Serbia–North Macedonia Diplomacy: Serbian PM Djuro Macut met North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski in Ohrid, stressing growing cooperation in transport, infrastructure, energy connectivity, agriculture and tourism, with rail upgrades and border crossings highlighted. Corridor 8 Rail Tunnel: Bulgaria and North Macedonia launched the first joint committee meeting in Sofia for the cross-border railway tunnel under Corridor 8, adopting rules and a timetable and discussing financing with EU-linked institutions. Energy Sanctions Update: Serbia’s mining and energy minister said there are indications NIS may receive a new US operating licence after OFAC extensions tied to Russian ownership sanctions—key for crude planning and refinery stability. Judiciary & Rights: A North Macedonia court case involving Iva Mihaylova in Kocani continues, with a travel ban still in force despite defence claims that witnesses did not support the prosecution’s lane-crossing account. Representation Law Debate: A new law on fair and adequate representation is criticized by opposition parties for lacking fixed quotas and sanctions, raising fears implementation will be voluntary. International Context: Separate coverage flags UEFA’s planned boycott of FIFA competitions over Infantino’s proposed private investment scheme, while Russia-linked influence narratives and church recognition issues remain part of the regional political conversation.