Kosovo War Crimes Verdict: Specialized chambers in The Hague sentenced Hashim Thaçi to 25 years, with Jakup Krasnići also getting 25 years, Kadri Veselja 18, and Redžep Seljimi 13, while Aleksandar Vučić criticized the ruling and argued it did not establish crimes against humanity. US Military Aid Shift: The Trump administration is redirecting $52 million in foreign military financing away from Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, citing “narcoterrorism” and security around the Panama Canal. Independence Day Spending Probe: North Macedonia’s opposition SDSM says the State Anti-Corruption Commission’s conflict-of-interest case over Independence Day celebrations involving Nikolche Micevski is not enough, and wants prosecutors to investigate the full €5.5 million financing and organization. EU Border Rules: Nine EU countries, including Greece, have delayed full rollout of the Entry/Exit System, after summer bottlenecks and technical problems at borders involving North Macedonia. Eurovision Return: MRT confirmed North Macedonia will return to Eurovision 2027 in Burgas, with a more transparent selection process for the act. Culture & Film: Nominations for the 2026 Adriatic Film and TV Awards include North Macedonia’s “Mother” (Teona Strugar Mitevska) and “DJ Ahmet” (Georgi M. Unkovski) among top contenders.