EU Accession Watch: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Ireland’s EU presidency events that Albania and Montenegro are making steady, merit-based progress, with Montenegro’s goal to wrap accession negotiations by year-end. Environmental Enforcement: Montenegro’s environmental crime deterrent is still weak, with reporting pointing to gaps in how cases move from inspectors to court. Pollution & Industry Accountability: Inspectors’ complaints over toxic red mud basins tied to Kombinat Aluminijuma Podgorica and ongoing emissions issues in Pljevlja show how industrial legacies keep colliding with enforcement timelines. Tourism & Hospitality Investment: IHG signed Crowne Plaza Vienna, signaling continued regional hotel expansion and design-led, sustainability-focused development. Regional Business & Services: Kiwitaxi rolled out “Women Driving Women” across Montenegro and 24 other countries, aiming to reshape private transfer defaults around demand. EU Standards Gap Analysis: A Vienna Institute study says Western Balkans countries may need decades—sometimes over a century—to reach EU standards, with digitalization the standout and environment/infrastructure the biggest blockers.