Heat & Health in the Region: Serbia and parts of Southeast Europe are sweltering near 40°C, with hospitals seeing more dehydration and heat-related emergencies, while officials urge people to stay indoors, hydrate, and avoid exertion. Montenegro’s Nature Under Pressure: Ulcinj Salina’s bird haven is fading as salt pumping stopped years ago, threatening habitat for migrating flamingos and pelicans and raising fears that the landscape could be lost within a few years. EU Rule of Law & Civic Space: The European Commission’s 2026 Rule of Law Report flags uneven progress across the EU and candidate states including Montenegro, warning that media freedom, protest rights, and checks on power still need stronger protection. Cooling Cities, Not Just Coping: A piece on why trees and shade matter for beating heat highlights how city cooling can be ignored even as heatwaves intensify. Porto Montenegro & Sustainability Finance: Porto Montenegro secured an IFC partnership and $80m investment aimed at boosting tourism and maritime growth while raising standards in water use, waste management, and energy efficiency. Energy Transition Momentum: Energy Week Western Balkans returns to Montenegro in October, spotlighting renewables, storage, and regional market integration. Maritime Electrification Tech: Alewijnse and the University of Twente announced collaboration to speed up vessel electrification using hardware-in-the-loop testing. Public Services Under Strain: A Portuguese patients’ group accuses Portimão Hospital’s emergency unit of “inhumane” heat conditions, with ambulances forced to wait outside.