News from North Macedonia, in English
Original reporting and analysis on politics, the economy, energy policy, EU accession and sport — written for readers following the region from outside it.
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Culture
Western Balkans Youth Orchestra Delivers a Masterful Concert at Ohrid Summer
75 young musicians from across the region performed under conductor Desar Sulejmani, part of a project using music to build regional cooperation among…
makedonija
Storm Hits Struga, Berovo and Skopje, Uproots Tree in Gjorče Petrov
Heavy rain, thunder and strong winds swept several regions of the country yesterday, arriving just a day after 37 open-air fires were recorded nationw…
Culture
Prilep Hosts "Silno Svetnal Den" Spectacle for 35 Years of Independence
The touring musical-theatrical show marking 35 years of Macedonian independence brings over 100 performers to Prilep today, continuing toward a Septem…
Travel
Did You Know? Matka Canyon Hides One of the World's Five Deepest Underwater Caves
Just outside Skopje, a dammed river gorge holds Macedonia's oldest artificial lake, a cave system among the deepest on Earth, and butterflies found no…
World
Vučić Announces Serbia's First Humanoid Robot Factory Opens in Šabac This Month
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić says production will begin August 22 or 29, part of a broader plan to make Serbia the first European country produc…
Economy
North Macedonia Invited to Join Europe's Vertical Gas Corridor
The country has received an invitation to join a major European gas-diversification initiative, tying into ongoing interconnector projects with Greece…
makedonija
Tourists Climb on Submerged Historic Church in Mavrovo, Sparking Public Outrage
Photos and video showing tourists in swimwear climbing and jumping off the half-submerged Sveti Nikola church in Lake Mavrovo have triggered demands f…
World
A Mysterious Blob of Hot Rock Beneath America Is Slowly Drifting Toward New York
Deep beneath the Appalachian Mountains, scientists have found an enormous mass of unusually hot rock that has been quietly moving toward New York for …
Culture
Veles Becomes the Balkans' Comic Capital: 8th International Colony Brings Together Female Artists From Five Countries
From August 20 to 23, the town on the Vardar hosts an international comic colony for the eighth year running — this time an all-female lineup from fiv…
Economy
Mickoski: Six Highway Sections Under Construction at Once, Blace-Skopje Begins Late This Month
The Prime Minister announced construction on the long-promised Blace-Skopje highway section will finally begin around August 26, while five more secti…
makedonija
Three Armed Men Caught After Three-Hour Overnight Search in Pelister National Park
Rangers and police from Bitola spent over three hours on foot across rugged terrain at 2,000 meters altitude to reach three armed poachers deep inside…
Culture
Did You Know? The Vevčani Carnival Is Over 1,400 Years Old — Maybe Older
Every January 13, a small village near Struga turns into an open-air theater with no stage and no audience in the usual sense — everyone is both actor…
Sport
Skopje and Gevgelija Wrap Up the European U16 Basketball Championship
Ten days, two host cities, and national junior teams from across Europe — the U16 Division B European Championship closes today, with Macedonia once a…
makedonija
Minor Earthquake Shakes Western Macedonia
A 2.8-magnitude tremor was recorded this afternoon between Tetovo and Gostivar — no damage reported, but residents in the wider area felt the ground m…
Sport
Former Football Federation President Gjorgjioski Released From Custody on Property Bail
Ilčo Gjorgjioski, until recently head of Macedonia's Football Federation, is no longer behind bars — Skopje's Basic Criminal Court accepted bail secur…
Culture
Kokino — the Bronze Age Observatory NASA Ranked Among the World's Oldest
A rocky hilltop near Kumanovo doesn't look like much at first glance. But nearly 4,000 years ago, Bronze Age astronomers used it to track the sun and …
Travel
Kruševo Becomes Europe's Paragliding Capital: 130 Pilots From 38 Countries Chase a European Title
For a few days this month, one of Macedonia's smallest towns became one of the biggest names in European paragliding, as 130 pilots from 38 countries …
Economy
Farmers and Processors Reach Deal on Red Pepper Prices in Strumica
Agriculture Minister Serafimovski announced from Strumica that farmers and processors have reached an agreement on red pepper purchasing prices, resol…
Sport
Pelister Snatch a Point in Final Seconds Against Alkaloid in Handball Thriller
Defending champions Pelister salvaged a dramatic 33-33 draw away at Alkaloid, with Hosni scoring in the final seconds to deny the Skopje side a statem…
Columns
25 Years of the Ohrid Agreement: What Held, What Didn't
Column: A quarter century ago, an agreement stopped a war. Today, on its 25th anniversary, it's worth asking plainly what that agreement actually deli…
Culture
Mother Teresa — the Nobel Laureate Born on a Skopje Street Now Called Macedonia Square
One of the most recognized humanitarians in modern history was born Agnes Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje in 1910. Here's what her early life in the city ac…
Politics
New EU Model for the Western Balkans: FM Mucunski Wants a Clear Line Between Reforms and Bilateral Disputes
As five EU member states push a new 'step-by-step' integration model for the Western Balkans, Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski says Macedonia needs a f…
Politics
25 Years Since the Ohrid Framework Agreement: Government Marks Anniversary, President Chooses Struga
A quarter century after the agreement that ended the 2001 conflict, a formal government session marked the day in Skopje — while President Siljanovska…
Travel
Stobi — the Ancient City Buried at the Meeting of Two Rivers
Forgotten underground for over a thousand years, Stobi is one of the most important ancient cities of the Balkans — a crossroads of Roman roads, home …
Culture
Nearly 90 Libraries Applied to "Matica Makedonska" Book Drive — School in Negotino Wins 35 New Titles
Following strong interest in the "Where Are Macedonia's Books Missing?" call, publisher Matica Makedonska is donating 35 books to the school library o…
Politics
Mickoski: Eurostat's Purchasing Power Report Refutes Opposition Claims — Macedonia Ahead of Every Country in the Region
Responding to opposition criticism over the interpretation of a recent Eurostat purchasing power report, PM Mickoski said Macedonia is not at the bott…
Sport
Vardar Beaten at Home by Shkëndija, Splits With Coach Fabiani a Day Later
Following a defeat in the round two derby of the domestic league, FK Vardar and Argentine coach Cristian Fabiani agreed a mutual termination of his co…
Culture
Celebrations Begin for North Macedonia's 35th Independence Anniversary — A Month of Events Across 11 Cities
The official programme marking 35 years of North Macedonia's independence began on 8 August and will run for a month, with decentralised events across…
Columns
Karpalak, 25 Years On: Remembering the Ten Fallen Soldiers
Column: On 8 August 2001, at the Karpalak site on the Skopje-Tetovo highway, ten army reservists were killed in a terrorist ambush. A quarter century …
Sport
Idže Unveils New 'Norma' Prototype — First Balkan Driver in Hillclimb Racing's Top Class
European champion Igor Stefanovski – Idže unveiled and tested his new 'Norma' prototype at Vodno, becoming the first driver from the Balkans to compet…
Sport
Mat Kiatipis Is Coming to Macedonia: 'Macedonia Takeover – MK in MK' Brings Basketball, Music and Cuisine to a Global Audience
From 10 to 15 August, world-renowned streetball performer Mat Kiatipis will take part in a six-day tour through Skopje, Kumanovo and Ohrid, aimed at p…
Economy
North Macedonia Secures €149 Million Grant for Railway to Bulgaria — Agreements Signed for Kriva Palanka–Deve Bair Section
The government today signed amendments to the financing agreements for the third section of Corridor 8, securing the full financial package for the ra…
Economy
North Macedonia's Minimum Wage Has Higher Purchasing Power Than Seven EU Member States, Eurostat Data Shows
According to the latest Eurostat data for July 2026, measured in purchasing power standards, North Macedonia's minimum wage stands at 1,142 PPS — high…
Economy
Ilovica Copper Project Amended for Greater Environmental Protection — Nachevski: Macedonia Should Use Its 'Five Minutes' With Its Minerals
Metallurgists' Association president Prof. Goran Nachevski says the Ilovica copper mine project has already been amended for environmental reasons, an…
Columns
Two Ilindens: The Macedonian Struggle for Statehood
Column: Ilinden 1903 and Ilinden 1944 are not two separate events but the same question asked twice — whether the people of this land have the right t…
Travel
Lake Ohrid Sees a Record Summer Season in 2026 — Hoteliers Report 'Highest Visitor Numbers in Years'
Lake Ohrid is recording one of its strongest tourist seasons in a decade this year, with hoteliers reporting near-full occupancy throughout July and e…
Politics
Mickoski: 'Gross Manipulation' by Prosecutor in Markovski Passport Case — Investigation to Follow
Prime Minister Mickoski reacted sharply to the return of the passport of accused businessman Borche Markovski, alleging gross manipulation by a local …
Economy
Andonovski: Digitalization Is Speeding Up Procedures and Cutting Costs for Businesses
Digital Transformation Minister Stefan Andonovski launched two new electronic services — a Wine Export Certificate and an Agricultural Products Certif…
Economy
Government Secures EUR 10.1 Million Credit Line for Rice and Vranec Grape Harvest
The Government has activated a credit line of 793 million denars (EUR 10.1 million) through the Development Bank, earmarked for financing the purchase…
Politics
Mickoski: We'll Do Everything Within Our Power on Reforms — Let Brussels Judge Us on Delivery
Following a working meeting with the European Commission delegation led by Enlargement Director-General Gert Jan Koopman, PM Mickoski reaffirmed full …
Politics
PM Mickoski: Government Continues Strong Support for Skopje's Development — New Municipal Equipment and Electric Buses Coming
At a press conference, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced that Skopje will receive new municipal equipment and electric buses by the end of t…
Economy
Macedonia Completes First National Hydrogen Study: A Step Toward Europe's Energy Future
The Ministry of Energy has completed Macedonia's first national Hydrogen Study — a strategic document opening the door to the hydrogen economy and pos…
Sport
79 Years of Vardar: A Birthday Night on European Soil — and the Fight Goes On in Riga
FK Vardar turned 79 on 22 July 2026 — and marked the occasion with a European night at the Todor Proeski Arena against Latvian side Riga FC. The 2-3 d…
Economy
Macedonia's Energy Ministry Confirms Progress: Two Reform Steps Fully Completed, EU Commission Validates Transition Plan
The European Commission has officially confirmed that North Macedonia has fully completed two key reform steps in its energy transition agenda. The Mi…
Economy
Skopje Becomes Wizz Air's Third Largest European Base as Seventh Aircraft Joins the Fleet
Wizz Air has added a seventh aircraft to its Skopje base, making the Macedonian capital the third largest Wizz Air base in all of Europe. Two new rout…
Sport
Macedonia's U16 Water Polo Boys Take First Steps on the Balkan Stage — 'We Are Building Foundations That Will Last'
Fourteen young Macedonian water polo players competed at the first Balkan Games U16 in Thessaloniki. They were younger than their opponents, they were…
Politics
EU's Kos in Skopje: 'Don't Waste Time — Write Bulgarians Into the Constitution'
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos made an unambiguous demand during her visit to Skopje: North Macedonia must amend its constitution to include Bu…
World
Nine EU Countries Demand EES Rollback as Border Queues Ruin Summer Holidays
Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland have written to Brussels demanding the EU extend emergency f…
Politics
Macedonia at NATO's Ankara Summit: 'Credible Partner' — But the EU Maze Must End
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova addressed the 36th NATO Summit in Ankara, delivering a clear message: Macedonia is a proven, credible NATO ally …
Sport
Vardar Fall to Finnish Champions KuPS 0-2 at Home in Champions League Qualifier
FK Vardar suffered a 0-2 home defeat to Finnish champions KuPS in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round, with Bosančić s…
Health
Macedonia's Voice in Europe: Olivera Vasilevska Danev Shapes EU Dementia Policy from the Inside
For two years, Olivera Vasilevska Danev has been the first and only Macedonian representative on the European Dementia Carers Working Group — a body t…
Economy
Skopje-Blace Motorway Contract Signed: After 15 Years of Promises, Construction Begins This Summer
North Macedonia has finally signed the construction contract for the long-awaited Skopje-Blace motorway. Domestic company Granit AD will lead the cons…
Sport
Kalin Ivanovski Wins Macedonia Open 2026 Title on Home Soil
Kalin Ivanovski crowned champion at the M25 Skopje Macedonian Open 2026, defeating Ukraine's Vladyslav Orlov 6-1, 0-6, 6-2 in the final — capping a re…
Sport
History Made: Lina Gjorcheska Makes Wimbledon Debut Against Sixth Seed Anisimova
Lina Gjorcheska becomes the first Macedonian tennis player ever to compete in the main singles draw of a Grand Slam, facing last year's finalist Amand…
Politics
Macedonia's Weekly Political Report: Cabinet Reshuffle, EU Funds and Justice Debate
Prime Minister Mickoski announces a major cabinet reshuffle for Tuesday, June 30 — while Macedonia receives its largest-ever EU Growth Plan payout and…
Sport
World Cup 2026: Everything You Need to Know as the Group Stage Reaches Its Climax
France, Spain, Belgium and Brazil among the big names through to the Round of 32 — while Uruguay crash out and Cabo Verde write one of the tournament\…
Politics
Macedonia's EU Path: Where Things Stand in 2026 and What Comes Next
After years of delays, political conditions, and bilateral disputes, Macedonia\'s EU accession process is moving again — but the road ahead remains co…
Sport
History Made: Lina Gjorcheska Becomes First Macedonian at Wimbledon
Lina Gjorcheska has etched her name into history, becoming the first Macedonian tennis player — male or female — to qualify for the main draw of a Gra…
Culture
"Made by Hands" United Young Creators with the Community
The event organized by Rotary Club Skopje IKS brought together young craftspeople, designers, artists, and creatives in Laboratorium — celebrating han…
Travel
5 Hidden Gems in Macedonia You Need to Visit This Summer
From the ancient shores of Lake Ohrid to the canyon of Matka just 15 minutes from Skopje — Macedonia offers world-class experiences that most tourists…
