Renewables & Grid Storage: YESS Power commissioned Balkans’ first large-scale solar battery storage system in North Macedonia — a 30 MW BESS co-located with Mey Energy’s Novaci solar park, boosting flexibility and grid stability. Energy Finance: EBRD approved a EUR 175 mln loan for PPC’s renewable-energy rollout across Bulgaria, Greece and Romania, targeting ~400 MW of wind/solar and ~760 GWh clean power annually. EU Transport Oversight: A European Court of Auditors probe says EU oversight of Western Balkan TEN-T projects is weak, with delays linked to funding immature projects and slow start times. Investment Climate: North Macedonia’s push for higher-quality foreign investment is increasingly tied to EU accession progress, as FDI fell sharply in 2025 and uncertainty weighs on new entrants. Industrial Materials: Vipul Organics signed an exclusive European distribution deal with Omya, covering pigments for manufacturers across North Macedonia and the wider region. Energy Prices Pressure: A new ranking shows electricity costs vary wildly across Europe, with fuel-importing markets and policy choices driving higher household bills. Drought Risk to Food: A Europe-wide drought analysis flags exceptional dryness since 2012 and warns of growing threats to agriculture and food security, including in North Macedonia.