EU Accession Pressure: European Parliament AFET urged North Macedonia to step up EU-related reforms, warning progress is still insufficient on rule of law, judicial reform, corruption and electoral changes, while noting continued alignment on EU foreign and security policy. Enlargement Message from Brussels: European Council President António Costa told Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski that Skopje must implement the 2022 agreements—especially constitutional changes—to unlock EU talks, stressing “what has been agreed has been agreed.” Energy Security Update: The Energy Community says gas security across South East and Eastern Europe is improving as EU-aligned storage rules take hold; for North Macedonia, the focus is securing access to gas stored abroad. EU Roaming Talks: EU ambassadors approved negotiations to end roaming charges between the EU and Western Balkans countries, including North Macedonia, with possible removal next year if talks finish this year. Diplomatic Support: Slovakia reiterated support for North Macedonia’s EU bid and said enlargement must be fair and rule-based, with both presidents also discussing NATO and security. Local Politics: North Macedonia’s deputy PM for good governance, Arben Fetai, resigned ahead of a planned government reshuffle. Culture & Film: The North Macedonia Film Agency announced 2026 production grants totaling €1.5m for 14 projects, including major feature and documentary awards. Sports: North Macedonia’s World Cup tune-up saw Turkey beat the national team 4-0, while youth football news includes US U-20 camp call-ups that feature matches against North Macedonia.