Israel Ties: North Macedonia’s FM Timco Mucunski arrived in Jerusalem for a 24-hour visit, meeting Gideon Sa’ar and signing cooperation deals that could deepen links in agriculture, water management, security, innovation, tourism, health and education. Energy Connectivity: Skopje and Belgrade signed a pipeline agreement that could connect North Macedonia’s gas network with Serbia by 2028, with a 67-kilometre line targeted for completion by 2027, alongside a Greece interconnector expected in 2027. Healthcare Cooperation: The government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare plan with North Macedonia focused on primary and hospital care, disease prevention, surveillance, emergency management, eHealth and medical exchanges. Press Freedom: Media lawyer Bojana Davitkovska highlighted how pressure on journalists in North Macedonia has shifted toward SLAPP-style lawsuits and online intimidation campaigns. Infrastructure: Construction has started on a 10.5-kilometre motorway link from Skopje to the Kosovo border, with tunnels, bridges and galleries planned over a four-year timeline. Public Health: North Macedonia reported its fifth West Nile virus death this year as cases circulate across the Balkans. Business/Media: Telekom Srbija notified competition authorities it plans to acquire River Media, expanding its regional media footprint. Sports: North Macedonia’s U20 football team lost 5-1 to Morocco at the Mediterranean Games, while local film director Arben Thaçi began shooting his second feature “Ajal.”