Gostivar Water Crisis: North Macedonia’s Health Insurance Fund says about 3,100 people sought help for stomach illness in Gostivar; an epidemic was declared Sunday as authorities investigate suspected water contamination, including an illegal pump connection drawing from the Vardar River, while 50,000 litres of bottled water are being delivered. EU Rule-of-Law Pressure: The European Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law Report flags uneven progress and calls for stronger follow-through, with civil-society groups warning that media freedom, protest rights, and civic space still need real protection—covering candidate countries including North Macedonia. Anti-Russian Coalition Row: Russia’s ambassador to Skopje claims North Macedonia joined the “Coalition of the Willing” at a Paris meeting on July 13, arguing it fits Skopje’s NATO/EU-aligned foreign policy and disappointment over increased defense posture. India–Moldova–North Macedonia Diplomacy: President Droupadi Murmu’s first-ever Indian state visit to Moldova is underway, with talks focused on “3 Ts” (Trade, Technology, Talent) and plans to continue to North Macedonia next, including bilateral meetings and business forum engagement. Digital Finance Watch: A fintech-focused analysis argues North Macedonia’s digital finance push is tied to EU accession, aiming to modernize payments and banking while supporting competitiveness and investment.