EU Accession Momentum: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Albania and Montenegro are making steady, merit-based progress, with Montenegro’s accession negotiations targeted for completion by year-end and an accession treaty signing aimed during Ireland’s EU Council presidency. EU Funding Pressure: The Commission is set to redistribute Western Balkans Reform and Growth Facility money, with frontrunners Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia likely to receive more while Bosnia and other laggards could lose out. Montenegro in the Spotlight: Montenegro’s role in EU enlargement also surfaced alongside coverage noting it still lacks a requirement to remove Chinese telecom equipment despite EU pressure. Tourism & Hospitality: Regent Porto Montenegro promoted its summer season and access options, while Petra Group strengthened its regional tourism positioning via a new partnership with Maya Collection for Petra Sea Resort and Petra Ski Resort in Georgia. Industry & Infrastructure: A China-built Montenegro highway project broke ground, adding momentum to the north-south transport network. Tech & Youth: UNICEF reported that AI use among children is already widespread across multiple countries including Montenegro, raising both learning benefits and safety concerns. Business Finance: AutoWallis said it will retain 2025 after-tax profit to fund regional growth and authorized capital actions.