Energy Infrastructure: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a deal in Skopje for a 67-kilometre gas pipeline, aiming for completion by 2027 and possible connection as early as 2028, alongside the North Macedonia–Greece interconnector expected in 2027—moves meant to diversify supply and turn Skopje into a more central south-north transit hub. Road Construction: Work has started on a 10.5-kilometre motorway linking Skopje to the Kosovo border, with tunnels, viaducts and bridges across hilly terrain; the project is set to finish in four years and improve regional connectivity toward Albania’s port of Durrës and onward to Serbia and Montenegro. Agribusiness: Northern Macedonian table grape harvest is underway with a record season for quality and volume, but growers warn that prices are lower than expected due to heavy competition from Greece, Spain and Italy. Logistics & Trade: Carrier protests are planned in Sarajevo on Aug. 31, with drivers from the Western Balkans—including North Macedonia—pushing the EU for solutions on limited stay rules for professional drivers in Schengen. Industry & Energy Tech: Hungary’s 4iG launched an energy division and holding company, exploring SMR cooperation with X-Energy and assessing wind and storage opportunities including in North Macedonia and Montenegro. Foreign Policy for Investment: North Macedonia’s FM Timčo Mucunski met Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar in Jerusalem to expand cooperation in defense industries, agriculture, water management, tourism and investment, including talks on restoring direct flights.