EU Enlargement: The EU is set to start formal negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on Monday, beginning with the first “cluster” of EU laws—an important step, but still a long, political road ahead that includes major work on environment and agriculture. Montenegro & Regional EU Path: A Western Balkans update highlights Montenegro’s EU momentum after the Tivat summit, with an accession treaty working group formed—yet reforms still need to close remaining negotiation gaps. Illegal Logging & Forests: A report warns that delays to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) until late 2026 are giving illegal timber networks in Albania’s UNESCO-protected forests more room to operate. Protected Wetlands Under Pressure (Albania): Protests continue over a Trump-Kushner-linked luxury resort plan near the Zvërnec coastline and Sazan Island, where flamingos, sea turtles, and monk seals are at stake—sparking clashes and international attention. Montenegro Energy Transition (Business): At a Budva conference, Montenegro’s construction and energy sectors were flagged as lagging on digital transformation, with AI-based solutions aimed at net-zero facilities. Regional Transport Funding Risk: The EU’s audit says Western Balkans countries may miss the 2030 deadline for the core transport network due to project delays and weak supervision. Mining & Safety: Investigators linked a massive Chilean sinkhole to mining operations, renewing scrutiny of environmental impacts and long-term site risks.