Aviation Safety & Transport: A Ryanair Boeing 737 flight from Thessaloniki to Germany made an emergency return after a passenger window detached mid-flight, triggering cabin decompression and a partial ejection of a Serbian passenger; the man was treated in Thessaloniki and reported stable, while North Macedonia is leading the investigation after the incident occurred in its airspace. Energy Infrastructure: Bulgaria and Greece agreed on a joint strategic document to speed up Southeast Europe’s energy market integration, with ministers also pushing progress on the Vertical Gas Corridor; operators discussed expanding the corridor, including the western branch via North Macedonia and Serbia, aimed at boosting non-Russian supply access. EU Integration & Connectivity: Italy is advancing the “Rome Charter” to keep Western Balkans EU enlargement credible, linking accession to transport, energy and digital connectivity and full equality for new members, with North Macedonia among the countries covered. Local Industry & Skills: The CATALYST sustainable transformation platform wrapped up, leaving 70 courses and practical resources for businesses and educators across the green transition. Mining & Materials: North Macedonia’s rare pink ruby is moving toward protected status, as local jewellers and experts push for global recognition of the gemstone industry.