Party Funding Watch: North Macedonia’s political parties received nearly €9 million from the state budget in 2026, with VMRO-DPMNE taking a record €2.5 million and SDSM’s funding dropping about 40% to around €1 million, while DUI also saw a decline tied to election performance. EU Accession Politics: SDSM says PM Hristijan Mickoski’s Brussels visit could point to a possible EU negotiating breakthrough, specifically the “French proposal” on constitutional changes, and warns the government must explain any shift to voters. State Secrets & Accountability: An intelligence officer convicted in the “Titanic” election abuses case has been granted clearance for state-secret access and later posted to Vienna, prompting complaints over how security checks were passed despite an active conviction. Diplomatic Missile Notice: The US and allies, including North Macedonia, backed a call for at least 24-hour advance notification of ballistic missile and space launch activity to reduce miscalculation risks. Cross-Border Language Rights: DUI demands Albanian be restored on state signs at the Tabanov border crossing, alleging the change violated constitutional and legal rules. Regional Security: Bulgaria reported a drone carrying explosives exploded near the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, with authorities saying it was not detected and investigations continue.