Skopje & North Macedonia in Focus: Bulgaria and North Macedonia kicked off the first joint committee meeting in Sofia for the cross-border railway tunnel under Corridor 8, agreeing on rules of procedure, a preliminary timetable, and next steps on financing with the European Commission and lenders. EU & Regional Politics: Austria’s S3 presidency set priorities for Western Balkan EU integration, energy security, transport connectivity, and digitalization as it launches its 2026–2027 work program. Energy Watch: North Macedonia’s gasification push moved closer to reality as the Greece interconnector nears completion, paving the way for a more diversified gas supply and phased expansion of the domestic distribution network. Public Health: The ECDC warned that longer, warmer summers across Europe are raising the risk of infectious diseases, with foodborne illnesses and mosquito- and tick-borne threats among the key concerns. World Football Politics: UEFA backed a boycott of FIFA competitions if Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup goes ahead, while UEFA countries listed include North Macedonia’s neighbours and many European states. Culture: Macedonian director Milcho Manchevski’s documentary “Good People” premiered in Sarajevo, revisiting the 2025 Kochani club fire that killed 63.