Croatia–North Macedonia Deal: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski met Croatia’s Andrej Plenković as both sides moved to sign a strategic cooperation agreement, with a business forum in Ohrid and energy-sector cooperation also on the agenda. EU Path & Constitutional Cost: Mickoski says North Macedonia won’t proceed with constitutional changes and is ready to “pay the price” to keep identity lines firm as EU accession talks remain blocked. Energy Security Link: Croatia and North Macedonia also signed an energy memorandum, stressing joint infrastructure and regional interconnections amid wider geopolitical risks. US Balkans Shift: A new US State Department report says the “nation-building era” is over, with Washington prioritizing stability, economic partnerships, and projects like Corridor 8 while warning Russia and China exploit regional vulnerabilities. Corridor 8 Priority: The same US strategy flags Corridor 8 as a key transport-and-energy bridge between the Adriatic and Black Seas. Data Centres Legal Push: North Macedonia’s legal framework for data centre investments is nearing completion, aiming to attract digital infrastructure investment and create jobs. NATO Exercise in North Macedonia: Trojan Footprint testing included US and Romanian forces dropping glider drones for resupply during special operations training. Migration Pressure in the EU: The Netherlands is advancing “return hubs” for rejected asylum seekers outside the EU, with interest also noted from Greece, Germany, Austria and Denmark. Culture & Community: Eid al-Adha drew mass early-morning prayers worldwide, while a Belgrade documentary industry event (Beldocs Industry Days) wrapped with pitching awards.