Energy Infrastructure: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a deal in Skopje for a 67-kilometre gas pipeline, aiming for connection as early as 2028 (with completion by 2027), alongside the planned North Macedonia–Greece interconnector expected in 2027—moves meant to diversify supply and position Skopje for south-north transit. Roads & Construction: Work has started on a 10.5-kilometre motorway from Skopje to the Kosovo border, with tunnels, viaducts and bridges across hilly terrain; the project is set to run about four years and link onward toward Albania’s Durrës port. Agriculture & Trade: Northern Macedonian table grapes are in harvest, with reports of a record season for quality and volume, but growers face weaker prices due to market pressure and competition from Greece, Spain and Italy. Foreign Policy for Industry: Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski visited Israel and signed cooperation agreements, with talks also covering agriculture, water management, security and defense industry links, plus a push for direct flights to boost tourism and business ties. EU & Logistics: Regional carriers plan protests in Sarajevo over EU rules limiting professional driver stays in Schengen, asking for a concrete solution ahead of an EU Commission meeting on September 1. Energy Business: Hungary’s 4iG is launching an energy division and exploring SMR and wind/storage opportunities, including potential projects in North Macedonia. Legal/Business Climate: North Macedonia’s appeals court confirmed the acquittal of fugitive ex-PM Nikola Gruevski in the “Talir 2” case, ending a seven-year fight over the VMRO-DPMNE “White Palace” headquarters.