from Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia agreed to help citizens with cross-border issues including healthcare access and civil documents. AI for Public Services: North Macedonia launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking universities, public institutions and the private sector with European AI infrastructure.

AI in Public Services: Skopje officially launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking universities, public institutions and the private sector with European AI infrastructure; it runs for three years with about EUR 6.2 million total funding, including EU support via Horizon Europe and EuroHPC. EU Health Funding: The EU signed an agreement associating North Macedonia with EU4Health, letting health authorities and partners access funding from 1 January 2026 to strengthen prevention, diagnosis and treatment, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, mental health for young people, and cross-border health threats. Cross-Border Citizen Support: Ombudsmen from Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia agreed to help people facing problems across borders, including issues related to healthcare, civil documents, family decisions and university diplomas. Extreme Heat & Health Risks: A Europe-wide heatwave is driving record temperatures and emergency measures; forecasts warn the Balkans, including North Macedonia, could see up to around 39°C, with health alerts focused on vulnerable groups. Air Pollution & Public Health: A Bankwatch report says Western Balkans coal plants breached sulphur dioxide limits in 2025, with dust pollution at its worst since rules began—highlighting ongoing health costs from coal dependence.

Extreme Heat & Public Health: Europe’s heatwave is intensifying, with the UK reporting a new June high of 37.3°C in Suffolk and keeping red extreme-heat warnings in place, while France and other countries roll out emergency steps to protect vulnerable people. Regional Health Risk for the Balkans: AFP reports temperatures up to 39°C are expected across parts of Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, prompting health warnings—especially for those most at risk. EU4Health Funding for North Macedonia: The EU signed an agreement associating North Macedonia to EU4Health, letting health authorities and partners access funding from 1 January 2026 for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, mental health support for young people, and cross-border health threats. Cross-Border Citizen Support: Ombudsmen from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia agreed to help people dealing with issues across borders, including healthcare access and documents. Air Pollution & Health Costs: A Bankwatch report says Western Balkans coal plants breached sulphur dioxide limits in 2025, with dust pollution at its worst since rules began—raising ongoing public health concerns.

EU4Health Access: The EU signed an agreement associating North Macedonia with EU4Health, letting health authorities and both public and private entities access funding from 1 January 2026 to support prevention, diagnosis and treatment (including cardiovascular disease and cancer), mental health for young people, critical medicines and stockpiling, and cross-border health threats. AI for Healthcare Capacity: Skopje launched the “Vezilka” national AI center, a three-year EUR 6.2m project led by Ss. Cyril and Methodius University with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, linking local science, institutions and companies to European AI infrastructure and supercomputers via the Pharos AI Factory. Cross-Border Citizen Support: Ombudsmen from Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia agreed to help people dealing with problems across borders, including healthcare access, civil documents, family decisions and university diplomas, with a joint yearly human-rights report planned. Public Health Risk from Climate: A major Europe heatwave is driving emergency measures, including health-focused restrictions like alcohol bans in red-alert areas, school closures and event cancellations—raising concerns for vulnerable groups, including older people and children. Coal Pollution and Health: A Bankwatch report says Western Balkans coal plants, including in North Macedonia, breached sulphur dioxide and dust pollution limits in 2025, underscoring ongoing public health costs from coal dependence. Local Politics and EU Stagnation: The Alliance for Albanians warned EU integration progress is stalled due to “political calculations,” arguing constitutional amendments are still the key condition—an issue that could affect future health and social investment priorities.