Energy & Infrastructure: SOCAR, TotalEnergies, XRG and BOTAŞ signed a 15-year gas deal for 33bn cubic metres from Azerbaijan’s Absheron field to Turkey starting in 2029, with production planned above 4bn cm annually and a final investment decision expected in 2026—an agreement that could unlock full-scale development. Energy Security: The Energy Community says gas security in South East and Eastern Europe is improving as EU-aligned storage rules roll out; for North Macedonia, Moldova and Bosnia, the focus is securing access to gas stored abroad equivalent to at least 15% of average annual consumption. Power & Transition (North Macedonia): North Macedonia’s Just Energy Transition Investment Platform (JETIP) has identified about 80 projects worth ~€1.7bn, with financing secured for ~€460m, including public renewables and storage, plus private-sector mobilization of over €210m. Transport (Corridor 10): Serbia’s environmental process for a double-track high-speed railway on Corridor 10 through North Macedonia is underway, with works starting near Tabanovce and plans to replace tunnels that currently cap speeds. Aviation: European airport passenger traffic fell 0.7% in April 2026 year-on-year, with declines linked to Middle East disruption, Easter timing and industrial action; Albania, North Macedonia and Moldova still posted growth. Business & Industry (Mining): Central Asia Metals proposed buying Cygnus Metals for about $232m, adding a copper-gold development project in Québec to its existing North Macedonia and Kazakhstan assets. Local Industry Support (Film): North Macedonia’s Film Agency awarded €1.5m in 2026 production grants to 14 projects, including major feature and documentary funding.