As part of her annual Western Balkan tour, on 2 October, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, visited North Macedonia. She held meetings with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova.

How do EU countries protect democratic processes from disinformation and foreign interference? And what lessons can North Macedonia bring home as it develops its own response to foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI)?

The ZIP Institute is combining environmental action with practical circular-economy solutions. While the organisation is also active in encouraging citizens to engage in political decision-making, one of its most tangible current initiatives focuses on turning agricultural waste into a sustainable everyday product.

On 8 July, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos visited North Macedonia to discuss the country's EU accession path and reform efforts, with a focus on implementing the Reform Agenda under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. To date, North Macedonia has received €142.1 million under the Reform and Growth Facility following progress in delivering key reforms.