EU Enlargement Pressure: The European Parliament adopted a North Macedonia progress report urging constitutional changes to open the first negotiating cluster, while warning Skopje is lagging on rule of law, judicial independence, and anti-corruption, and keeping pressure on hate speech and discrimination. Language Rights at the Center: MEPs backed an amendment calling for Albanian-language exams in North Macedonia, including the bar exam, and urged Skopje to implement the Ohrid Framework Agreement in practice rather than just on paper. Bulgaria Tensions Escalate: A wave of EU-level reactions followed the arson attack on Bulgarian Embassy vehicles in Skopje, with Bulgaria summoning Skopje’s charge d’affaires and EU lawmakers demanding a firm European Parliament response and stronger action against hate speech. Identity, Language, Culture in EU Talks: PM Mickoski used a VMRO-DPMNE anniversary event to demand EU guarantees that no new bilateral conditions will be added to accession negotiations, framing identity and language as non-negotiable. Regional Security & Defense Links: North Macedonia’s defense diplomacy continues through SEDM meetings in Tbilisi, while NATO allies face renewed pressure as the U.S. shifts assets toward other theaters. Energy & Economy: The World Bank backed preparatory work for the REK Bitola 1 cogeneration plant, a major step in modernizing the country’s lignite-based power complex. Democracy Resilience: Electoral authorities from Moldova, Ukraine, Albania, and North Macedonia signed a memorandum to strengthen democratic resilience, election integrity, and counter disinformation. Court Ruling in Tetovo: A court in North Macedonia restored Yugoslav-era street names in Tetovo, overturning earlier changes tied to Albanian historical figures. EU Mobility Plan: The European Commission is pushing to extend EU-style roaming to six Western Balkan countries, including North Macedonia, though timelines are still unclear.