EU Accession Politics: North Macedonia’s opposition SDSM says Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski is holding “secret talks” on the EU path, after he told MIA the government is pursuing confidential efforts to reach a “lasting and sustainable solution” with Bulgaria that has blocked accession talks. Diplomatic Friction: Albania’s Interior Ministry declared two North Macedonian citizens, Valon Bela and Bekir Halimi, persona non grata for alleged activities harmful to Albania’s national security and public order, with a reported 10-year entry ban and deportation for Bela. Cross-Border Environment: Greece and North Macedonia launched a €3.07 million Interreg project to protect and sustainably manage Lake Doirani, building a joint governance framework for monitoring, planning, and local awareness. Regional Security & EU Pressure: A European Parliament report warns Russia is using hybrid interference—disinformation, covert financing, cyberattacks and pressure—to slow Western Balkan and Eastern Trio EU integration, naming North Macedonia among affected states. International Court/Legal Rights: The case of Iva Mihaylova in Kocani remains tied up as a 10-month ban preventing her from leaving town continues despite witness testimony disputes. Culture & Film: Milcho Manchevski’s documentary “Good People / Dobri lugje” will premiere in Sarajevo, focusing on survivors and resilience after a deadly nightclub fire in North Macedonia.