Culture & Tourism Shake-up: North Macedonia appointed Sedat Sulejmani as the new Minister of Culture and Tourism, replacing Zoran Ljutkov, as part of the July government reshuffle. UNESCO Watch for Ohrid: UNESCO has extended North Macedonia’s deadline to prevent the Ohrid Region from being listed as endangered, giving the country until 2030 to implement recommendations and submit a timeline and a new progress report by early February 2027. EU Accession Blocked: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski said North Macedonia’s EU path remains blocked despite two years of talks, adding that discussions will continue but without concessions on national identity or history. Water Safety Alert: A ban on drinking tap water was introduced in Valandovo after arsenic levels were found above WHO guidance; the water is still considered safe for industrial use and bathing. Diplomacy & Solidarity: North Macedonia condemned Russia’s attack on Sloviansk that damaged Latvia’s diplomatic mission and expressed solidarity with Ukraine, prompting thanks from Ukraine’s foreign minister. Public Health Across Europe: WHO warned West Nile virus is spreading in southern Europe, with cases reported in Spain, Greece, Italy, Romania and North Macedonia, urging mosquito-bite prevention. Regional Infrastructure: Bulgaria and North Macedonia’s Klepalo border crossing is expected to be completed by 2029 after environmental procedures and funding steps.