Antitrust & Media Industry: US AG Rob Bonta called Paramount’s reported threat to relocate its California studio operation “blackmail” in the fight over the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger, as the UK Competition and Markets Authority has already cleared the deal and a March 2027 antitrust trial is still looming. Digital Banking & Retail Tech: Iute Group expanded its Myiute app with iuteMarket, an integrated shopping service now available in Albania and North Macedonia, linking product browsing and purchases with payments plus financing and insurance. Energy & Cross-Border Power: Kosovo says the lack of electricity trading with Serbia cost it and the region over €150m in 2024, citing blocked cross-border capacity despite a July deadline from the Energy Community. Agriculture & Border Controls: Bulgaria launched mass fruit and vegetable import checks, including at borders with Turkey and North Macedonia, but industry warns the measures are too late and must become permanent to curb price pressure. Wildfire Risk in North Macedonia: The Crisis Management Center issued a code red for very high fire risk across eastern, central and southern areas, reporting 25 wildfires in 24 hours as drought and heat keep conditions dangerous. Mining Investment: Cygnus Metals’ directors recommended shareholders back Central Asia Metals’ takeover, with Cygnus production assets including North Macedonia. Transport & Infrastructure (Corridor 8): Progress on Pan-European Corridor 8 continues, with EU backing for the railway link toward Bulgaria highlighted as a strategic economic and NATO-relevant route.