Air Quality Watch: Eurostat data for 2023 shows Albania recorded 129 premature deaths per 100,000 people linked to PM2.5 exposure—4th-highest in Europe and more than triple the EU average—driven by residential heating, road transport, industry, low-quality fuels and waste burning, underscoring the Western Balkans’ ongoing public-health burden. Climate Extremes in the Region: A severe heatwave and wildfire conditions across southern Europe are now shifting into more volatile weather, with hailstorms and damaging storms reported in the Balkans; in North Macedonia, a storm in Skopje left 11 hospitalized after trees fell, roofs were damaged, and power outages hit. Public Health & Mosquito Risk: West Nile virus is spreading in Greece, with new locally acquired cases rising in the Athens area; WHO Europe urges prevention steps like repellent use and removing stagnant water, as the season peaks July–September. Water Safety Crisis: In Gostivar, North Macedonia’s prosecution opened an investigation into drinking-water contamination after a stomach illness outbreak, alleging harmful substances and coliform contamination entered the water system. Ohrid Protection Deadline: UNESCO postponed the Ohrid Region’s “in danger” listing, giving North Macedonia until 2030 to implement recommendations, including addressing illegal construction and overdue urban planning. Cross-Border Infrastructure: Environmental procedures are approved for the Klepalo border crossing (Bulgaria–North Macedonia), with construction expected to start after permits and finish by 2029.