EU Enlargement Push: EU leaders at the Western Balkans summit in Montenegro (Tivat) renewed efforts to speed up accession, framing enlargement as a security and energy necessity amid Russia-Ukraine pressures and wider geopolitical risk. Gradual Integration Plan: Germany and France floated “gradual integration” ideas—letting candidates join parts of EU single-market and policy formats earlier, with incentives tied to meeting criteria and a simplified negotiation path. Roam Like at Home: The EU Council approved extending the “Roam Like at Home” roaming scheme to the Western Balkans (including North Macedonia), with sectoral talks now starting so citizens and businesses see roaming benefits sooner. North Macedonia EU Bid Context: EU officials stressed that faster, more credible steps are needed to avoid frustration in countries like North Macedonia, where past vetoes have slowed progress. Mining & Industry: Euromax Resources said North Macedonia’s Higher Administrative Court annulled a 2023 withdrawal decision, restoring merger approval for its Ilovica concessions—aiming to restart work and support local growth. Cyber Risk for Services: Silent Ransom Group upgraded its data-leak extortion with fast-flux infrastructure, with law firms and other sensitive sectors flagged as targets.