Diplomatic Appointments: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky accepted letters of credence from newly appointed ambassadors including North Macedonia, while also briefing diplomats on Russia’s latest missile strikes and stressing air defense needs. Cross-Border Rail: Bulgaria and North Macedonia launched the first Joint Committee meeting for the Corridor 8 cross-border railway tunnel, adopting rules of procedure, a preliminary timetable, and discussing financing with commitments to the European Commission and lenders. Energy & Gasification: North Macedonia’s gas interconnector with Greece is nearing completion, setting up a more diversified gas supply and phased gasification as distribution infrastructure expands. EU Integration Push: Austria’s S3 presidency set priorities for Western Balkans EU enlargement, energy security, connectivity, and digitalization, with North Macedonia explicitly in the enlargement group. Election Integrity Claims (Regional): Serbia’s monarchist opposition alleges the Interior Ministry is withholding voting roll address data for new citizens, warning of election fraud preparations. World Football Governance: UEFA backed a boycott of FIFA competitions over Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in major tournaments to private investors, raising questions about which countries would be affected.