EU Budget Talks: Ireland’s EU Council presidency is trying to bridge the gap between “frugal” states and those pushing for a bigger next EU budget, with negotiations aimed at an end-of-year deal. Payments & EU Ties: Turkey has submitted a letter of intent to join SEPA, the euro payments system, a move framed as faster and cheaper transfers and linked to broader EU relations. EU Accession Funding: The EU is set to reallocate Western Balkans Reform and Growth Facility money toward frontrunners—Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia—after missed reform deadlines. Local Governance & Integrity: A Skopje-based think tank warns that integrity failures go beyond corruption and points to ethics breakdowns inside institutions. Minorities & EU Report Pressure: A deregistered Bulgarian cultural group in Bitola urges North Macedonia’s PM to “tell the truth” about an EP progress report, arguing it contradicts earlier government claims. Telecom Change: A1 North Macedonia begins phasing out 3G, with Kavadarci and Probistip switching off on 6 July. Storm Disruptions: Heavy rain flooded parts of Skopje on July 1, including Srbija Boulevard, causing major traffic chaos. Sports: North Macedonia beat Ireland 77-56 in FIBA EuroBasket 2029 pre-qualifiers, keeping a perfect run. Business Expansion: Greek retailer Vero Holding plans new stores in Strumica and Borca, expanding across North Macedonia and Serbia. Youth & AI: UNICEF says 20 million children in 10 countries are already using AI, including in North Macedonia, while safeguards lag behind.