Monetary Policy: North Macedonia’s central bank kept the key interest rate unchanged at 4.25% as inflation cools to 3.4% in June, but warned energy and import-price shocks from the Middle East and Ukraine remain risks. EU Accession Standoff: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski again said there will be no constitutional changes “in the form currently demanded,” arguing the government seeks a sustainable path to EU membership while insisting principles must apply to everyone. Public Health: West Nile virus is rising across Europe; WHO reports locally acquired cases including two in North Macedonia, as warmer weather expands mosquito spread. Water Safety Crisis: Gostivar tap water is now safe for hygiene but not for drinking or cooking after a coliform contamination scare; bottled water continues while authorities investigate and repair the system. Justice & War Crimes: Kosovo’s retrial upheld a ten-year sentence for ethnic Gorani ex-police inspector Sacir Lutvija over assaults on ethnic Albanian prisoners during the 1998-99 war. Culture: North Macedonian documentary “The Tale of Silyan / Siljan” earned two Primetime Emmy nominations, boosting the country’s profile on the international film stage.