EU Standards Gap: A Vienna Institute study says Western Balkans countries are moving toward EU rules at uneven speeds, with North Macedonia closest on governance, healthcare and digitalization, while infrastructure and the environment lag for most. Trade & Industry Diplomacy: North Macedonia’s Commerce and Industry minister met Qatar’s foreign trade counterpart to review cooperation on trade, investment and industry. Energy Infrastructure: Greece and North Macedonia reaffirm the gas interconnector schedule, targeting completion in 2027 to boost energy security and diversify supplies via LNG routes. Transport Investment: An International Transport Forum bulletin ranks Azerbaijan top for transport infrastructure spending (3.5% of GDP), while it flags North Macedonia among countries investing over 2% to modernize networks. Cybersecurity: Researchers report SharkLoader malware using fake Cisco AnyConnect and Google Update installers, with confirmed activity including North Macedonia. Storm Disruption: A July 1 flash storm flooded Skopje’s Srbija Boulevard, trapping trucks and tankers and causing major traffic chaos. Government Reshuffle: North Macedonia’s PM Mickoski unveiled a limited cabinet reshuffle, including adding a Turks party minister without portfolio and reshuffling key governance posts. EU Funding Push: Bulgaria’s Interreg IPA programmes will invest €14m in cross-border business and municipal projects along the Bulgaria–Serbia and Bulgaria–North Macedonia borders. Industry & Logistics: Serbia’s Post plans a major logistics and warehouse complex near Constantine the Great Airport in Nis to serve southern Serbia and the wider Western Balkans, including North Macedonia.