EU Sanctions Alignment: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed eight non-EU countries—including North Macedonia—agreeing to align with the bloc’s expanded Belarus sanctions tied to Russia’s war, covering tighter controls on military-linked goods and crypto-related services. Diplomatic Appointments: North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski said career diplomat Krum Efremov will become ambassador to Bulgaria, stressing ongoing Skopje-Sofia dialogue on issues affecting North Macedonia’s EU path. Foreign Policy Visit: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Petr Macinka is set to visit Ohrid and Skopje, meeting top officials and opening a gathering of heads of North Macedonia’s diplomatic missions, with a focus on digitalization and cybersecurity. Public Service & Youth Inclusion: A Bulgarian-supported grant will fund a three-month “Youth in Focus” mobile youth center project in Moldova’s Taraclia district, with activities aimed at boosting youth participation in community and cultural life. EU Growth Plan Funding: New EU Growth Plan figures show Albania leading regional disbursements, while North Macedonia has received €141 million so far, with payments linked to completed reforms. Health Alert: West Nile virus monitoring continues across Europe; North Macedonia is listed among countries reporting cases, as authorities urge mosquito-bite precautions.