EU Accession Pressure: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos told North Macedonia to adopt the agreed constitutional amendments to unlock the next phase of talks, saying progress is now “in writing” and that EU support depends on all 27 members. EU-Bulgaria Deal Clarification: French Ambassador Christophe Le Rigoleur said the 2022 “French proposal” is an EU–North Macedonia text, not a bilateral Bulgaria deal, and should not be renegotiated. NATO Burden-Sharing: Coverage from the Ankara summit highlighted renewed pressure on allies to meet defense spending targets, with Trump again criticizing countries that “don’t pay,” while leaders stressed implementation and unity. Diplomacy in Skopje: Italy’s Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli met Skopje officials, reaffirming support for the EU path and regional stability, and discussed EU-facilitated Serbia–Kosovo normalization. Border Tensions: Three North Macedonian officials were reportedly denied entry at Albania’s Qafë Thanë crossing, with claims linked to alleged involvement in Tirana protests. Digital Rights Watch: BIRN warned digital repression is worsening across the Western Balkans and Turkey, documenting 152 digital rights violations in early 2026. Local/Regional Security Industry: Turkey’s MKE BORAN 105mm howitzer export story noted North Macedonia as a prior customer, with Albania now procuring the system too.