Skopje–Serbia Energy Deal: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a new 67-kilometre gas pipeline agreement in Skopje, aiming for operation as early as 2028 (with construction targeted for 2027), as part of a wider push to diversify supplies and strengthen regional energy connectivity via Greece’s LNG route. Healthcare Cooperation: The government approved a 2026–2028 draft healthcare plan with North Macedonia, covering primary and hospital care, disease prevention, epidemiological surveillance, emergency management, and cooperation between medical institutions and universities. US Immigration Policy Fallout: A US court struck down a Department of State immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, while the US also published updated H-2A/H-2B work-visa eligibility lists—developments that will be closely watched by Balkan applicants. North Macedonia Courtroom Politics: The Skopje Court of Appeal confirmed fugitive ex-PM Nikola Gruevski’s acquittal in the “Talir 2” case tied to VMRO-DPMNE’s “White Palace,” blocking confiscation of the headquarters and dozens of properties. EU Enlargement Signals: EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos outlined a reform vision built on transitional measures, internal EU changes, safeguards, and gradual integration ahead of October discussions. Infrastructure Push: Construction began on a 10.5-kilometre motorway link from Skopje to the Kosovo border, with tunnels, bridges and galleries planned over a four-year timeline. Demography Watch: Education Minister Vesna Janevska warned that first-grade enrolment for 2026–27 is already sharply below last year’s level, reinforcing pressure for school closures and class reductions. International Justice: Ratko Mladić died in The Hague at 84, ending a long legal saga tied to the Srebrenica genocide conviction.