EU Accession Blocked Again: Bulgaria’s trial-linked pressure on North Macedonia’s EU path continues as the case against dual citizen Iva Mihaylova resumes in Kočani, with Bulgarian MPs attending and rights/medical access concerns raised. Schengen Pressure on Transport: Truck drivers across the Western Balkans, including in Skopje, protest the 90/180-day Schengen stay limits for professional drivers and warn of new border blockades from September 14. Foreign Labour Debate: North Macedonia’s unemployment figures sit alongside rising demand for foreign workers, with the Employment Agency issuing thousands of procedures for workers from countries including Bangladesh, Turkey, Nepal and India. Data Centre Push: PM Hristijan Mickoski says North Macedonia is in talks with five to six investors for data centre projects, arguing they can drive development and energy planning. Regional Security & Migration: Frontex reports 112 arrests of suspected migrant smugglers and document fraud cases on the Western Balkans route into the EU. Culture Spotlight: The Manaki Brothers Film Festival unveils its 47th programme in Bitola (Sept 19–25), with Wally Pfister chairing the jury and Dan Laustsen honoured.