Independence Day Cost Transparency: North Macedonia’s Independence Day celebrations (Sept. 8) reportedly cost €5.5 million total, with about €4.9 million covered by the State Lottery and €650,000 from “socially responsible” companies, after BIRN Macedonia raised questions about how the government effectively tasked the Lottery to manage the events. NATO Cooperation: A NATO Joint Force Command Naples delegation visited North Macedonia, meeting Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski to discuss regional security and training cooperation, with NATO stressing Skopje’s role in stability. EUFOR Military Presence: North Macedonia’s military contingent in EUFOR marked Independence Day, underscoring continued international engagement. Border Disruption Warning: Bulgaria’s foreign ministry warned of coordinated strike blockades by carriers from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sept. 14, with North Macedonia and Montenegro carriers also expected to join, advising travelers to check routes and traffic. Regional Water Politics (Analysis): A new analysis flags growing “water nationalism” risks in the Western Balkans, warning that potential upstream changes to river flows could affect North Macedonia and downstream states, calling for an EU-backed Balkan Water Pact. Energy Investment: Alcazar Energy Partners announced financial close for the Štip wind farm—described as the largest wind project in North Macedonia—signaling momentum for private renewable financing.