AI & Digital Infrastructure: North Macedonia officially launched the Vezilka project for a national AI center, linking the scientific community, public institutions and private sector with European AI infrastructure; it runs for three years with a ~EUR 6.2m budget, half funded via EU Horizon Europe and EuroHPC, and will connect users to Greece’s Pharos AI Factory. Energy & Renewables Pipeline: North Macedonia is preparing to integrate a gigawatt-sized solar project pipeline: the 2026 plan approved 59 solar projects totaling over 3 GW, after last year’s ~210 MW brought cumulative capacity past 1 GW. Electricity Networks: Albania’s Kamza is getting a new power substation aimed at higher standards and more stable supply, with reported support from Albania and Germany and a wider digitalization and rehabilitation package. Cybersecurity: A new SharkLoader malware campaign tied to “StrikeShark” has targeted victims including government and diplomatic organizations, with confirmed activity reaching North Macedonia among other countries. Governance & Oversight: Skopje’s anti-corruption body is investigating the Government Secretary General’s assets, after media reports raised questions about foreign property declarations. EU/Regional Policy: EU candidate “membership-lite” financial benefits are being discussed, while Hungary’s block on a procedural step risks delaying Ukraine’s push to open more accession clusters.