Diplomacy: Qatar and North Macedonia held political talks in Doha and signed three agreements covering political consultations, diplomatic training, and visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic/special/official passports. Energy Security: Greece and North Macedonia confirmed the Greece–North Macedonia natural gas interconnector remains on schedule, with completion expected in 2027. EU & Elections: Parliament debate on a new election law was suspended after thousands of amendments, with opposition challenging diaspora e-voting and party financing rules. EU Funding: Western Balkan governments face possible loss of EU Growth Plan money if reform targets aren’t met, with North Macedonia among the countries tied to the 2024–2027 Reform and Growth Facility. Digital Media & Society: A regional study on social media platform governance and online media regulation highlights how platforms now shape access to news across North Macedonia and the wider Balkans. Public Life & Culture: UNICEF says children in North Macedonia are among the fastest adopters of AI, raising concerns as safeguards lag behind uptake. Travel & Tourism: North Macedonia’s visitor numbers rose about 7% in 2025, helped by new direct flights, as the country tries to stand out on Europe’s travel map. Cybersecurity: A malware campaign using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers has reportedly reached victims including North Macedonia.