EU Accession Momentum: Montenegro is set to provisionally close Chapter 8 (Competition Policy) and Chapter 29 (Customs Union) at EU talks on 14 July, while Albania closes three chapters and Ukraine/Moldova move forward with Cluster 6—an important signal for trade, business rules, and market access. Tourism & Services: Montenegro continues to ride a wave of demand, with travel coverage highlighting record visitor numbers and rising interest from UK travelers, reinforcing the country’s tourism-led growth model. Shipping Disruption: Typhoon Inday has triggered ferry and fastcraft cancellations across routes that include Montenegro Shipping Lines services, showing how weather risk can quickly hit regional logistics. Industry & Finance: A new analysis frames Montenegro’s fintech push as “connection” to European payment rails and digital services—less about scale, more about integration for a small, euro-using economy. Consumer & Retail: L’Oréal USA faces a US class action over CeraVe baby product pricing claims, while Aldi expands in the US with a major store rollout plan—both worth watching for pricing pressure and retail competition dynamics. Energy Links: Greece’s energy exports to Southeast Europe keep growing, with Montenegro named among key markets supplied via regional fuel infrastructure. Media/Entertainment: Paramount Skydance is fighting a multi-state antitrust lawsuit over its Warner Bros deal, arguing the merger would strengthen competition against streaming giants.