North Macedonia Politics: SDSM says the State Anti-Corruption Commission’s probe into possible conflict of interest in Independence Day celebrations is too narrow, urging the Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the full financing and organisation of the 5.5 million euro event. Justice: The Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office for Prosecuting Organised Crime and Corruption filed an indictment over the June arson of Bulgarian diplomatic vehicles outside the Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje, seeking to extend the suspect’s detention. Energy & Industry: ESM is pushing a first standalone utility-scale battery project at REK Bitola: a 100MW/400MWh system worth about 98 million euros, with EBRD considering up to 33.1 million euros in a sovereign-guaranteed loan. EU/International: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed proposals for Canada to become the bloc’s first “associate member,” aiming for closer ties in sectors like AI, climate and defence. US Foreign Policy Impact: The US will reprogram 52 million dollars in military aid away from Slovakia and North Macedonia to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, citing “narcoterrorism” and security priorities in the Americas. Sports (Nations League): Scotland coach Sébastien Pocognoli recalled Hull striker Oli McBurnie for Nations League matches that include a trip to North Macedonia. EU PV Tech: DYNVOLT presented a verified solar SCADA and day-ahead forecasting platform at EU PVSEC 2026, with production forecasting used for power-exchange nominations in North Macedonia. Regional Culture/TV: Skopje-based creators Teona Strugar Mitevska and Sonja Prosenc are developing “Little Yugoslavia,” a punk-rock vampire horror comedy series for the region. Local/Business: Gabala appointed North Macedonian coach Jeton Beqiri as head coach, starting duties on September 20.