Diplomacy & EU track: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski keeps his distance from Belgrade’s church rhetoric while signaling a tougher line toward Sofia, underscoring Skopje’s “soft landing” in Serbia but “hard line” with Bulgaria. Presidential outreach: President Aleksandar Vucic received new ambassadors from Austria, Germany, Algeria, South Korea and Kazakhstan, stressing EU-path dialogue and deeper economic ties, with Germany’s ambassador previously serving in North Macedonia. Energy & regional infrastructure: Serbia moved ahead with a nearly €1bn gas expansion plan with World Bank support, including new pipeline and storage upgrades and studies for hydrogen transport readiness. EU foreign policy: North Macedonia joined a wider European alignment extending sanctions on Iran over military support for Russia, alongside Ukraine and eight other countries. Humanitarian & legal pressure: Bulgaria escalated the Iva Mihaylova case with a diplomatic protest note after court refusals blocked her medical treatment in Bulgaria, with foreign ministry talks ongoing. Environment: In Sar Mountain National Park, dismantling of unfinished small hydropower infrastructure in Leshnica Valley (Pena 84/85) begins, aiming to restore the disturbed landscape. Public health: Greece reported a sharp rise in West Nile virus cases and deaths, with warnings focused on older residents and intensified mosquito-control. Sports (local link): New Raiders’ Richard Brown starts a 15-day trial with FK Skopje, adding another North Macedonia connection to the week’s regional headlines.