UNESCO & Lake Ohrid: The Ohrid region has avoided being put on UNESCO’s World Heritage in Danger list, but UNESCO says serious environmental and urban pressures remain and has given Albania and North Macedonia a five-year deadline to act. Key risks include illegal construction, uncontrolled development, shoreline damage, weak wastewater management, and insufficient ecosystem protection—while experts warn the extension is not a “clean bill of health.” Climate extremes & wildfire risk: Southern Europe is still in the grip of extreme heat and wildfire danger, with Spain’s Guadalajara blaze burning about 32,000 hectares and France reporting deadly fires; scientists link worsening heatwaves, droughts, and fires to human-driven climate change. Storm impacts in the Balkans: After heat, the region swung to destructive storms—North Macedonia saw strong winds, damage to infrastructure, and injuries, while Albania reported at least one death and major crop losses. West Nile virus rising: WHO and European health agencies warn that warmer conditions are expanding West Nile virus transmission; Greece has reported a sharp rise, and North Macedonia has recorded locally acquired cases. Air pollution health: Eurostat data ranks Albania among Europe’s worst for PM2.5-related premature deaths, underscoring ongoing public health pressure across the Western Balkans. Cross-border infrastructure (environmental angle): Bulgaria’s Klepalo border crossing with North Macedonia is set to be completed by 2029 after environmental procedures were approved, with €11 million allocated for the project and access road.