EU Accession Talks: Bulgaria says North Macedonia must fulfil EU accession commitments and start the “necessary changes,” pushing back on Skopje’s call for EU participation in future talks as a non-bilateral issue. EU Parliament Rights Case: MEP Ivaylo Valchev says the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee conclusions include a push for cross-border cooperation in humanitarian cases, and he will seek the inclusion of Iva Mihaylova’s case by name in the EP’s next progress report. European Integration Politics: MEP Kristian Vigenin argues North Macedonia’s EU integration is not a bilateral matter and says the constitutional amendment and Bulgarian inclusion are the key conditions. Energy Investment: Envision Energy says the 131.25MW first phase of the Štip Wind Farm has reached financial close, positioning it as North Macedonia’s largest wind project and a major step in the energy transition. Education & Society: A new report highlights shrinking rural schools across North Macedonia as low birth rates and emigration force closures and mergers, including satellite primary schools in Struga municipality. Sports (Nations League): North Macedonia hosts Switzerland in UEFA Nations League action, while the week’s broader football schedule also features England vs Spain and Slovenia vs Scotland. Culture: Macedonian animation pioneer Tonkica Mitrovska has died in Skopje, aged 78, after decades of work at Vardar Film’s animation studio.