AGP Executive Report

EU Connectivity Boost for Travelers: The EU Council has approved talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” to the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia, so calls, texts and mobile data could work at home rates across the EU-Balkans area once sector deals are agreed. EU Enlargement Push: At the EU–Western Balkans summit in Montenegro’s Tivat, leaders including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa urged faster, merit-based accession for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro. Tourism Angle—North Macedonia Getting Noticed: A travel report highlights rising interest in North Macedonia, citing a 7% visitor increase last year and new direct flights to Skopje and Ohrid from Britain. Aviation Watch: ACI Europe says European airport passenger traffic fell 0.7% year-on-year in April 2026, with Albania and North Macedonia among markets still growing. Culture & Language for Visitors: Ling launched a complete Macedonian language course with native-speaker audio, aiming at travelers, digital nomads and heritage learners.

EU Connectivity Boost for Travelers: The EU Council has approved talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, aiming to cut roaming charges so calls, texts and mobile data work at home-like rates across the EU and the Western Balkans. EU Enlargement Push in the Region: At the EU–Western Balkans summit in Tivat, leaders including Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa urged faster, more credible accession steps for WB6 countries, with a focus on reforms, economic integration and security. North Macedonia Tourism Spotlight: A travel roundup highlights North Macedonia’s growing appeal, citing rising visitor numbers in 2025 and new direct Wizz Air flights to Skopje and Ohrid—good news for summer city breaks and heritage travel. Aviation Demand Watch: ACI Europe reports European airport passenger traffic fell 0.7% year-on-year in April 2026, while noting that some markets (including Albania and North Macedonia) still posted growth—useful context for planning routes and capacity. Cultural Exchange on the Calendar: Kazanlak (Bulgaria) and Spain’s Xativa discussed cooperation in culture, education, tourism and business as twinning preparations continue, pointing to more cross-border visitor interest.

EU Connectivity Boost for Travelers: The EU Council has approved talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” to the Western Balkans (including North Macedonia), aiming to let people use calls, texts and mobile data abroad at home-like rates once sector deals are agreed. EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat: Leaders gathered in Montenegro to push a faster, more credible EU accession path for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro—while disputes and security concerns still loom. North Macedonia Tourism Spotlight: A travel report highlights North Macedonia’s low visitor numbers but growing momentum, citing a rise in arrivals and new direct flights to Skopje and Ohrid. Language & Travel Demand: Ling launched a full Macedonian course with native-speaker audio, targeting diaspora learners, digital nomads and travelers exploring the Balkans. Cultural Tourism Link-Up: Kazanlak (Bulgaria) and Spain’s Xativa discussed cooperation in culture, education and tourism as twinning preparations continue, with Kazanlak’s Rose Festival and Buzludzha Monument in focus.

EU Roaming Boost for WB6: The EU Council has approved talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia—meaning travelers could use calls, texts and mobile data abroad at home-like rates once sector deals are agreed. EU Accession Momentum in the Region: EU leaders gathered in Montenegro’s Tivat for a summit focused on “shared prosperity and stability,” with European Council President António Costa pushing ways to speed up the EU path for six Western Balkan candidates, including North Macedonia. North Macedonia Tourism Spotlight: A new travel roundup highlights North Macedonia’s rising visitor numbers, noting direct Wizz Air flights to Skopje and Ohrid and pointing to the country’s cultural mix and improving access. Language & Digital Nomads: Ling launched a full Macedonian language course with native-speaker audio, aiming at heritage learners, travelers and remote workers exploring North Macedonia. Aviation Pulse Check: ACI Europe reports European airport passenger traffic fell 0.7% year-on-year in April, while noting North Macedonia and Albania still showed growth.

EU Roaming Boost for Travelers: The EU Council has approved talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” to the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia), aiming to cut roaming charges when you travel between the EU and the region. EU-Western Balkans Summit in Montenegro: Leaders gathered in Tivat for the EU-Western Balkans summit, with EU Council President António Costa pushing for a faster, more credible accession path—while security and political disputes still cast a shadow over progress. North Macedonia Tourism Angle: North Macedonia is getting more attention from travelers, with a reported 7% rise in tourist numbers in 2025 and new direct Wizz Air flights from the UK to Skopje and Ohrid. Regional Travel Costs Watch: Short-stay prices are climbing in Albania (AirDNA: about €57/night), while North Macedonia is cited as the cheapest in Europe for rentals (around €40/night), making it a budget-friendly alternative. Albania “Flamingo Revolution” Protest: Mass protests in Albania target a luxury coastal resort plan near Zvërnec, with demonstrators using flamingos as a symbol—an ongoing reminder that tourism development can trigger major public backlash.

EU-Western Balkans push: European Council President António Costa says the EU will look for ways to speed up EU membership for the WB6 (Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro) at the summit in Tivat, stressing “faster and better” progress without making accession “easier.” Roam Like at Home boost: The EU Council approved talks to extend the Roam Like at Home roaming area to the WB6, aiming to let travelers use calls, texts and mobile data abroad without extra roaming charges. Travel demand signals: ACI Europe reports European airport passenger traffic fell 0.7% y/y in April 2026, with non-EU+ markets down sharply, while Albania and North Macedonia still posted growth. North Macedonia tourism spotlight: A travel feature highlights North Macedonia’s rising visibility, citing a 7% tourist increase last year and new direct Wizz Air links to Skopje and Ohrid. Language for visitors: Ling launched a full Macedonian language course with native-speaker audio, targeting heritage learners, digital nomads and travelers. Connectivity infrastructure: Serbia’s environmental notice starts the screening for a Corridor 10 high-speed rail upgrade through North Macedonia, replacing tunnels and aiming for faster passenger and freight speeds.

EU Enlargement Push: EU Council President António Costa says the bloc will explore ways to speed up EU membership for the WB6 (including North Macedonia) at a summit in Tivat, stressing “faster and better” progress without making accession “easier.” Roaming for Travelers: The EU Council has approved talks to extend “Roam Like at Home” to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia—aiming to let visitors use calls, texts and data abroad without extra roaming charges. Aviation Demand Signal: ACI Europe reports European airport passenger traffic fell 0.7% in April, but Albania and North Macedonia still posted strong growth—good news for regional travel momentum. Tourism Pricing Watch: Short-stay costs are rising across the Balkans: Albania is no longer the cheapest and is now the second most expensive for daily rentals, while North Macedonia is cited as the cheapest in Europe at about €40/night. Rail Connectivity: Serbia has published an environmental notice for a Corridor 10 high-speed double-track rail upgrade through North Macedonia, targeting faster passenger and freight speeds and replacing slow tunnel sections. North Macedonia in the Spotlight: A travel feature highlights North Macedonia’s low-traffic appeal, noting a 7% rise in visitors and new UK direct flights to Skopje and Ohrid.

Aviation Update: European airport passenger traffic fell 0.7% in April 2026 year-on-year, the first decline since the post-COVID rebound—though Albania, North Macedonia, and Moldova still posted strong growth. Tourism Demand Watch: Albania’s overnight stays rose 11.2% in Q1, while North Macedonia’s increase was just 0.1%, a reminder that regional momentum isn’t evenly shared. Short-Stay Pricing: AirDNA data says Albania is now the second most expensive Balkans country for daily rentals at about €57/night, while North Macedonia is reported as the cheapest in Europe at around €40/night—good news for value-seekers. Local Development & Protests: Protests against planned development in Albania’s Zvërnec area are set to expand across Europe and North America, with events planned in Skopje among other cities. Rail & Connectivity: Serbia’s environmental notice outlines a Corridor 10 high-speed double-track upgrade through North Macedonia, aiming to replace slow tunnels and raise speeds up to 160 km/h for passengers. Travel Tech: spusu mobile cut roaming data prices across 115 countries, including North Macedonia, to as low as £2 per GB in some destinations. Sports Tourism Hook: Turkey’s 4-0 win over North Macedonia ahead of the World Cup keeps regional attention on Skopje/Ohrid travel routes as fans plan trips.

Tourism Demand Watch: Eurostat data show Albania logged 834,966 overnight stays in Q1 2026, up 11.2% year-on-year, while North Macedonia’s growth was just 0.1%—a useful benchmark for Skopje and Ohrid operators. Short-Stay Pricing: AirDNA says Albania’s average daily short-term rental hit about €57, making it the second most expensive in the Balkans (Montenegro higher at ~€79); North Macedonia is cited as the cheapest in Europe at ~€40, which could help attract value-seeking travelers. EU Travel Signals: European Council President António Costa is set to visit Skopje on June 2 as part of a Western Balkans tour ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on June 5, with enlargement and regional cooperation on the agenda. Transport & Access: Serbia has published early details for a Corridor 10 high-speed rail upgrade through North Macedonia, with an environmental impact assessment process starting near the Tabanovce border—potentially big for future rail tourism. On-the-Ground Activism: Protests against planned Zvërnec-area developments are expanding beyond Albania, with events scheduled in Europe and a planned wave continuing into next week, including Skopje—worth noting for visitors planning around demonstrations.

Tourism Demand Signals: North Macedonia is still one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, but reports point to a 7% rise in tourist numbers in 2025 and new direct Wizz Air flights from the UK to Skopje and Ohrid—good news for summer travel planning. EU & Regional Momentum: European Council President António Costa is set to tour the Western Balkans (including Skopje) and co-chair the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on June 5, keeping EU integration and regional cooperation in focus. Transport Upgrade for Corridor 10: Serbia has published details for a modern double-track, electrified high-speed railway on Corridor 10 through North Macedonia, with an environmental impact assessment process starting near the Tabanovce crossing—potential long-term travel boost. Budget Travel Reality Check: North Macedonia is also being listed among Europe’s poorer countries, a reminder that affordability and value will matter as visitor numbers grow. On-the-Ground Travel Practicalities: A roaming update from spusu UK cuts mobile data costs in North Macedonia to £2 per GB in some destinations, making it easier for travelers to stay connected. Sports Tourism Pull: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s friendly vs North Macedonia in Sarajevo is drawing big fan energy—another reminder that matchdays can spark short breaks across the region.

Tourism Demand Signals: A new travel spotlight says North Macedonia is still one of Europe’s least-visited spots, but it’s gaining momentum: about 900,000 visitors in 2025, a 7% rise year-on-year, and new direct Wizz Air flights from the UK to Skopje and Ohrid—plus a pitch for its calm, history-rich mix of Balkan and Mediterranean influences. EU Diplomacy for the Region: European Council President António Costa is set to tour the Western Balkans (June 1–5), including a stop in Skopje to meet Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on June 5. Connectivity Upgrade on Corridor 10: Serbia’s environmental ministry has published details to modernize the Corridor 10 rail line through North Macedonia into a double-track electrified route, with major speed targets and new alignments to replace older tunnel sections. Practical Travel Tip: spusu mobile says roaming data now costs as little as £2 per GB in destinations including North Macedonia, aiming to make cross-border trips easier for visitors. Sports Buzz with Tourism Pull: Turkey’s World Cup warm-up included a 4-0 win over North Macedonia, while Bosnia and Herzegovina’s build-up features a friendly vs North Macedonia in Sarajevo—good timing for fans planning Balkan short breaks.

World Cup Spotlight: Turkey beat North Macedonia 4-0 in Istanbul in a warm-up that puts the spotlight back on the region’s football ties and match-day buzz. Tourism Demand Boost: A new travel feature points to North Macedonia’s slow-but-real rise—about 900,000 visitors in 2025, a 7% jump, and direct Wizz Air flights from the UK to Skopje and Ohrid. Cheaper Travel Angle: A separate “cheapest summer cities” roundup highlights Belgrade as budget-friendly, reinforcing the wider Balkan value story for travelers planning nearby routes. Rail & Access: Serbia’s ministry published details for modernizing Corridor 10 through North Macedonia—double-track, electrified upgrades and faster service—an infrastructure move that could improve future tourism travel times. EU Engagement: European Council President António Costa’s Western Balkans tour includes a stop in Skopje, keeping North Macedonia in the policy spotlight ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat. Practical Travel Tip: spusu cut roaming data prices, with North Macedonia listed among destinations where data can cost as little as £2 per GB.

EU-Western Balkans Diplomacy: European Council President António Costa kicks off a 1–5 June tour, meeting leaders in Sarajevo, Tirana, Skopje, Pristina and Belgrade, then co-chairing the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on 5 June—an agenda that includes enlargement, integration, regional cooperation, and security. Rail & Connectivity: Serbia’s environmental notice outlines a double-track, electrified high-speed upgrade on Corridor 10 through North Macedonia, with new alignments to replace slow tunnels and target faster passenger and freight speeds. Travel Costs & Connectivity: spusu UK says roaming data in North Macedonia now starts at just £2 per GB (with other cuts across 115 countries), aiming to make cross-border trips easier for visitors. Football Tourism Buzz: Bosnia and Herzegovina host North Macedonia in Sarajevo for a World Cup warm-up, with fans filling Koševo and match coverage starting in the evening—another reason the region’s travel calendar stays lively. Solo Travel Inspiration: a guide highlights “micro-adventures” and includes a North Macedonia group tour pitch for first-time solo travellers.

EU–Western Balkans Push: European Council President António Costa kicks off a 1–5 June tour, meeting leaders in Sarajevo, Tirana, Skopje, Pristina and Belgrade, then co-chairing the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on 5 June—an agenda that includes enlargement, integration, regional cooperation and security. Rail Corridor 10: Serbia’s environmental notice starts the process for a double-track high-speed railway on Corridor 10 through North Macedonia, with major upgrades planned around the Tabanovce border crossing and new faster alignments. Travel Costs & Connectivity: spusu mobile cuts roaming data prices across 115 countries; key destinations now include North Macedonia at £2 per GB in selected locations. Tourism Angle—Solo Mini-Breaks: a travel roundup highlights “micro-adventures” and short breaks, including a group tour option for North Macedonia aimed at first-time solo travellers. Sports & Visitors: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup warm-up vs North Macedonia draws fan buzz in Sarajevo, with match-day coverage likely to boost short-term regional travel interest.

High-Speed Rail Push (Corridor 10): Serbia has published an environmental notice for a double-track high-speed railway through North Macedonia, starting near the Tabanovce border crossing. The plan covers about 195 km, with electrified lines aimed at up to 160 km/h for passengers and around 120 km/h for freight, replacing slower sections where tunnels and tight curves currently cap speeds at about 60 km/h. EU-Western Balkans Momentum: European Council President António Costa will tour the region from 1–5 June, meeting leaders including in Skopje, and co-chairing the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on June 5, with enlargement, regional cooperation, security and stability on the agenda. Travel Costs & Connectivity: spusu mobile says it has cut roaming data prices across 115 countries, with data now costing £2 per GB in destinations including North Macedonia. Football Tourism Buzz (Sarajevo): Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup warm-up against North Macedonia in Koševo is drawing major fan energy in Sarajevo, with match coverage starting around 20:20. Solo Travel Inspiration: A UK travel piece highlights North Macedonia as a “least-visited” Balkan stop, pitching it for short group mini-breaks aimed at solo travellers.

EU-Western Balkans push: European Council President António Costa is set to tour the region June 1–5, stopping in Sarajevo, Tirana, Skopje, Pristina and Belgrade, then co-chairing the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat on June 5—focused on enlargement, gradual integration, regional cooperation, security and stability. Football & travel buzz: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s World Cup warm-up against North Macedonia in Sarajevo (Koševo) is drawing big fan energy, with the match framed as a “test of character” ahead of the tournament. Cheaper connectivity for visitors: spusu mobile says roaming data will cost as little as £2 per GB in destinations including North Macedonia (and the wider region), aiming to make cross-border travel easier for tourists. Solo travel trend: a UK travel piece highlights “micro-adventures” and short solo breaks, pointing readers toward Balkans-style escapes like North Macedonia. Practical travel note: the EU’s new Entry/Exit biometric system is rolling out across Schengen, with reports of longer processing and technical hiccups that could affect summer airport arrivals.