Culture & Books: The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair welcomes the Balkans as Guest of Honour, spotlighting the region’s literary and artistic legacy, including Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić. Regional Economy & Energy Costs: Western Balkans fuel prices are rising again, with Albania’s diesel the highest in the region—about 41% more than North Macedonia—driving renewed debate over taxes and pricing rules. Foreign Policy & Israel Ties: North Macedonia’s FM Timco Mucunski visited Jerusalem for talks with Gideon Sa’ar, signing cooperation agreements and pushing expanded links in agriculture, water, security, innovation, tourism, health and education. Infrastructure & Energy Security: North Macedonia and Serbia signed a gas pipeline agreement in Skopje, targeting connectivity by 2028, alongside a North Macedonia–Greece interconnector expected in 2027. Public Services: Bulgaria approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia covering care, disease prevention, surveillance, emergency management, health legislation and eHealth. Demographics & Schools: Education Minister Vesna Janevska says first-grade enrolment for 2026–27 is already sharply down, with rural school closures expected as cohorts shrink. Sports: FK Skopje is reportedly close to signing New Raiders defender Richard Brown after a trial in Macedonia.