Russian Influence Watch: A media expert says Russia is borrowing Serbian narratives in North Macedonia, portraying itself (with Serbia) as protector of “Orthodox, Slavic Macedonia” while pushing claims that Bulgarians, Albanians and Greece threaten identity. Church & Ukraine: The Macedonian Orthodox Church’s refusal to recognize the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is linked to Russian influence, with the Russian embassy described as aggressively active in the country. Diplomacy: Serbian PM Djuro Macut is set to visit North Macedonia to meet PM Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid. EU Transport: Bulgaria and North Macedonia held the first joint committee meeting for a cross-border railway tunnel under Corridor 8, agreeing rules and a timetable and discussing financing. Politics & Education: A new law on fair representation is criticized for lacking fixed quotas and sanctions, while universities say ranking rules still leave students exposed. Court Update (Kočani): In the Iva Mihaylova case, contradictions in documents and witness testimony continue, and a decision is expected tomorrow on whether she can receive medical treatment in Bulgaria. Tech & Payments: Nayax launched its cashless payment services in North Macedonia for unattended/self-service merchants. Sports (Europe): Hibs staged a comeback to reach the Conference League third qualifying round and will face North Macedonian side Shkendija. Health: ECDC warns longer, warmer summers are raising risks of infectious diseases across Europe, including mosquito-borne illnesses.