Labour Migration Shift: The Balkans are moving from exporting workers to importing them, with countries like Albania signing fast-track labour deals with Vietnam and Indonesia and Croatia ramping up foreign staffing as construction and tourism expand while populations shrink. Climate & Energy Pressure: Southeast Europe is facing record heat, drought and wildfires, with low rivers threatening hydropower, cooling for nuclear plants and harvests. Energy Deal for Industry: Kosovo and North Macedonia state energy firms signed a three-year coal deal for about 3 million tonnes from Obiliq mine at €24.40 per tonne to support power generation, pending contractor selection. Food Safety at the Border: Bulgaria’s food safety agency returned an 11.6-ton shipment of peppers from North Macedonia after pesticide residues exceeded limits, with intensified checks continuing at border points. Hydropower Backtrack in Protected Areas: In Sar Mountain National Park, dismantling of infrastructure for two planned small hydropower plants (Pena 84/85) is underway to restore the disturbed Leshnica Valley. EU Sanctions Alignment: North Macedonia is among non-EU countries aligning with EU restrictive measures against Belarus, as well as joining extended EU sanctions against Iran. Tourism & Safety: A renewed focus on nightlife safety licences follows the Ksamil incident, highlighting how a small number of high-end venues can undermine otherwise strong regional tourism safety. Media & Production: Macedonian director Igor Aleksov has started shooting thriller-drama “The Secret of the Bare Hill,” while Marjan Gavrilovski began “Ants,” a black comedy-thriller tackling prejudice and a murder investigation.