Adriatic-Ionian Rail Corridor: Croatia signed an initiative in Zagreb to develop a future Adriatic-Ionian railway corridor linking Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Greece, aiming to boost passenger and freight connectivity via Adriatic ports and push the project into EU transport planning. EU Accession Push: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Montenegro is being prepared to manage EU external borders and is expected to move toward Schengen, as Podgorica targets EU membership by 2028 and continues closing negotiation chapters. Enlargement Negotiations Timeline: EU may open two more negotiating clusters for Ukraine on Oct. 13, while Montenegro is expected to close additional chapters around mid-October, keeping the accession “final stretch” on track. Border & Security Infrastructure: A new border police building in Podgorica will host a National Coordination Center for Border Management, designed to align Montenegro’s border work with EU agencies. Cybercrime Case Linked to Montenegro: Montenegro extradited an Iranian national (Amir Barati) to the US over alleged hacking of universities and companies worth over $3bn. Smart City Orders: Beam Europe secured about $4m in smart city infrastructure orders supporting projects across Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia and the wider region. Regional Trade & Ports: MinDA and Bongao discussed cross-border trade, logistics and infrastructure needs, including plans to rehabilitate and expand Bongao Port to strengthen maritime connectivity.