Industrial Transformation: HEIDELBERG says it has accelerated its shift into a broader technology group, using a dual-use approach to expand into defense, security, energy, charging infrastructure and industrial systems under HD Advanced Technologies. Public Spending Transparency: A Skopje watchdog says the VMRO-DPMNE-led government is withholding costs and selection details for this year’s Independence Day celebrations, despite promises of major international performances. Energy & Renewables Finance: The EBRD approved a EUR 175m loan for PPC renewable projects in Romania, Greece and Bulgaria, targeting about 400MW of wind and solar and training up to 150 engineers for battery storage. Gas Security Rules: The Energy Community reports improving winter readiness as Serbia and Ukraine meet storage targets, while North Macedonia is expected to secure access to gas stored abroad. EU Enlargement Momentum: EU leaders in Montenegro pushed “gradual integration” and faster accession steps for Western Balkans states, linking enlargement more directly to security concerns. Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan will represent President Erdoğan at the SEECP summit in Sofia, highlighting connectivity and regional unity. Retail Expansion: SPAR enters Iceland with two stores under a Drangar deal, using Samkaup to scale fresh and convenience offerings. Cyber Extortion Watch: The Silent Ransom Group is shifting to fast-flux infrastructure, with advisories warning of ongoing data-leak extortion targeting sensitive sectors. Forestry Snapshot: A data roundup ranks North Macedonia among Europe’s more forested countries, with forest cover at about 40% of land area.