Independence Day Cost Transparency: North Macedonia’s government says the 35th anniversary celebrations (Sept. 8) totaled €5.5 million, with about €4.9 million funded by the state-owned lottery and roughly €650,000 from “socially responsible” companies, after earlier reporting questioned how the state lottery was effectively tasked with organizing the events. NATO Presence in Skopje: A NATO Joint Force Command Naples delegation visited North Macedonia and met Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski, focusing on regional security, training opportunities, and interoperability. EUFOR Independence Day Role: North Macedonia’s military contingent participated in EUFOR activities marking Independence Day, underscoring continued defense cooperation. Energy Investment: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close for the Štip wind farm—described as North Macedonia’s largest wind project—secured with major international lenders and planned in phases. Regional Transport Dispute: Bosnia’s communications minister warned that coordinated carrier protests on Sept. 14 over Schengen driver rules involve broader institutional and EU-level solutions, with North Macedonia among affected countries. Water Politics Watch: Analysis highlights growing pressure on Western Balkan rivers as security and development issues, urging a EU-backed “Balkan Water Pact” to prevent unilateral upstream moves from harming downstream states like North Macedonia.