Monetary Policy Watch: North Macedonia’s central bank kept its key interest rate unchanged at 4.25%, citing easing inflation but warning that energy prices and geopolitical tensions still pose risks. Energy Infrastructure: The gasification push moves closer to reality as North Macedonia’s Greece interconnector nears completion, aiming to diversify supply and expand the domestic gas network in phases. EU & Governance Pressure: The Prime Minister reiterated that there will be no constitutional changes “in the form currently demanded,” while foreign minister statements keep the EU path described as blocked. Election Integrity Clash: An opposition alliance accused the Interior Ministry of refusing to provide voting roll data, alleging it could enable election fraud. Judiciary Under Strain: A rights monitor warned North Macedonia’s judiciary is “nearing collapse,” raising alarms about rule-of-law capacity. Regional Environment: Lake Ohrid avoided UNESCO’s danger list, but experts say illegal construction, wastewater gaps, and urban pressure remain serious, with a five-year implementation deadline. Diplomatic Appointments: Azerbaijan recalled its ambassador to Serbia (also covering Montenegro and North Macedonia) and reassigned him to Austria. International Spotlight: Italy reappointed Roberto Mancini as coach after World Cup qualification failure, a reminder that politics and public trust can swing quickly even in sports.