Energy Transition & Grid Resilience (Montenegro): CGES signed a €25m AFD-backed loan (with state guarantee) to modernise the Perućica and Pljevlja 2 substations, enabling up to 350 MW of hydropower integration and strengthening links with the Trans-Balkan network as Montenegro shifts away from coal. Renewables Buildout (Montenegro): Qair secured the building permit for its 50 MW Rudine solar project in Nikšić, following grid-connection approval from CGES, with construction expected in the coming years. Solar + Storage Pipeline (Montenegro): Masdar and EPCG moved their partnership into project execution, advancing 150 MW of solar and exploring 400+ MW of pumped hydro storage, targeting up to 2 GW of renewables for energy security and future exports. Wildfire Pressure (Europe): Satellite monitoring shows Europe is on track for its worst wildfire season on record, with EU burned area already exceeding 250,000 hectares and fire counts more than double the usual average before peak summer. Biodiversity Under Threat (Albania): Activists and scientists say preliminary works for a Trump-linked luxury hotel project have already caused “irreparable” damage to the Narta lagoon area, including harm to loggerhead turtle nesting and wetland water flows. Accessibility & Tourism (Montenegro link): A report highlights how cruise tender ports can block access for wheelchair users, with Kotor cited as a missed destination due to non-accessible boarding steps.