Citizenship Reform Watch: The EU says North Macedonia’s planned tweaks to its investment-for-citizenship rules still don’t fully shut the door on the “golden passport” scheme, even as Skopje drops the €400,000 threshold and the job-creation requirement. Independence Day Costing: North Macedonia’s 35th Independence Day celebrations reportedly cost €5.5 million, with about €4.9 million covered by the state lottery and the rest by “socially responsible” companies, after questions over who paid and how much. EU-NATO Security Links: A NATO Joint Force Command Naples delegation visited Skopje, meeting Deputy PM Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski and discussing regional security, training in North Macedonia, and interoperability. Health Alert: Eight people were hospitalized in Skopje with neuroinvasive West Nile virus. Energy & Jobs: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close on the Štip wind farm, a €180 million project and the largest wind development in North Macedonia, with construction of further phases planned. Culture Abroad: North Macedonia’s ambassador says the country’s “Balkan Culture” guest-of-honour presence at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is a major chance to strengthen ties with the Arab world. Sports: Rangers’ squad news includes North Macedonia striker Bojan Miovski scoring in injury time as they push toward the Old Firm derby.