Aviation & Retail: TAV Airports (incl. North Macedonia) reported H1 growth: consolidated revenue up 5% to €867.3m, EBITDA up 3% to €245m, and net profit at €8m; duty-free spend per head rose 20% to €9.70 and food & beverage revenue climbed 20% to €111.8m, supported by new Antalya airside commercial space. Monetary Policy: North Macedonia’s central bank kept the key interest rate unchanged at 4.25% as inflation eases to 3.4% in June, while warning about external risks from geopolitics and energy prices. Heritage & Environment: UNESCO postponed adding the Ohrid region to the World Heritage in Danger list, giving North Macedonia and Albania until 2030 to implement protection measures; illegal construction, wastewater and shoreline damage remain key threats. Water Safety: A drinking tap-water ban was introduced in Valandovo after arsenic levels exceeded WHO guidance; water is still allowed for industrial use and bathing. Cross-Border Infrastructure: Bulgaria and North Macedonia’s Klepalo border crossing is on track for completion by 2029 after environmental procedures were approved; €11m is earmarked for the project. Health Alert: WHO urged prevention as West Nile virus cases rise across Europe, including North Macedonia, stressing mosquito control and protection outdoors. Trade & Diplomacy: India’s President Droupadi Murmu completed a landmark visit to North Macedonia (first by an Indian head of state) and pushed plans to double bilateral trade, with focus on tourism, hospitality and filmmaking. Investment & Governance: Hungary launched an investigation into a €1bn Eximbank loan to North Macedonia over alleged overly favorable terms and potential misuse of public funds.