AGP Executive Report

UNICEF Child Safety Report: UNICEF says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on social media and risks reported as far higher for victims’ mental health—North Macedonia is among the countries where the report flags especially elevated danger. Satellite Connectivity for the Balkans: 4iG Group and SpaceX signed agreements to bring Starlink Mobile connectivity to Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus “Sovereign Solutions” for secure, independent satellite communications—an approach that could matter for connectivity gaps in mountainous and coastal areas. Local Tech & Payments Work in North Macedonia: A profile on G+D Netcetera highlights that a significant share of its software development has long been carried out in North Macedonia, tying the country to European financial security and digital payments. Independence & STEM Participation: North Macedonia marked 35 years since independence, including a presidential event with students and mentors from international science olympiads and competitions. Energy Cooperation Interest: A North Macedonian politician says the country is interested in cooperation with Russia across energy, agriculture, trade, investment, and also education, science, and technologies.

Child Safety Online: UNICEF’s new “Through Children’s Eyes” report estimates that about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a single year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on social media and 14% in online games; the study also flags much higher mental-health risks for victims, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts, with North Macedonia among the places where the risk is reported as especially elevated. Connectivity in the Region: 4iG Group and SpaceX signed agreements to bring Starlink Mobile satellite-to-mobile connectivity to Hungary and the Western Balkans, including Albania, aiming to improve coverage in hard-to-reach areas. Local Tech Talent: North Macedonia marked its 35th independence anniversary with events that included students and mentors from international science olympiads, spotlighting STEM participation. Digital Economy & Skills: A UNICEF-backed discussion on online harms is echoed by broader calls for safer platforms and better protections for minors as digital services expand.

UNICEF Child Safety: UNICEF’s new “Through Children’s Eyes” report estimates about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social media and North Macedonia flagged for especially high mental-health risk (suicidal thoughts up to 8x higher). Local Digital Response: In North Macedonia, Makedonski Telekom launched a nationwide campaign, “Break the Circle of Violence. Don’t Be the Audience,” pairing awareness, school partnerships, and tech tools to tackle online hate and youth violence as the academic year starts. Satellite Connectivity in the Region: 4iG Group and SpaceX signed agreements for Starlink Mobile in Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus “Sovereign Solutions” for secure national satellite communications—aimed at improving coverage where terrestrial networks struggle. Tech & Finance Jobs Link: A profile highlights Netcetera (G+D) and notes that a significant share of its software development has long been carried out in North Macedonia, tying local talent to European payment security. Energy Cooperation Talk: A North Macedonian politician says the country is open to cooperation with Russia across energy, agriculture, trade, investment, and also science and technologies.

UNICEF Child Safety: A new UNICEF report says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on social media and risks to mental health rising sharply, including much higher rates of suicidal thoughts in Mexico and North Macedonia. Connectivity for the Balkans: 4iG Group and SpaceX signed agreements to bring Starlink Mobile satellite-to-mobile connectivity to Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus “Sovereign Solutions” for secure national satellite communications. Local Digital Protection: North Macedonia’s Makedonski Telekom launched a nationwide campaign against online hate and youth violence, pairing awareness work with education and tech tools. Independence & STEM: North Macedonia marked 35 years since independence, including a reception for students from international science olympiads and competitions, keeping STEM in the spotlight. Energy Cooperation Talk: A North Macedonian politician said the country is interested in energy, agriculture, trade, investment, and even science and technology cooperation with Russia.

UNICEF Child Safety Report: A new UNICEF study estimates that about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries experienced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on social media and far less than 1% reported to authorities; in North Macedonia, the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviours was reported as more than eight times higher for affected children. Satellite Connectivity for the Balkans: 4iG Group and SpaceX signed agreements to bring Starlink Mobile to Hungary and Albania, aiming to extend direct-to-LTE connectivity where coverage is weak, plus a “Sovereign Solutions” track for secure national satellite communications. Local Tech & Safety Campaign: Makedonski Telekom launched a nationwide back-to-school initiative against online hate and youth violence, urging people not to amplify harmful content. Digital Economy & Skills: ILO data shows North Macedonia’s labor productivity at 34 international dollars per hour in 2025, above regional peers but still below the global average. Energy & Industry Cooperation: A North Macedonia politician says the country is open to energy, agriculture, trade, investment, and science/technology cooperation with Russia. EU Rules vs Illegal Logging: Reporting from Albania links delays in EU deforestation rules to continued illegal timber exports, with governance gaps enabling large-scale logging.

Satellite Connectivity Deal: 4iG Group and SpaceX signed agreements for Starlink Mobile across Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus “Sovereign Solutions” for secure national satellite communications—an effort that could boost connectivity where terrestrial coverage is weak. Child Safety Online: UNICEF says about 20 million children aged 12–17 in 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with nearly 60% of cases on major social platforms; in North Macedonia, the risk of suicidal thoughts is reported as more than eight times higher for affected children. Local Digital Response: Makedonski Telekom launched a nationwide campaign against online hate and youth violence, pairing education and partnerships with tech tools to curb harmful behavior. Energy & Tech Cooperation: A North Macedonian politician said the country is open to energy, agriculture, trade, investment—and also science and technology—cooperation with Russia. Payments & Policy Debate: A report highlights that banks still have “homework” to do on payments, while broader Europe competitiveness concerns point to coordination gaps in tech and innovation.

Satellite Connectivity in the Balkans: 4iG Group and SpaceX signed agreements to bring Starlink Mobile to Hungary and Albania, aiming to boost direct-to-device coverage in areas with weak terrestrial networks, and to develop “Sovereign Solutions” for secure, national satellite communications. Digital Safety for Kids: UNICEF says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with nearly 60% of cases linked to mainstream social media; North Macedonia is included in the study. EU Path & Governance: North Macedonia’s EU membership push is still tied to unresolved constitutional amendments from the 2022 Bulgaria compromise, with the current government saying it won’t move without formal EU guarantees. Local Tech & Online Hate: Makedonski Telekom launched a nationwide campaign to curb youth violence and online hate speech, partnering with education institutions and using awareness plus tech tools. Energy Diplomacy: A Macedonian politician says Skopje is exploring cooperation with Russia across energy, agriculture, trade, investment, and also science and technologies.

Health & Sports: Napoli confirmed Scott McTominay will undergo a minor procedure for a mild, benign arrhythmia next week, sidelining him for over a month and likely affecting Scotland’s Nations League fixtures. Online Child Safety: UNICEF’s new report “Through Children’s Eyes” estimates about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries experienced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social media and underreporting keeping the real scale higher. Local Digital Culture: Makedonski Telekom launched a nationwide campaign, “Break the Circle of Violence. Don’t Be the Audience,” to curb youth violence and online hate through awareness, school partnerships, and tech tools. Connectivity in the Region: Hungary’s 4iG Group and SpaceX signed agreements for Starlink Mobile across Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus “Sovereign Solutions” for more independent satellite communications. EU Tech Policy Context: North Macedonia’s EU path remains tied to unresolved constitutional commitments, with the latest focus on obligations linked to the 2022 framework.

UNICEF Child Safety Report: UNICEF says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse in a single year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social media and under 1% reported to authorities—North Macedonia is included in the surveyed Europe and Central Asia group. Local Digital Campaign: Makedonski Telekom launched a nationwide initiative for the new school year to curb online hate and youth violence, partnering with the Ministry of Education and Science and using awareness, education, and tech tools. Space & Connectivity in the Region: Hungary’s 4iG and SpaceX signed agreements to bring Starlink Mobile to Hungary and the Western Balkans and to develop “Sovereign Solutions” for secure, independent satellite communications. EU Path Context: North Macedonia’s EU membership talks remain tied to unresolved constitutional amendments from the 2022 Bulgaria-related compromise, with the current government saying it won’t move without formal EU guarantees. Arts & Tech Culture: North Macedonia selected the film “17” as its candidate for the 99th Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category.

UNICEF Child Safety Report: UNICEF says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse in a single year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social media and less than 1% reported to authorities—highlighting the urgent need for stronger protections and reporting pathways. Local Digital Campaign: In North Macedonia, Makedonski Telekom launched a nationwide back-to-school initiative to curb youth violence and online hate, pushing schools and families to intervene instead of amplifying harmful behavior. Satellite Connectivity in the Region: Hungary’s 4iG and SpaceX signed agreements for Starlink Mobile across Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus “Sovereign Solutions” for more secure, independent satellite communications. EU Tech Policy Watch: Qatar approved a draft cloud computing law aimed at setting rules for data storage, security, and lawful access while balancing privacy. North Macedonia EU Path: North Macedonia’s EU membership debate continues to hinge on constitutional commitments, keeping tech and governance reforms in the spotlight.

UNICEF Child Safety: UNICEF’s new report “Through Children’s Eyes” estimates that about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a single year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social media and far less than 1% reported to authorities. Local Digital Campaign: North Macedonia’s Makedonski Telekom launched a nationwide back-to-school initiative, “Break the Circle of Violence. Don’t Be the Audience,” targeting online hate and youth violence with education and tech tools. Connectivity & Space Tech: Hungary’s 4iG and SpaceX signed agreements for Starlink Mobile in Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus “Sovereign Solutions” for more secure, independent satellite communications in Europe. Nuclear Ambitions in the Region: 4iG also moved to build an energy portfolio and signed a letter of intent with X-Energy to explore regional deployment of its Xe-100 small modular nuclear reactor technology. Data Centres in North Macedonia: North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors about data centre projects, with the government linking them to AI and future electricity supply plans. EU Integration Watch: North Macedonia’s EU path remains tied to unresolved constitutional amendments from the 2022 Bulgaria compromise, with the government saying it won’t proceed without formal EU guarantees.

UNICEF Child Safety: A new UNICEF report estimates about 20 million children (ages 12–17) across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse in one year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social platforms and underreporting keeping the real scale likely higher. It also links abuse to major mental health harm, including far higher risks of self-harm and suicidal thoughts, and notes that fewer than 1% of cases reach authorities. Local Digital Culture: North Macedonia’s telecom operator Makedonski Telekom launched a nationwide campaign to curb online hate and youth violence as the school year starts, pairing awareness with partnerships and tech tools. Space Connectivity (Regional): 4iG Group and SpaceX signed agreements for Starlink Mobile across Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus “Sovereign Solutions” for more secure, independent satellite communications at national level. EU Tech Policy (Regional): Qatar’s Cabinet approved a draft cloud computing law aimed at data protection, security, and controlled lawful access. Data Centres (North Macedonia): PM Hristijan Mickoski said North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors about data centre projects, positioning them as a growth and AI-ready infrastructure priority.

UNICEF Digital Safety: UNICEF says nearly 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with almost 60% of cases happening on mainstream social platforms and under 1% reported to authorities. Local Tech & Youth Protection: Makedonski Telekom launched a nationwide campaign against online hate and youth violence, urging people not to record or share harmful content. Satellite Connectivity for the Balkans: 4iG Group and SpaceX signed agreements for Starlink Mobile in Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus “Sovereign Solutions” for secure, independent national satellite communications. Data Centres Push: North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors about data centre projects, with the PM linking them to AI and future economic growth. EU Tech Policy Context: Qatar approved a draft cloud computing law aimed at data security and privacy controls, while also condemning regional attacks. Culture Meets Tech: North Macedonia selected film “17” as its Oscar bid—an international debut co-production backed by local film agencies.

Online Safety & Youth Health: UNICEF reports about 1 in 5 children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social media and suicidal thoughts/self-harm risks rising sharply for victims. Local Digital Responsibility: North Macedonia’s Makedonski Telekom launches a nationwide campaign for the new school year to curb online hate and youth violence, pushing parents and educators to intervene instead of amplifying harm. Data Infrastructure Push: North Macedonia is in talks with 5–6 investors about data centre projects, with the PM saying the country must seize the AI-and-infrastructure moment. Energy Tech & Nuclear Ambitions: Hungary’s 4iG expands into energy, exploring SMR deployment and wind/storage, with potential interest in North Macedonia and Montenegro. EU Tech Policy Context: Qatar approved a cloud computing law draft, aiming to balance data protection with lawful access. Health Cooperation: Bulgaria and North Macedonia approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan covering eHealth, disease surveillance, and medical research.

Digital Safety & Youth: UNICEF highlights that 1 in 5 youths aged 12–17 faced online sexual abuse in the past year, adding to growing concerns about algorithm-driven harm and doomscrolling. Cloud Computing Law: Qatar’s Cabinet approved a draft law on cloud computing, aiming to set rules for storage, disclosure, security, and lawful access while balancing privacy. Satellite Connectivity in the Balkans: 4iG and SpaceX signed deals for Starlink Mobile in Hungary and the Western Balkans, plus “Sovereign Solutions” for national, secure satellite communications. North Macedonia Data Centres: PM Mickoski says the country is in talks with 5–6 investors for data centre projects, linking them to AI and power supply plans. Healthcare Tech Cooperation: Bulgaria and North Macedonia approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan covering prevention, surveillance, emergency response, and eHealth, plus research and new medical technologies. Energy & Nuclear Ambitions (Regional): Hungary’s 4iG is building an energy business and exploring SMR deployment with X-Energy, with potential links to data-centre power needs.

Data Centres in North Macedonia: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski says the country is talking with 5–6 potential investors about data centre projects, including a major multinational firm, and argues the plans are key for faster economic development. He also pushes back on technical criticisms, noting data centres and AI are already central to global tech growth and that the projects would rely on gas-fired power generation. Healthcare Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia, covering primary and hospital care, disease prevention, epidemiological surveillance, emergency management, eHealth, and collaboration between research institutes and universities to support new medical technologies. Energy Tech Push in the Region: Hungary’s 4iG is creating a new energy business and holding company, exploring wind, energy storage, and small modular nuclear reactors via a letter of intent with US-based X-Energy, with potential opportunities linked to North Macedonia and Montenegro. Public Health Watch: West Nile virus is actively circulating across the Balkans, with Greece seeing a sharp rise in reported cases and calls for stronger mosquito surveillance and public protection measures. Cloud Computing Policy: Qatar’s cabinet approved a draft cloud computing law for referral to the Shura Council, signaling continued push toward formal regulation of cloud services.