Schengen Pressure on Skopje and the Region: Hundreds of professional truck drivers protested outside EU delegation offices in Belgrade, Sarajevo, Podgorica and Skopje over the 90-days-in-180 rule, warning of new border blockades from Sept. 14 unless Brussels offers an exemption or longer stays for work. EU Tourism Snapshot: Eurostat reports EU overnight stays in tourist accommodations rose 1.7% in the first half of 2026 (to 1,321 million), with foreign tourists accounting for 48.9% of stays—good news for regional travel demand. Workforce Reality in North Macedonia: Despite nearly 90,000 registered unemployed people, companies are increasingly seeking foreign workers; the Employment Agency issued thousands of employment procedure opinions for workers from countries including Bangladesh, Turkey, Nepal and India, with accommodation/food services and construction among the biggest demand areas. Cross-Border Travel Dispute: A court case involving dual Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen Iva Mihaylova is again feeding tensions between Sofia and Skopje, with her treatment travel blocked and the matter potentially headed toward Strasbourg—an issue that can ripple into mobility and tourism perceptions. Safety Spotlight for Travelers: A UK travel-safety roundup highlights North Macedonia as one of Europe’s safest destinations, calling it “breathtaking” and urging travelers to check updates before departure.