AGP Executive Report

Matka Depth Record: Polish cave diver Bartłomiej Pitala reached 338 metres in North Macedonia’s Vrelo cave, surpassing the previous underwater cave-diving record by 26 metres. The feat followed months of preparation with local divers. EU Environment Funding: The LIFE programme has awarded more than €390 million to 135 climate and nature projects across Europe. North Macedonia is among the countries covered, though no local project was specified. Prespa Protection: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania will prepare a joint UNESCO bid recognising Prespa as a mixed natural and cultural heritage site, with a decision expected in 2031. Cross-Border Tourism: Construction is underway on a new Greece–North Macedonia border crossing near Prespa, alongside plans for a hiking route linking Brajchino and Agios Germanos—opening opportunities for nature-based tourism. Shared Waters: UNESCO has urged stronger South-East European cooperation on rivers, lakes and groundwater as climate change, pollution and rising demand put pressure on water resources.

Matka Record Dive: Polish cave diver Bartłomiej Pitala reached 338 metres in North Macedonia’s Vrelo cave, setting a new depth record for an underwater cave dive. The achievement followed months of preparation with local divers at Matka Canyon. Prespa Protection: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania agreed to prepare a joint UNESCO World Heritage nomination for the Prespa region, recognising its natural and cultural value and the need for cross-border protection. Sustainable Tourism: Construction is underway on a new Greece–North Macedonia border crossing near Prespa, expected to reopen a route closed since 1967. Plans include a hiking trail linking Brajchino and Agios Germanos, with local leaders calling for infrastructure that supports nature-based tourism. Regional Water Cooperation: UNESCO-backed discussions urged South-East European countries to work together on shared rivers, lakes and groundwater as climate change, pollution and rising demand strain water resources.

Matka Canyon: Polish diver Bartłomiej Pitala reached 338 metres in North Macedonia’s Vrelo cave, setting a new cave-diving depth record that has not yet been officially ratified. EU Environment Funding: The LIFE programme is awarding more than €390 million to 135 climate and nature projects across Europe; North Macedonia is among the participating countries, though no specific local project was identified. Prespa Protection: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania have agreed to prepare a joint UNESCO bid for the Prespa region as a mixed natural and cultural heritage site, with a decision expected in 2031. Cross-Border Tourism: Construction is underway on a new Greece–North Macedonia border crossing near Prespa, alongside plans for a hiking route linking Brajchino and Agios Germanos. Local leaders hope nature-based tourism will benefit, while stressing the need for supporting infrastructure. Shared Waters: UNESCO is urging stronger cooperation in South-East Europe to protect rivers, lakes and groundwater under growing pressure from climate change, pollution and demand.

Matka Cave: Polish diver Bartłomiej Pitala reached 338 metres in North Macedonia’s Vrelo cave, setting a claimed world record for an underwater cave dive. The record is not yet officially ratified. EU Environment Funding: The EU’s LIFE programme will provide more than €390 million for 135 climate and nature projects. North Macedonia is among the participating countries, though no national project is identified in the announcement. Prespa Protection: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia will prepare a joint UNESCO World Heritage bid for the Prespa region as a mixed natural and cultural site, with a decision expected in 2031. Cross-Border Nature Tourism: Construction is underway on a new Greece–North Macedonia Prespa crossing, part of a €7.5 million project that also plans a hiking route linking Agios Germanos and Brajchino. Local communities hope it will boost tourism around the lakes and wildlife. Shared Waterways: UNESCO is urging stronger South-East European cooperation on rivers, lakes and groundwater as climate change, pollution and rising demand put pressure on shared water resources.

Matka Record Dive: Polish diver Bartłomiej Pitala reached 338 metres in North Macedonia’s Vrelo cave, setting a new explored-depth record. The record is not yet officially ratified. EU Environment Funding: The LIFE programme is awarding more than €390 million to 135 environment and climate projects across Europe; North Macedonia is among the participating countries. Projects cover biodiversity, circular economy, climate resilience and clean energy. Prespa Protection: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia agreed to prepare a joint UNESCO World Heritage nomination for the Prespa region, recognising its natural and cultural value. A new border crossing and hiking route are also planned to support nature-based tourism in the area. Shared Waters: UNESCO brought South-East European officials and specialists together to discuss cooperation on rivers, lakes and groundwater shared across borders, as climate change, pollution and rising demand pressure the region’s water resources.

Cave Record: An international team explored North Macedonia’s Vrelo Cave in Matka Canyon to 338 metres, making it the world’s deepest explored underwater cave. EU Environment Funding: North Macedonia is among the countries covered by 135 new LIFE projects, backed by more than €390 million for nature, climate and circular-economy work; project details for the country were not specified. Sustainable Design: North Macedonia was represented among the 2026 New European Bauhaus Prize winners, which celebrate projects combining sustainability, inclusion and design. Prespa Protection: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania agreed to prepare a joint UNESCO World Heritage bid for Prespa, recognising its natural and cultural value. A planned border crossing and hiking route could also boost nature-based tourism between the countries. Shared Waters: UNESCO urged stronger South-East European cooperation to protect rivers, lakes and groundwater under growing pressure from climate change, pollution and demand.

EU Environment Funding: The European Commission has awarded €390 million to 135 LIFE projects on biodiversity, climate resilience and the circular economy. North Macedonia is among the participating countries, though no specific project for the country was identified. Matka Canyon: Polish cave diver Bartłomiej Pitala reached 338 metres in Vrelo Cave, setting a new explored-depth record and drawing attention to one of North Macedonia’s natural landmarks. Prespa Protection: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia have agreed to prepare a joint UNESCO World Heritage bid for Prespa, recognising its natural and cultural value and aiming to strengthen cross-border stewardship. Sustainable Tourism: Construction is under way on a new Greece–North Macedonia border crossing near Prespa, paired with a hiking route linking Agios Germanos and Brajchino. Local hopes for more visitors come with a need for supporting infrastructure and careful management. Shared Waters: UNESCO has urged South-East European countries to work together to protect rivers, lakes and groundwater facing pressure from climate change, pollution and rising demand.

Matka Record: Polish diver Bartłomiej Pitala reached 338 metres in Vrelo Cave, Matka Canyon, making it the world’s deepest explored underwater cave. EU Environment Funding: The European Commission awarded €390 million to 135 environment and climate projects, with North Macedonia among the countries covered; the projects target biodiversity, climate resilience and a circular economy. Prespa Cooperation: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania will prepare a joint UNESCO World Heritage bid for Prespa, recognising its natural and cultural value. A new border crossing is also planned to boost cross-border tourism, including hiking routes linking villages in Greece and North Macedonia. Shared Waterways: UNESCO is urging stronger regional cooperation to protect rivers, lakes and groundwater as climate change, pollution and rising demand put pressure on water resources. Sustainable Design: North Macedonia was among the countries represented in the 2026 New European Bauhaus Prizes, which recognise projects combining sustainability, inclusion and design.

Matka Record: Polish diver Bartłomiej Pitala reached 338 metres in Vrelo Cave, making the Matka Canyon site the world’s deepest explored underwater cave. EU Environment Funding: The European Commission is granting €390 million to 135 environment and climate projects; North Macedonia is among the countries covered, though no specific national project was identified. Prespa Links: Construction is underway on a new Greece–North Macedonia border crossing expected to boost local tourism, with plans for a hiking route linking Agios Germanos and Brajchino. Prespa Protection: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania have begun preparing a joint UNESCO World Heritage bid for Prespa as a mixed natural and cultural site, with a decision expected in 2031. Shared Waters: UNESCO is urging stronger regional cooperation to protect rivers, lakes and groundwater as climate change, pollution and rising demand put pressure on freshwater resources.

EU Nature Funding: The European Commission has committed €390 million to 135 environment and climate projects. North Macedonia is among the countries covered, though no specific local project was identified. Prespa Crossing: Construction is underway on Greece’s side of a new border crossing with North Macedonia, expected to support local tourism. Plans include a hiking route linking Agios Germanos and Brajchino, with better visitor infrastructure needed to make growth sustainable. Prespa Heritage: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania have agreed to prepare a joint UNESCO World Heritage bid for Prespa, recognising its natural and cultural value and aiming for a decision in 2031. Shared Waters: UNESCO is urging stronger regional cooperation to protect rivers, lakes and underground water reserves as climate change, pollution and rising demand put pressure on freshwater.

EU Environment Funding: The €390 million LIFE package backs 135 projects for nature, climate resilience and the circular economy, with selected projects spanning North Macedonia and other non-EU countries. Prespa Crossing: Construction is underway on Greek-side facilities for a long-awaited border crossing with North Macedonia, funded through a €7.5 million Interreg project. Plans include a hiking route linking Agios Germanos and Brajchino, aiming to boost nature-based tourism. Prespa Heritage: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania have begun preparing a joint UNESCO bid to recognize Prespa as a mixed natural and cultural site, with a decision expected in 2031. Green Design: A project from North Macedonia was among 13 winners of the 2026 New European Bauhaus prizes, which recognize sustainable and inclusive design.

EU Climate Funding: The European Commission has announced €390 million for 135 LIFE environment and climate projects. North Macedonia is among the participating countries, but no country-specific funding or projects were identified. Prespa Protection: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania have begun preparing a joint UNESCO nomination for the Prespa area as a mixed natural and cultural heritage site, with a decision expected in 2031. Cross-border Access: Construction is underway on new facilities for a Prespa border crossing closed since 1967. The €7.5 million project also includes a hiking route linking Agios Germanos in Greece with Brajchino in North Macedonia, supporting nature-based tourism. Sustainable Design: North Macedonia was among the countries represented in this year’s New European Bauhaus Prizes, which recognize projects combining sustainability, inclusion and design. Migratory Wildlife: A new EU-backed conservation project aims to protect Egyptian vultures along their routes between Balkan breeding grounds and African wintering areas, targeting threats including poisoning and unsafe power lines.

Prespa Crossing: Construction is underway on a new Greece–North Macedonia border crossing, closed since 1967. The €7.5 million project includes a hiking route linking Agios Germanos and Brajchino, aiming to boost nature-based tourism around the lakes. Sustainable Design: North Macedonia is among the countries represented in the European Commission’s 2026 New European Bauhaus prizes, which recognize projects combining sustainability, inclusion and design; the country’s winning project was not specified in the announcement. Prespa Protection: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia have agreed to prepare a joint UNESCO bid for Prespa as a mixed natural and cultural site, with the initiative intended to strengthen cross-border heritage protection and sustainable management. Wildlife: A new international project will work to protect Egyptian vultures across Balkan breeding grounds and their migration routes to Africa, tackling threats including poisoning and unsafe power lines.

Prespa Crossing: Construction is underway on the Greek side of a new border crossing expected to reconnect the Prespa area, closed to direct traffic since 1967. The €7.5 million project includes a hiking route between Agios Germanos and Brajchino, with hopes of boosting nature-based tourism. Cross-Border Conservation: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia have agreed to prepare a joint UNESCO bid for Prespa as a mixed natural and cultural heritage site, with a decision expected in 2031. Wildlife Protection: A new international project aims to protect Egyptian vultures along their migration route from Balkan breeding grounds to Africa, tackling threats including poisoning and unsafe power lines. Sustainable Design: North Macedonia was among the countries represented in the European Commission’s 2026 New European Bauhaus awards, which recognize projects combining sustainability, inclusion and design.

Prespa Heritage: Greece, Albania and North Macedonia have agreed to prepare a joint UNESCO bid for the Prespa region as a mixed natural and cultural site, with a decision expected in 2031. The initiative aims to strengthen cross-border protection and sustainable management. Green Design: North Macedonia was among the countries represented in the 2026 New European Bauhaus prizes, which recognize projects combining sustainability, inclusion and design. Vulture Protection: A new international conservation effort will work to protect Egyptian vultures along their migration routes from the Balkans to Africa, addressing threats including poisoning and unsafe power lines.

Green Design: North Macedonia was among the countries represented in the European Commission’s 2026 New European Bauhaus awards, which recognize projects combining sustainability, inclusion and design. Prespa Protection: North Macedonia, Greece and Albania will prepare a joint UNESCO bid for the Prespa region as a mixed natural and cultural site, aiming to strengthen cross-border conservation and sustainable management. Migratory Wildlife: A new international project will protect Egyptian vultures and other migratory birds along routes between the Balkans and Africa, targeting threats including poisoning and unsafe power lines.