AGP Executive Report

Plastic Pollution & Oceans: Croatian diver Kristijan Curavić is taking his plastic-free tourism push underwater, planning a Guinness-style seabed cleanup off Krapanj Island with a live address to world leaders from beneath the Adriatic. Climate & Disaster Risk: A new wildfire-risk snapshot flags Greece among Europe’s higher residential property risk countries by 2050, with North Macedonia also listed among those facing elevated exposure as heatwaves and dry spells intensify. Public Health & Mosquitoes: West Nile virus is spreading across Europe; the Netherlands reported a death, and Greece is among 12 countries with cases in 2026, while North Macedonia has recorded multiple deaths this year. Environment at the Border: Greece seized 1,296 refrigerant cylinders in two smuggling cases involving R404A and R134a—an environmental concern because leaked refrigerants can trap heat. Local Environment & Fire Response: Large wildfires are burning in Serbia and North Macedonia; Serbia asked the EU for help and Macedonia reported damage to at least one house as winds and dryness threaten control. Sustainable Tourism & Peace: IIPT marks 40 years of “peace through tourism,” launching a yearlong summit series as geopolitical tensions increasingly disrupt travel routes and destinations. North Macedonia Agriculture: Despite a record table-grape season, growers say prices are lower than expected due to heavy competition from imports, squeezing returns for producers.

Wildfires & heat risk: Large wildfires are burning across Serbia and North Macedonia as hot, dry weather and strong winds make blazes harder to control; Serbia has asked the EU for help, with firefighting helicopters, 120+ firefighters and vehicles deployed, while North Macedonia reports major fires in the south and at least one damaged house. Mosquito-borne health: West Nile virus continues to spread across Europe; the Netherlands reported a death in Utrecht, and Greece is among 12 European countries with 2026 cases, while North Macedonia has recorded its fifth death of the year. Climate-linked disaster exposure: A Morningstar DBRS assessment ranks Greece among the higher wildfire property-risk countries by 2050, with North Macedonia also listed among those facing elevated residential damage risk under a warming scenario. Refrigerant smuggling at borders: Greece seized 1,296 refrigerant cylinders (R404A and R134a) in two smuggling cases involving concealment on trucks crossing from Turkey and North Macedonia, highlighting the environmental harm of illegal releases. Local environment economy: North Macedonia’s table grape harvest is underway with a record season for quality and volume after dry, warm weather, but growers warn prices are lower than expected due to heavy competition from regional imports. Energy & decarbonization signals: Greece’s electricity market has shifted toward exports, while a separate CCS project in the UK awarded steel-pipe supply work tied to HyNet’s carbon capture network. Regional infrastructure: A look at the Balkans’ transport buildout frames new corridors as key for trade, energy security and even military mobility—factors that can shape future environmental pressures.

Wildfire Risk & Heat: Greece is ranked among Europe’s higher wildfire property-risk countries by 2050, with North Macedonia also flagged in climate-risk analysis tied to hotter, drier summers. Public Health & Mosquitoes: West Nile virus is spreading across Europe; the Netherlands reported a death, and Greece and North Macedonia are among countries recording cases and fatalities this year. Illegal Refrigerant Smuggling: Greece seized 1,296 refrigerant cylinders (R404A and R134a) in two smuggling cases at the Turkish and North Macedonia borders—an environmental and tax-loss blow. Lake Ohrid Protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid to avoid possible “World Heritage in Danger” status, citing urbanisation, illegal construction, wastewater pollution and biodiversity pressure. Local Climate Impacts: Large wildfires are burning across Serbia and North Macedonia amid hot, dry weather and strong winds, with EU firefighting support being requested. Energy Transition: Greece has become a net electricity exporter in Southeast Europe, with a major surplus reported for the first half of 2026 as renewable energy planning moves forward. Regional Infrastructure: A new 10.5-kilometre motorway link between Skopje and the Kosovo border is part of a wider Balkans push to modernise corridors that also affect energy security and mobility. North Macedonia in Focus: North Macedonia’s Prime Minister backed Trump in a high-profile interview, while EUFOR troops continued multinational rapid-response training in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Wildfires in the Balkans: Hot, dry weather is fueling large fires in Serbia and North Macedonia, with Serbia asking the EU for help and North Macedonia reporting damage to at least one house; strong winds could worsen conditions. Lake Ohrid Protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction, wastewater pollution, and tourism pressure could threaten its World Heritage status. Mosquito-borne health risk: West Nile virus continues to spread across Europe; Greece is among countries reporting cases, and North Macedonia has recorded its fifth death of the year, prompting calls for stronger mosquito surveillance. Refrigerant smuggling at borders: Greece seized 1,296 refrigerant cylinders (R404A and R134a) in two smuggling cases involving the Greece–North Macedonia border, highlighting risks to climate and environmental safeguards. North Macedonia grapes face price squeeze: A record table-grape season in North Macedonia is being undercut by lower-than-expected prices and heavy competition from imports. Transport & development pressure: Construction of a Skopje–Kosovo motorway is framed as part of wider Balkan corridor upgrades that can reshape trade, land use, and environmental pressures.

Wildfires & Heat Stress: Large wildfires are burning across Serbia and North Macedonia as hot, dry weather and strong winds make blazes harder to control, with Serbia seeking EU help and North Macedonia reporting damage to at least one house. Lake Ohrid Protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid after concerns over unchecked construction, wastewater pollution, and tourism pressure—failure could put World Heritage status at risk. Mosquito-Borne Health Risk: West Nile virus continues to spread in Europe; the EU health agency reports locally acquired cases in 12 countries, including North Macedonia, urging stronger mosquito surveillance and control. Refrigerant Smuggling at Borders: Greece seized 1,296 refrigerant cylinders (R404A and R134a) in two smuggling cases involving the Greece–North Macedonia border, highlighting environmental harm from illegal release of heat-trapping gases. Local Food & Water-Ecosystem Pressure: North Macedonia’s grape harvest is underway with a record table-grape season, but growers warn that prices are lower than expected amid heavy competition. Lake & Biodiversity Activism (Regional): In Albania, protests have targeted tourism and development plans threatening protected areas and key migratory bird habitats, including flamingo stopovers.

Wildfires & heat stress: Large wildfires are burning across the Balkans, with Serbia and North Macedonia hit by hot, dry conditions and strong winds; Serbia has requested EU help as blazes near Belgrade threaten thousands of hectares, while North Macedonia reports major fires in the south, including damage to at least one house. Mosquito-borne health risk: West Nile virus is spreading further in Europe; the Netherlands reported a domestic death, and Greece is among 12 European countries with cases in 2026, including North Macedonia, which has recorded its fifth death of the year. Lake Ohrid protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction, wastewater pollution, and tourism pressure could put its World Heritage status at risk. Refrigerant smuggling at borders: Greece seized 1,296 refrigerant cylinders (R404A and R134a) in two smuggling cases linked to the Greece–North Macedonia border, raising concerns about environmental harm from leaked heat-trapping gases. Climate resilience pressure: A wider report highlights that Europe has lost far more wildfire area than the 20-year average so far this year, with drought and record heat stressing water, energy, and agriculture—especially across Southeast Europe.

Wildfires & heat stress: Large wildfires are burning across Serbia and North Macedonia as hot, dry weather and strong winds make blazes harder to control, with Serbia seeking EU help and North Macedonia reporting damage to at least one house. Biodiversity & water protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction, wastewater pollution, and tourism pressure could put its World Heritage status at risk. Public health: West Nile virus is spreading across Europe, with the Netherlands reporting a death and Greece among 12 countries reporting cases; North Macedonia has recorded multiple deaths this year. Climate risk scale: A new wildfire tally shows Europe has lost far more forest area than the 20-year average so far this year, highlighting pressure on agriculture, water supplies, and energy systems—especially in Southeast Europe. Illegal refrigerant smuggling: Greece seized 1,296 refrigerant cylinders (R404A and R134a) in two border smuggling cases involving North Macedonia-linked routes, raising concerns about heat-trapping gas emissions. Local environment & livelihoods: North Macedonia’s grape harvest is strong, but growers say prices are lower than expected as competition squeezes returns—an economic pressure that can affect farming sustainability.

Wildfires & heat stress: Large wildfires are burning across Serbia and North Macedonia as hot, dry weather and strong winds make blazes harder to control, with Serbia seeking EU help and North Macedonia reporting damage to at least one house. Lake Ohrid protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction, wastewater pollution, and tourism pressure could put its World Heritage status at risk. Biodiversity under pressure in Albania: After protests against luxury tourism plans near protected areas and Narta Lagoon—key stopovers for flamingos and migratory birds—campaigners are pushing back on how protected land is being opened up. Mosquito-borne health risk: The EU health agency reports locally acquired West Nile virus cases in 12 European countries, including North Macedonia, urging stronger mosquito-control capacity. Refrigerant smuggling: Greece seized 1,296 refrigerant cylinders (R404A and R134a) in two smuggling cases at the Turkish border and the Greece–North Macedonia border, highlighting environmental harm from illegal releases. Climate impacts across the region: A broader report links extreme heat, drought, and wildfires to rising climate risks for Southeast Europe, affecting agriculture, water supplies, and energy systems. Energy transition signal: Greece’s electricity trade balance swung to a €438 million surplus in the first half of 2026, as it becomes a net exporter and regional supplier—an energy-security angle relevant to the Balkans.

Wildfires and heat stress: Large wildfires are burning across Serbia and North Macedonia as hot, dry weather and strong winds make blazes harder to control, with Serbia seeking EU help and North Macedonia reporting damage to at least one house. Biodiversity under pressure: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction, wastewater pollution, and tourism pressure could put the site’s World Heritage status at risk. Public health alert: The EU health agency reports more locally acquired West Nile virus cases across Europe, including North Macedonia, urging mosquito-control vigilance as transmission risk can continue into October. Climate risk for the region: A wider report says extreme heat, drought, and wildfires are exposing Southeast Europe’s climate vulnerabilities, threatening agriculture, water supplies, and energy systems. Illegal refrigerant smuggling: Greek authorities seized 1,296 refrigerant cylinders in two cases, including shipments linked to the North Macedonia border, highlighting the environmental harm when heat-trapping gases are moved illegally. Lake Ohrid protection deadline: UNESCO’s five-year window adds urgency for enforcement against illegal lakeside development and pollution on both sides of the border. Agriculture squeeze: North Macedonia’s grape harvest is strong, but growers face lower-than-expected prices, with competition from other countries weighing on returns.

Wildfires & Heat Stress: Large wildfires are burning across Serbia and North Macedonia as hot, dry weather and strong winds make blazes harder to control; Serbia is seeking EU help with helicopters and more than 120 firefighters, while in North Macedonia a major fire in the south has damaged at least one house. Lake Ohrid Protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid after concerns over unchecked construction, wastewater pollution, and tourism pressure; failure could put the lake’s World Heritage status at risk. Biodiversity & Mosquito Risk: West Nile virus is spreading locally in more European countries, with North Macedonia among those reporting cases; health agencies are urging mosquito-control vigilance through October. Energy & Water Security: Extreme heat, drought, and wildfires are exposing Southeast Europe’s climate risks, with low river levels threatening hydropower output and stressing water-dependent systems. Renewables Signal (Regional): Albania’s electricity mix is heavily renewable (over 100% of gross consumption in 2025), but hydropower reliance also highlights vulnerability when drought hits. Governance & Environment Pressure: Protests in Albania have targeted coastal development plans affecting protected areas and migratory birds, reflecting growing public pushback against environmental degradation. Carbon Capture Infrastructure (UK): A pipeline contract for the HyNet CCS cluster was awarded to Corinth Pipeworks, underscoring continued investment in decarbonization infrastructure.

Wildfires & heat stress: Large wildfires are burning across the Balkans, with Serbia and North Macedonia hit by hot, dry weather and strong winds that are making blazes harder to control, including a major fire near Belgrade and another large fire in southern North Macedonia that damaged at least one house. Lake Ohrid protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction, wastewater pollution, and tourism pressure could put the site’s World Heritage status at risk. Climate risk across Southeast Europe: A wider regional picture shows extreme heat, drought and wildfires exposing Southeast Europe’s climate risks, with impacts reaching water supplies, hydropower and agriculture. Biodiversity & pollution pressure: Albania’s renewable-heavy power mix is highlighted alongside growing environmental concerns, while health authorities across Europe report West Nile virus spread linked to mosquito activity—an added reminder that warmer conditions can raise public health and ecosystem pressures. Illegal trafficking via “recycling” cover: Greek police dismantled a cannabis smuggling network that hid raw cannabis inside recyclable paper shipments moving from Albania toward Turkey via Greece, underscoring how environmental “waste” routes can be abused.

Wildfire Crisis: Large wildfires are burning across Serbia and North Macedonia as hot, dry weather and strong winds make blazes harder to control, with Serbia seeking EU help and North Macedonia reporting damage to at least one house. Lake Ohrid Protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction, wastewater pollution, and tourism pressure could put its World Heritage status at risk. Climate Risk Snapshot: A wider regional picture shows extreme heat, drought, and wildfires exposing Southeast Europe’s climate risks, with impacts on water, hydropower, and agriculture. Mosquito-Borne Health Alert: West Nile virus is spreading in Europe, with North Macedonia among countries reporting locally acquired cases and health authorities urging mosquito-control vigilance. Renewables & Water Stress: Albania’s electricity mix remains heavily renewable—largely hydropower—highlighting both progress and vulnerability when drought hits water supplies. Carbon Capture Supply Chain: Corinth Pipeworks won a contract to supply steel piping for the UK’s HyNet carbon capture and storage pipeline, a reminder of how decarbonization projects rely on major industrial infrastructure. Governance & Environment: Protests in Albania target coastal and lagoon development plans that opponents say threaten protected areas and biodiversity, including key migratory bird habitats. Local Environment Crime: Greek police dismantled a cannabis smuggling network using recyclable paper shipments from Albania to Turkey, underscoring ongoing cross-border enforcement linked to environmental and transport routes.

Wildfire Crisis: Large wildfires are burning across Serbia and North Macedonia as hot, dry weather and strong winds spread blazes; Serbia has asked the EU for help and is receiving helicopters and firefighters, while in North Macedonia a major fire in the south has damaged at least one house. Lake Ohrid Protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction, wastewater pollution, and tourism pressure could put the site’s World Heritage status at risk. Climate Risk Across the Region: A wider European picture shows extreme heat, drought and wildfires driving record losses of forest area and stressing water, energy and agriculture—conditions that also fuel Balkan fire seasons. West Nile Virus Alert: Health agencies report expanding West Nile virus transmission in Europe, with North Macedonia among affected countries; officials urge mosquito-bite precautions as the season can run into October. Renewables vs Nature in North Macedonia: In Sar Mountain National Park, infrastructure installed for two planned small hydropower plants (Pena 84 and Pena 85) is being dismantled to restore disturbed river ecosystems and landscapes. Carbon Capture Supply Chain: Corinth Pipeworks has won a contract to supply steel piping for the UK’s HyNet Liverpool Bay CCS pipeline, part of a broader push to cut industrial emissions.

Wildfires in the Balkans: Hot, dry weather is fueling major blazes in Serbia and North Macedonia, with Serbia asking the EU for help and receiving firefighting helicopters, 120+ firefighters and vehicles; in North Macedonia, a large southern fire damaged at least one house, and strong winds could worsen conditions. Lake Ohrid protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen safeguards for Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction, wastewater pollution and tourism pressure could put the site’s World Heritage status at risk. Climate risk snapshot: A regional overview highlights how extreme heat, drought and wildfires are exposing Southeast Europe’s climate vulnerabilities, stressing impacts on water, hydropower and agriculture. West Nile virus alert: EU health agencies report expanding West Nile virus transmission across Europe, including North Macedonia and Serbia, urging mosquito-control efforts and bite prevention as the season can last into October. Sar Mountain hydropower reversal: In North Macedonia’s Sar Mountain National Park, infrastructure for two planned small hydropower plants (Pena 84 and Pena 85) is being dismantled after long conflict over protecting fragile mountain rivers and ecosystems.

Wildfire Response: Large wildfires are burning across Serbia and North Macedonia amid hot, dry weather and strong winds; Serbia has asked the EU for help and is receiving firefighting helicopters, 120+ firefighters and vehicles, while North Macedonia reports another major blaze in the south with at least one house damaged. Lake Ohrid Protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction, wastewater pollution and tourism pressure could put its World Heritage status at risk. Climate Risk Snapshot: A regional roundup highlights how extreme heat, drought and wildfires are exposing Southeast Europe’s climate vulnerabilities, with impacts ranging from low rivers and stressed hydropower to water and harvest pressures. West Nile Alert: Health agencies across Europe report expanding West Nile virus transmission, including locally acquired cases in North Macedonia, urging mosquito-control efforts and bite prevention as risk can last into October. Hydropower vs Nature: In North Macedonia’s Sar Mountain National Park, infrastructure tied to two planned small hydropower plants (Pena 84 and Pena 85) is being dismantled to restore the disturbed valley and protect fragile ecosystems.

Lake Ohrid Protection: UNESCO has given Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen safeguards for Lake Ohrid after concerns over urbanisation, illegal construction, wastewater pollution, and tourism pressure—warning that World Heritage status could be at risk. Public Health & Mosquito Control: West Nile virus is spreading across Europe, with health agencies urging stronger mosquito-control efforts; North Macedonia is among the countries reporting locally acquired cases. Wildfire & Climate Stress: New figures show Europe has lost hundreds of thousands of hectares to wildfire this year, with drought and record heat hitting water supplies, hydropower, and agriculture—Southeast Europe is on the front line. Hydropower vs Nature in North Macedonia: In Sar Mountain National Park, infrastructure for two planned small hydropower plants (Pena 84/85) is being dismantled, aiming to restore the Leshnica Valley ecosystem after earlier development plans were halted. Renewables Reality Check (Regional): Albania’s electricity is heavily renewable—largely hydropower—highlighting both clean energy gains and the risks of relying on water-dependent generation.