Heat & animal welfare: As a Europe-wide heatwave pushes temperatures near 40°C in Montenegro, animal welfare activists in Podgorica report abandoned horses roaming without shelter, water or food near an illegal dumpsite, calling for urgent action to protect large animals during extreme weather. Climate & risk: Coverage from across Europe links hotter, longer heatwaves to human-driven global warming, with record temperatures and health impacts reported from multiple countries. Biosphere protection: UNESCO designated 14 new biosphere reserves on World Environment Day, including Montenegro, adding fresh momentum for nature conservation and sustainable development. Water access: A new global map highlights that more than 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, underlining the scale of the clean-water challenge beyond Europe. Montenegro & EU: The European Commission adopted a financial package for Montenegro’s EU accession, outlining budget rules for Chapter 33 and marking another step toward full participation in EU policies. Infrastructure & “green construction”: Groundbreaking began on Montenegro’s Matesevo–Andrijevica highway, with builders saying they will follow European standards and prioritize “green construction” alongside safety and quality. Governance transparency: A regional report warns that while freedom-of-information requests are rising in the Western Balkans, access is still routinely blocked by delays, barriers and weak enforcement—Montenegro included. Tourism & heritage: Banyan Tree officially debuted Mamula Island by Banyan Tree at the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor, spotlighting a restored fortress and nature-based experiences.