NATO Visit to Skopje: A delegation from NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, led by Admiral George Wikoff, met North Macedonia’s Deputy PM and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski to discuss regional security, training and interoperability. Independence Day Cost Transparency: North Macedonia’s 35th Independence Day celebrations cost 5.5 million euros, with nearly 4.9 million euros funded by the State Lottery, after questions over who paid and how much. Energy Investment: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close on the 131.25MW Štip wind farm, a €180 million project expected to be fully operational by 2028, backed by major international lenders. EU Path and Ukraine: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski says North Macedonia is ready to share its EU accession experience with Ukraine, while rejecting “intimidation” and unilateral concessions during talks. Regional Water Politics (Analysis): A new look at Western Balkan rivers warns that plans to alter flows—especially around the Ibar–Lepenac system—could turn into water nationalism unless there’s EU-backed cooperation. Public Health: Eight patients were hospitalized in Skopje with neuroinvasive West Nile virus, as cases and deaths rise. Culture Abroad with Local Links: North Macedonia is listed as a collaborator in international cultural events, including the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair’s “Balkan Culture” guest-of-honour programme.