Independence Day Spending: North Macedonia’s government says the Sept. 8 independence celebrations cost €5.5 million total, with nearly €4.9 million covered by the State Lottery and about €650,000 from “socially responsible” companies, after earlier reporting raised questions about who paid and how the events were organized. NATO Cooperation: A NATO Joint Force Command Naples delegation visited North Macedonia, meeting Deputy PM and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski and discussing regional security, training opportunities, and interoperability. EU Border Disruption Risk: Bulgaria’s foreign ministry warned of coordinated carrier strikes and heavy-vehicle blockades on Sept. 14, with North Macedonia among the countries expected to join, urging drivers to check traffic and consider alternative routes. Regional Water Politics: Analysis flags growing pressure on Western Balkan rivers as a security issue, warning that any talk of rerouting water (including plans tied to the Ibar–Lepenac system) could trigger “water nationalism” unless there’s EU-backed basin cooperation and shared planning. Education & Tech: A Sofia ceremony marked the start of the 2026/2027 academic year at the University of Telecommunications and Post, with officials stressing responsible use of AI and the role of connectivity and digitization.