Heat & Public Health: Europe’s extreme heatwave is pushing health warnings across the Balkans, with temperatures expected to reach around 39°C in parts of Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro—especially risky for vulnerable groups. Infectious Disease Watch: A monthly Europe report on West Nile virus notes North Macedonia recorded its first-ever affected area (Vardarski) with three locally acquired human cases as of 24 June; all were hospitalised and no deaths were reported. Health System & Workforce: A new overview of healthcare in North Macedonia highlights reforms alongside a staffing crisis, uneven regional access, low public funding, high out-of-pocket costs, and ongoing migration of young professionals to the EU. Government Health Leadership: After coalition talks, North Macedonia’s PM Mickoski unveiled a cabinet reshuffle that includes appointing Sašo Klekovski (director of the Health Insurance Fund) as Minister of Health, while also reorganising social policy, demography and youth responsibilities. AI & Children’s Safety: UNICEF warns that millions of children—including in North Macedonia—are using AI faster than adults, with many expressing worries about scams and misuse, as AI governance safeguards lag. Cross-Border Funding: Bulgaria’s EUR 14 million Interreg IPA programmes will support business, municipalities and NGOs in settlements along the Bulgaria–Serbia and Bulgaria–North Macedonia borders.