Renewables Finance: Alcazar Energy Partners has reached financial close on North Macedonia’s 131.25MW Štip wind farm, a €180m project backed by over €115m in senior debt from EBRD, IFC and Erste, with a local VAT facility from Sparkasse Bank AD Skopje; construction is expected to start on later phases too, with the first cluster set to power 148,000+ households and cut up to 573,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent annually. Energy Storage Build-out: North Macedonia has started battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects in 2026, including standalone units and batteries integrated into existing solar plants, with the 2026 energy plan approving 96 storage facilities totaling 2.2GW/4.9GWh. Gas Infrastructure: The Vertical Corridor is expanding as North Macedonia and Serbia join the gas transmission initiative via a Thessaloniki MoU, linking NOMAGAS and Transportgas Serbia to strengthen cross-border supply routes from Greece. EU Accession & Industry Policy: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski says Skopje is ready to share its EU accession experience with Ukraine, stressing reforms without intimidation or unilateral concessions. Hospitality & Retail Growth: TGI Fridays signs a development deal with Devolli Group for its first expansion into Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia, targeting 10 restaurants across the three markets. Transport Pressure: Regional hauliers plan EU border blockades from 14 September over the 90-day Schengen stay limit for Western Balkans professional drivers. Local Business Watch: BA Glass Bulgaria reports weaker 2025 sales for bottles and jars amid soft European demand, while keeping North Macedonia among its export markets.