Work Permits & Security Screening: Croatia’s Dubrovnik-Neretva police say 56,662 residence and work permits were issued in the county from 2021 to July 28, 2026, while 742 were refused—after a Korčula court case renewed debate over security checks that reportedly used social media content. Regional Infrastructure & Energy: Serbia’s PM Djuro Macut met North Macedonia’s Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid, flagging transport, rail upgrades, energy connectivity, agriculture and tourism; the same visit included Mining/Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic saying NIS may get a new OFAC licence. Cross-Border Rail Tunnel (Corridor 8): Bulgaria and North Macedonia launched the joint committee for a cross-border railway tunnel, adopting rules and a timetable and discussing financing. Gasification Push: North Macedonia’s Greece interconnector is nearing completion, expected next year, to diversify gas supply and enable phased gasification via a distribution network. Cashless Payments: Nayax launched its cashless payment suite in North Macedonia, targeting unattended retail like vending, kiosks, parking and EV charging. Aviation Demand Watch: Europe’s airport passenger growth slowed in Q2 amid Middle East disruptions and higher jet fuel prices, with Athens among top mega-airport performers. Monetary Policy: North Macedonia kept its key interest rate unchanged at 4.25% as inflation eases but external risks remain.