Croatia-North Macedonia Ties: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski met Croatian PM Andrej Plenković as both sides prepared a strategic cooperation agreement, with a business forum in Ohrid and energy, infrastructure, transport and investment on the agenda. EU Path & Identity: Mickoski said his government will not proceed with constitutional changes tied to the “French proposal,” warning it is ready to “pay the price” to protect national criteria. Language Rights at Exam: Mickoski opened the door to discussing Albanian language rights for the professional law exam after protests by Albanian students, stressing education should stay above party politics. Energy Security Cooperation: Serbia’s Jovana Joksimovic highlighted US-backed energy cooperation and stressed gas interconnectors with Romania and North Macedonia as priorities for supply security. US Western Balkans Shift: A US State Department report says the “nation-building era” is over, with Washington focusing on stability, economic partnerships and countering external influence—while flagging Corridor 8 as strategic. Data Centres Legal Framework: Deputy PM Aleksandar Nikoloski said amendments enabling data centre development are nearing completion to attract digital infrastructure investment. Regional Security Tech: NATO exercise “Trojan Footprint” tested glider drones for resupply, including drops over North Macedonia.