Türkiye-North Macedonia Business Push: PM Hristijan Mickoski invited Turkish investors in Istanbul, pitching Skopje as a gateway to European markets and pointing to reforms like digitized services and fewer procedures. Trade Talks: Officials also discussed boosting bilateral trade, with Türkiye aiming to reach $2 billion and citing completed Turkish projects and negotiations to modernize the free trade deal. Transport Corridor Expansion: Türkiye’s transport minister said Ankara has invested heavily in infrastructure and highlighted plans to expand strategic rail and corridor links with North Macedonia. EU Path Pressure: Former FM Bujar Osmani said Albanians are frustrated by stalled EU talks, arguing the negotiating framework has only two Bulgaria-related “indispensable” conditions. Bulgaria’s Position on EU Criteria: Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova said Sofia won’t add new demands beyond existing EU commitments, including constitutional and minority-related obligations. Regional Cooperation in Sofia: SEECP summit sidelines brought Siljanovska-Davkova and Iotova together, with both sides stressing continued dialogue on difficult bilateral issues. Air Quality Warning: A Europe-wide PM2.5 map flagged North Macedonia’s Skopski region among the worst for premature deaths linked to fine particle pollution. Housing Worry in Europe: An EU rights agency report warned soaring prices and rents are pushing more people toward homelessness, hitting young and vulnerable groups hardest. Culture & Tourism: National Geographic Traveller spotlighted Ohrid as a historic lakeside destination, while a separate cultural piece highlighted Balkan rock-jazz roots tied to Skopje.