Cybersecurity & Diplomacy: Kaspersky reports a new malware campaign, “StrikeShark,” using a previously unknown loader “SharkLoader” to deploy Cobalt Strike Beacon, with victims including a diplomatic organization in Indonesia and government/software targets that also include North Macedonia. EU Accession Pressure: The EU is reportedly preparing a “membership-lite” approach to keep candidate countries engaged, while Hungary continues to block or slow key enlargement steps for Ukraine and Moldova—an issue that keeps casting a shadow over the Western Balkans’ EU timelines, including North Macedonia. Domestic Politics & Rule of Law: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski escalated rhetoric in parliament, vowing to put opposition leader Venko Filipche “behind bars,” amid renewed criticism over trust in institutions and the judiciary. Anti-Corruption Watch: North Macedonia’s State Commission for Preventing Corruption is investigating Government Secretary General Igor Janushev’s assets, after media and opposition raised questions about undeclared property links abroad. Foreign Ministry Row: Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry says it has checked facts after North Macedonia’s FM said Bulgaria should apologize over a leaked diplomatic note involving the PM’s family travel—while Bulgaria denies disclosing such correspondence. Tech & State Capacity: Skopje launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, backed by EU funding and linked to European AI infrastructure.