Skopje–Serbia Energy Deal: North Macedonia and Serbia signed an agreement in Skopje for a 67-kilometre gas pipeline, aiming for completion by 2027 and possible connectivity as early as 2028, alongside a North Macedonia–Greece interconnector expected to be operational in 2027—moves meant to strengthen regional energy links and reduce reliance on Russian supplies. Health Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia covering primary and hospital care, disease prevention and surveillance, emergency management, and eHealth, with exchanges of specialists and research cooperation. Court Update in “Talir 2”: Skopje’s Court of Appeal confirmed the acquittal of fugitive former PM Nikola Gruevski in the “Talir 2” corruption case tied to VMRO-DPMNE’s “White Palace,” blocking confiscation of the headquarters and about 30 other properties. Telecom Media Move: Telekom Srbija notified North Macedonia’s competition regulator of its intention to acquire control of Belgrade-based River Media, which owns Una Televizija, expanding its regional media footprint. Sports Transfer Watch: Reports say New Raiders’ centre back Richard Brown is a day or two away from signing a professional contract with FK Skopje after a 15-day trial. Culture on Set: Macedonian director Arben Thaçi has begun shooting his second feature film “Ajal,” a drama filmed in Tetovo and the Šar Mountain region, with international locations under consideration. Weather: A heatwave has been gripping Resen and the wider area, with temperatures soaring around Prespa Lake. Foreign Policy Spotlight: North Macedonia’s FM Timco Mucunski visited Jerusalem for talks with Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar, signing cooperation agreements and pushing ties in agriculture, water management, security, innovation, tourism, health, and education. Regional Safety Note: A travel safety roundup lists North Macedonia among destinations that felt particularly safe to a frequent traveller.