EU Enlargement & Institutions: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the EU will assess what must change in institutions, policies and budget ahead of future enlargement, and urges North Macedonia to open the “fundamentals” cluster in accession talks. EU–Western Balkans Diplomacy: Von der Leyen’s tour spotlights different tracks in the region—Kosovo faces calls for institutional stability and reforms, while Montenegro is framed as moving toward a final accession sprint. Local Politics & Identity: Bulgarian organisations in North Macedonia oppose a proposal to include Bulgarians in the constitution with delayed effect, warning the political climate is hitting the community. Security & Crime: North Macedonia raids reportedly targeted an ISIS-linked group, while a separate report says Kosovo firearms are being trafficked into Albania, feeding organised crime. Energy & Prices: The EU is considering releasing strategic oil reserves amid US pressure as diesel and fuel costs stay high. US–Ukraine Aid Dispute: Reports say the Trump administration redirected tens of millions in military aid away from Ukraine-related recipients toward Latin America, drawing Democratic pushback. Culture & Youth: DiscoverEU opens a new round for 18-year-olds, with free rail travel passes available to applicants including from North Macedonia. Business & Economy: A US-backed push supports reviving an antimony mine in North Macedonia with $5m for development work. Arts & Film: Skopje director Ana Opačić begins postproduction on debut feature “Third Shift,” a North Macedonia–Croatia–Montenegro–Poland coproduction.