EU Accession Talks: EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said North Macedonia’s progress is now “in writing,” but Skopje must adopt the agreed constitutional amendments to include Bulgarians before the next intergovernmental conference can be held and talks can move to the next phase. Constitutional Deadline Pressure: Kos urged constitutional change to unlock EU support for citizens, businesses, and infrastructure, noting Montenegro is already advancing faster. Youth & Jobs: Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski’s government (via PM Tarique Rahman’s reported remarks) is pushing to turn young people into skilled workers, including plans for employment exchange centres and renewed efforts to reopen overseas labour markets. Digital Payments & Growth: A new analysis highlights how fast, 24/7 payment systems can boost financial inclusion and jobs—if they’re deeply embedded in merchants and government transfers. Mobile Market Snapshot: North Macedonia’s mobile market shrank slightly in Q1 2026 to 1.97 million active lines, with 1.64 million mobile internet users. Public Safety: WHO warns extreme heat is returning across Europe, urging stronger national heat plans and worker protections. Online Hate Probe: North Macedonia’s MOI and UBK are investigating around 20 social media pages and websites suspected of inciting tensions with Bulgaria. Regional Transport: Serbia plans to restart the Belgrade–Trieste rail link and introduce D visas for professional drivers, affecting Balkan supply chains.