EU Pathway Watch: The European Parliament approved North Macedonia’s 2025 progress report, while MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk said Bulgaria’s interest and EU criteria “coincide,” stressing rule of law, judicial independence, anti-corruption and rights as non-automatic steps toward accession. Monetary Policy: The National Bank of North Macedonia raised the key interest rate by 25 bps to 4.25%, citing persistent inflation pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and strong credit growth. Energy & Industry: YESS Power commissioned the Balkans’ first large-scale solar battery storage system in North Macedonia, a boost for grid flexibility and renewables integration. Agriculture Modernisation: A Montenegro mushroom farm near Spuz expanded output with EU pre-accession funding, highlighting how modernization support can lift production capacity and packaging readiness. EU-Region Diplomacy: Deputy FM Ivanka Tasheva briefed EU counterparts on the Skopje Bulgarian embassy arson attack and Bulgaria’s stance against hate speech. Trade & Investment: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski invited Turkish businesspeople to invest, pitching North Macedonia as a gateway into European supply chains and promising reduced procedures and digitised services. Regional Business Deal: Vipul Organics signed an exclusive European distribution agreement with Omya for pigment ranges, including North Macedonia, aiming to expand reach to manufacturers across Europe. Environment & Compliance: A report flags Dojran Lake’s bird sanctuary still waiting for stronger protection as reed belts shrink under agricultural conversion and delayed management plans.