Corridor VIII Rail Tunnel: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski says Bulgaria and North Macedonia are now fully committed to the joint Corridor VIII railway tunnel, after talks clarified the missing eastern-side works. EU Funding Push: A EUR 149 million grant under the Western Balkans Investment Framework is set to be signed for the Kriva Palanka–Deve Bair section, alongside financing from the EIB and EBRD. Regional Security: SEEBRIG’s headquarters has completed its move from Kumanovo to Istanbul, reaching full operational capability in the Turkish city earlier this week. Finance Integration: Bosnia and Herzegovina has formally applied to join SEPA, with Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro already inside the system. Ohrid Diplomacy: Kazakhstan opened an honorary consulate in Ohrid, aiming to boost trade, culture and tourism ties with North Macedonia. Wildfires: Drought and heat are driving new wildfires across North Macedonia, with 14 fires recorded by Aug. 4 and the Kavadarci blaze nearly contained. Humanitarian Court Case: Bulgaria’s MPs heard the mother of Iva Mihaylova, who says she’s still blocked from leaving Kočani for medical treatment in Bulgaria. Sports (Skopje-linked): Hibs begin their Conference League tie against North Macedonia’s Shkendija, with the first leg in Edinburgh and a return trip to Skopje next week. Film (Skopje): Director Marjan Gavrilovski has started shooting “Ants/Mravki,” a dark comedy about a hidden case involving a trans woman.