Inflation Watch: Kosovo posted the highest consumer inflation in the Balkans in June at 6%, with Bulgaria and Bosnia at 5.6%, Croatia at 4.5% and Greece at 4.4%; Montenegro’s inflation was 3.6% (North Macedonia 3.4%, Albania 3.2%, Serbia lowest at 2.7%). Energy Costs & Cooling: A new ranking highlights where households pay the highest energy bills, while another story points to the practical value of urban tree cover as cities bake in record heat—tree shade and evapotranspiration can materially cool neighborhoods. Tourism Under Pressure: Albania’s tourism minister says political protests are hitting the sector, with June foreign arrivals barely up 1% and cancellations linked to protest images. Montenegro’s Maritime & Tourism Investment: Porto Montenegro secured an IFC $80m push to strengthen tourism and maritime jobs, supply chains and standards in water, waste and energy efficiency. EU Alignment & Mobility: Montenegro plans to end visa-free travel for Russians from Oct. 1, aligning with Schengen-style rules ahead of EU accession. Regional Health Policy: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Bosnia agreed to ban smoking and e-cigarettes in public spaces, backed by a joint enforcement network. Industry Tech (Maritime): Alewijnse and the University of Twente announced a collaboration to advance hardware-in-the-loop validation for vessel electrification. Energy Transition Event: Energy Week Western Balkans returns to Montenegro on 7–8 October 2026, spotlighting the region’s renewable buildout and storage push.