Energy Security & Climate Impact: Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant is at risk of full shutdown within 24–72 hours as the Danube hits record-low levels, with cooling pump intake now below the river level; the operator says emergency procedures are ready and output could be cut further if conditions worsen. Regional Gas Infrastructure: Plinacro and Hungary’s FGSZ agreed to double capacity on the Croatia–Hungary interconnector at Drávaszerdahely–Donji Miholjac to 400,000 standard cubic meters per hour from Dec. 31, 2026, boosting supply flexibility. Corporate Energy Deal: MOL signed with Shell to buy Shell’s BG Cyprus stake (35%) in the Aphrodite deepwater gas project, with a price up to $720m and first gas targeted for 2031 after a 2027 final investment decision. Macroeconomy: Hungary’s Q2 GDP grew 1.7% year-on-year (1.6% adjusted), with services and industry driving expansion while agriculture lagged. Payments & Fintech: Wise gained direct access to Malaysia’s PayNet to support DuitNow QR payments, adding another domestic-rail connection beyond its already active Hungary link. Agriculture: A heatwave’s impact is mixed across the region; Romania’s winter crops look resilient while Hungary faces stronger pressure, according to EU JRC reporting. Policy & Markets: Hungary’s wind expansion plan is moving from concept to implementation, with a tender for 4 GW by 2030 starting with a 700 MW auction, alongside calls for ecological safeguards and circular-economy rules. Business Community: Young European co-operators and entrepreneurs met in Budapest to push “economic democracy” via youth-led cooperative entrepreneurship.