UNICEF Digital Safety: UNICEF says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a year, with nearly 60% of cases happening on mainstream social media and children in North Macedonia and Mexico reporting sharply higher risks of suicidal thoughts or behaviours. Energy Diplomacy: North Macedonia’s energy minister is set to attend the 10th Southeast Europe Energy Forum in Thessaloniki, focused on energy security, affordability and financing the next phase of the energy transition. Hungary–North Macedonia Finance Probe: Hungarian police opened a criminal investigation into Eximbank deals, including a controversial €1bn North Macedonia loan backed by a government guarantee, after an internal audit flagged alleged irregularities; police seized thousands of pages of documents. Connectivity Deal: 4iG and SpaceX signed agreements to expand Starlink Mobile in Hungary and Albania first, then bring next-gen V2 services to Montenegro and North Macedonia, with a separate secure satellite communications package planned for governments. Labour Market Pressure: North Macedonia is increasingly turning to foreign workers despite high registered unemployment, with the Employment Agency issuing thousands of opinions for permits across multiple countries and sectors like trade, manufacturing, construction and services. EU Border Rules Clash: Western Balkan truckers and carriers protested Schengen stay limits for professional drivers, warning of a regional freight blockade if the EU doesn’t address the 90-in-180 day rule.