EU Enlargement: EU member states agreed to open the first accession cluster talks with Ukraine and Moldova, focusing on “fundamentals” like rule of law and state functioning—another sign Brussels is pushing enlargement despite the long timelines that have stalled Skopje’s own path. EU–North Macedonia Politics: Former foreign minister Bujar Osmani says Albanians are frustrated by the stalled EU process and argues Skopje’s negotiating framework hinges on only two Bulgaria-related issues: constitutional amendments and the minorities action plan. Turkey–North Macedonia Diplomacy: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed expanded strategic cooperation, with talks covering trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, tourism, education and defense. Turkey–North Macedonia Business Push: Mickoski invited Turkish investors at a business forum in Istanbul, pitching North Macedonia as a gateway to European markets and promising a more predictable, digitized business climate. Regional Security Cooperation: North Macedonia joined a major regional cyber exercise, Combined Adriatic Cyber Endeavor 2026, with European partners and U.S. National Guard teams. International Recognition: Italy’s ambassador in Skopje awarded attorney Meri Mladenovska Gjorgjievska the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy for work strengthening institutional and economic cooperation. Sports & Youth: North Macedonia’s EU path and regional ties also echoed in sport—North Macedonia is set as the qualifier host for the 2027 youth handball championship, while tennis and football coverage continues to keep the country in the wider regional spotlight.