Serbia–North Macedonia Talks in Ohrid: Serbian PM Djuro Macut met North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid, focusing on transport, energy connectivity, agriculture and tourism, with special emphasis on joint border crossings and a modernized Serbia–Greece rail link that would reshape rail travel in North Macedonia. Cross-Border Rail Tunnel (Corridor 8): Bulgaria and North Macedonia held the first joint committee meeting in Sofia for the cross-border railway tunnel, setting rules of procedure and a preliminary timetable and discussing financing options with a commitment to the Corridor 8 rail project. Judicial Pressure in Kocani: The trial involving Iva Mihaylova in Kocani continues as a 10-month travel ban remains in force despite defense claims that witnesses did not support the prosecution’s account of fault. Representation Law Debate: A new Law on Fair and Adequate Representation is criticized by opposition parties as lacking fixed quotas and sanctions, raising fears implementation will be “voluntary,” while VLEN argues it improves equal opportunities. Russian Influence Claims: A civic activist warns that Russian influence in North Macedonia is amplified through localized narratives and close use of Serbian messaging, including pressure on the Macedonian Orthodox Church’s stance toward Ukraine. World Cup Governance Fallout: UEFA confirmed a boycott of future FIFA competitions over plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors, with many European nations signaling they will not participate if the scheme proceeds.