The World Bank has released its latest economic outlook, projecting that North Macedonia's GDP growth will moderate to 2.9% in 2026. This forecast reflects broader regional economic trends as the country navigates ongoing structural reforms and external market pressures. The report highlights key factors influencing this trajectory, including investment levels and export performance.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has announced that North Macedonia is exploring the possibility of independently developing the 333-megawatt Cebren and Galiste hydropower project on the Crna River. This shift in strategy follows the cancellation of previous international tenders, as the government seeks to secure national energy stability through state-led investment.
North Macedonia is initiating negotiations with the European Union to join the 'Roam Like At Home' system. This move aims to eliminate mobile roaming charges for citizens traveling between the country and EU member states, following a broader regional trend of reducing telecommunications costs in the Western Balkans.
A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 2.4 was recorded near the town of Gostivar, North Macedonia, on the morning of May 18, 2026. The seismic event was detected in the region, though there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries resulting from the tremor.
The international supermarket chain SPAR has officially entered the North Macedonian market, launching its operations with the opening of its first two stores in the capital city, Skopje. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the brand's presence in the Balkan region, bringing its global retail standards and private label products to local consumers.
The VMRO-DPMNE party in North Macedonia has initiated legislative efforts to restrict dual citizenship for high-ranking government officials. The proposal aims to address concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest and national security, sparking debate within the country's political landscape regarding the eligibility requirements for public office.
Law students in North Macedonia held a protest at the Ministry of Justice in Skopje, demanding the legal right to take the state bar examination in the Albanian language. The demonstrators argue that current regulations create barriers for Albanian-speaking graduates, calling for legislative changes to ensure equal access to the legal profession.
EVN Macedonia has officially commissioned a new 110 kV compact substation in Skopje, the first such facility built in the city center in over 40 years. This infrastructure project aims to enhance the stability and capacity of the electricity grid, supporting the growing energy demands of the capital city and ensuring a more reliable power supply for residents and businesses.
Denmark secured a decisive 4-0 victory over North Macedonia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup European play-off semi-final at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen. The win advances the Danish side to the final stage of the qualification process, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the upcoming tournament.
The Greek Embassy in Washington has formally addressed a speech by former First Lady Melania Trump, noting the use of 'Macedonia' rather than 'North Macedonia'. The correction highlights the importance of adhering to the 2018 Prespa Agreement, which resolved a long-standing naming dispute between Greece and its neighbor.
European Union officials have again urged North Macedonia to proceed with necessary constitutional amendments and legal reforms. These steps are essential for the country to advance its EU accession negotiations, a process that remains contingent on meeting specific criteria regarding minority rights and the rule of law as part of the broader integration framework.
European Union officials have again urged North Macedonia to finalize necessary constitutional amendments and legal reforms to advance its EU accession process. The changes, which include recognizing the Bulgarian minority in the constitution, remain a critical prerequisite for the country to open further negotiation clusters and continue its path toward European integration.
North Macedonia's Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski participated in the European People's Party (EPP) summit in Brussels. During the event, he held high-level discussions with European leaders to advance the country's European integration agenda and strengthen bilateral cooperation with key partners within the European Union.
North Macedonia's President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on February 4, 2026. Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in economic, trade, investment, and development sectors, aiming for sustainable growth and prosperity.
The village of Vevcani in North Macedonia annually hosts its 1,400-year-old carnival, a vibrant blend of pagan rituals and modern satire. Held on January 13th and 14th, the event features elaborate masks, traditional characters like 'August the Stupid,' and a symbolic burning of masks to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the Orthodox New Year.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has cautioned that the European Union's continued delays in the enlargement process are jeopardizing trust in the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia. Speaking from Belgrade, Pellegrini criticized 'political games' hindering accession and stressed the need for a merit-based approach to prevent disillusionment and maintain the EU's credibility in the region.
Thousands of Albanians from Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia gathered in Skopje's Skanderbeg Square on December 13, 2025, to protest the ongoing trials of former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. Organizers, primarily the OVL-UCK, called for justice and the release of figures like Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi, who face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
A consortium led by Croatia's Dalekovod has signed a €19.7 million contract with North Macedonia's MEPSO for a 400 kV transmission line connecting Bitola 2 to the Albanian border, aiming for regional power stability by mid-2028.
Serbian singer Aca Lukas was detained in Kavadarci, North Macedonia, on November 22, 2025, for performing without a required permit. He was fined 50 euros, while the venue faced multiple violations. Lukas claims the action was politically motivated.
A new report, 'Enablers and Incentives of Election-Related Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference in North Macedonia,' reveals how a 'clientelist dynamic' between the state and media, coupled with systemic vulnerabilities, creates fertile ground for foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). The study, launched by International IDEA and Metamorphosis Foundation, emphasizes the urgent need for reforms to safeguard democratic processes.
