Sex Education Backlash: North Macedonia’s opposition warns that scrapping the sex education rollout will leave young people “at greater risk” of sexual- and gender-based violence, after the conservative government cancelled optional classes for ninth graders. Independence Day Spending Probe: SDSM says the State Anti-Corruption Commission’s conflict-of-interest review over Independence Day celebrations involving composer/producer Nikolche Micevski is too narrow, and urges prosecutors to investigate the full 5.5 million euro financing and organisation. US Military Aid Reallocation: The US plans to reprogram $52 million in foreign military financing away from Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, citing a renewed Western Hemisphere focus and goals tied to the Panama Canal and countering “narcoterrorism.” EU-Canada Closer Ties: EU leaders backed a possible new “associate member” model for Canada, with Prime Minister Mark Carney pushing for deeper cooperation including Erasmus+ and Horizon. Travel and Visas: China announced visa-free entry arrangements with 48 countries will end on 31 December 2026, while Eurocontrol data points to growing summer interest in Western Balkans destinations. International Rights: The UK and 37 other OSCE states called for the release of all political prisoners in Belarus, condemning ongoing repression.