Cultural Diplomacy: The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair welcomes the Balkans as Guest of Honour, spotlighting the region’s literary and artistic legacy, including Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić. Energy Security: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a pipeline deal in Skopje that could connect their gas networks as early as 2028, with a 67-kilometre link aimed to be finished by 2027, alongside a North Macedonia–Greece interconnector expected in 2027. Healthcare Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia covering care, disease prevention, surveillance, emergency management, and eHealth. Demographics & Schools: Education Minister Vesna Janevska says first-grade enrolment for 2026–27 is already far below last year, with rural school closures expected as shrinking cohorts reshape the school network. Press Freedom: Bojana Davitkovska discusses the growing pressure on journalists in North Macedonia, including SLAPP lawsuits and coordinated online campaigns. Regional Watch: EUFOR continues multinational training in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while West Nile virus activity is reported across the Balkans, with Greece drawing particular attention.