Retail Expansion: JYSK will buy out its franchise partner to bring its Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia stores in-house, with the deal expected to take effect on 1 January 2027 pending approvals—aimed at faster regional growth and more direct investment in stores and staff. EU Defence Integration: The European Commission proposes gradually pulling candidate countries, including North Macedonia, into EU defence programmes and structures before full membership, using tools such as SAFE and the European Defence Industry Programme. Energy Cooperation: Energy ministers from Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece and Bulgaria meet in Belgrade to discuss regional energy security, supply diversification, and grid and gas/electricity interconnections, with renewables investment also on the agenda. Labour Market Shock: Germany plans to cut the Western Balkans work-visa quota from 50,000 to 25,000 approvals from 1 January 2027, raising concerns for sectors like construction that rely heavily on the scheme. Broadband Growth: North Macedonia added fixed broadband users, reaching 555,585 subscribers by end-Q1 2026, up 2.02% year-on-year, led by Makedonski Telekom. Digital Trade: Albania’s share of businesses selling online rose to 26% in 2025, while North Macedonia sits at 23%—a sign of uneven e-commerce momentum across the Western Balkans. EU Enlargement Politics: Brussels is preparing a new enlargement phase, including changes to EU institutions and decision-making ahead of further accessions, with Commission President von der Leyen pushing for readiness on both sides. EU Path With Bulgaria: North Macedonia’s PM says von der Leyen advised talks with Bulgaria’s foreign minister in Sofia on 7-8 October to help restart the country’s EU accession track.