Child Safety Online: UNICEF says about 1 in 5 children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social media and far fewer than 1% reported to police or helplines; UNICEF also links abuse to much higher risks of suicidal thoughts and self-harm, including in North Macedonia. EU Path & Bulgaria Veto Risk: As North Macedonia marks 35 years of independence, coverage highlights the stalled constitutional amendments tied to the Bulgaria dispute and warns the EU accession process could face renewed Bulgarian blocking. Energy Diplomacy: Energy Minister Iva Petrova is set to attend the 10th Southeast Europe Energy Forum in Thessaloniki, focused on energy security, affordability, sustainability and cross-border connectivity. Regional Tech & Satellites: 4iG and SpaceX plan Starlink direct-to-device mobile services in Hungary and parts of the Western Balkans, with a later phase including North Macedonia. Foreign Workers Debate: North Macedonia’s labour market story turns to why employers seek foreign staff despite high registered unemployment, with the Employment Agency issuing thousands of procedures for work permits. Court Case Watch: The Iva Mihaylova trial and her medical-treatment dispute continue to draw attention, with the case potentially heading to the European Court of Human Rights. Finance Probe Linked to North Macedonia Loan: Hungary’s police opened a criminal investigation into Eximbank deals, including a €1bn loan to North Macedonia, after an internal audit flagged alleged irregularities. Culture: The Manaki Brothers Film Festival unveiled its 47th edition programme in Bitola, running 19–25 September.