Voters in North Macedonia are casting ballots today, October 19, 2025, in local elections to elect mayors and municipal council members across 80 municipalities and the City of Skopje. The elections are widely seen as a crucial test for the ruling government, led by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, against the backdrop of a prolonged stalemate in the country's European Union accession process.
North Macedonia's power producers generated 20,572 MWh of electricity from renewable sources in September 2025, marking a 3.3% year-on-year increase. This growth highlights the country's ongoing commitment to expanding its green energy sector and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
North Macedonia's national football team secured a 0-0 draw against Belgium in a UEFA World Cup qualifier on October 10, 2025, at Planet Group Arena. The result allowed North Macedonia to maintain its one-point lead over Belgium in Group J, following a resilient defensive performance.
North Macedonia's local elections campaign is in full swing, with the first round of voting scheduled for October 19, 2025. Political parties and independent candidates are vying for 81 mayoral positions and municipal council seats across 80 municipalities and the City of Skopje, addressing a range of national and local concerns.
North Macedonia has seen a surge in energy investment interest, with applications totaling 4.2 GW for battery projects and 7.1 GW for wind, solar, and gas power plants. This signals a significant push towards diversifying the nation's energy mix and enhancing grid stability.
Zekirija Shaini, a 43-year-old candidate for the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI) in North Macedonia, was shot in an ambush in Kumanovo. Shaini, who is the top candidate for the BDI council list in Likovo, sustained three gunshot wounds to the legs and is in stable condition. Police have launched an investigation, and the BDI party has condemned the 'barbaric act' and called for swift justice.
Skopje, North Macedonia, hosted a smaller pro-Palestinian rally on October 5, 2025, as part of a broader wave of demonstrations across Europe. These protests marked the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and called for an end to the conflict in Gaza.
The Bulgarian Cabinet has finalized the necessary steps for an agreement with North Macedonia regarding the preparation, construction, and operation of a vital railway tunnel on Pan-European Corridor VIII. This move is a significant stride towards enhancing regional connectivity and completing a strategic East-West transport route, with the formal signing anticipated on November 4, 2025.
North Macedonia's opposition Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) has introduced a resolution outlining 'red lines' for the country's EU integration, including the French proposal, during the local election campaign. The resolution aims to protect Macedonian identity while accepting constitutional amendments under specific conditions.
North Macedonia has officially launched its 20-day campaign for the local elections scheduled for October 19, with a runoff on November 2. Over 10,000 candidates from 22 parties, 19 coalitions, and 119 independent groups are vying for mayoral and municipal council seats across 80 municipalities and the City of Skopje.
Bulgaria has formally approved humanitarian assistance totaling 1.49 million leva (approximately 766,940 euros) for North Macedonia, six months after a tragic nightclub fire in Kocani claimed 62 lives and injured over 200. The aid covers medical evacuations, hospital treatment for 15 patients, and accommodation for victims' families.
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova addressed the 80th UN General Assembly, emphasizing the UN's crucial role amid 'geopolitical earthquakes.' She called for urgent UN reforms and advocated for North Macedonia's European integration without additional conditions, warning against a geopolitical vacuum in the Western Balkans.
Dubai Chambers recently met with North Macedonia's Prime Minister, Professor Dr. Hristijan Mickoski, in Skopje to explore bilateral trade and investment opportunities. The high-level discussions, part of the 'Growth Corridors' initiative, aimed to boost economic cooperation across key sectors, building on AED 1.8 billion in non-oil trade from 2020-2024.
Serbian judokas Jelena and Nikolina Nisavić secured gold medals at the Skopje Senior European Judo Cup in North Macedonia, held on September 20-21, 2025. Jelena triumphed in the -63kg category, while Nikolina won the -52kg division, contributing to Serbia's strong performance at the event.
North Macedonia's national broadcaster, MRT, is currently reviewing its potential participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The decision hinges on a thorough assessment of financial and production capabilities, past performance, and overall strategy, following withdrawals from the 2023 and 2024 contests due to economic factors. A final decision is expected by mid-December.
