Danube Drought Hits Power Supply: Hungary’s MVM shut down Paks NPP Unit 3 (and earlier cut Unit 1) for the first time ever as record-low Danube levels force stricter cooling-water limits; officials say energy supply remains secure, with capacity replaced via imports and gas plants. Regional Energy Shock: Romania also took both Cernavoda reactors offline due to unprecedented Danube lows, urging households and big users to cut evening peak electricity use. Shipping and Tourism Disrupted: Cruise operators report vessels stranded or rerouted far upriver, while cargo traffic is nearly halted across Central Europe; in Budapest the river fell to about 23 cm, close to the 2018 record low. Transport & Trade Link: ÖBB Rail Cargo Group launched a new Budapest–Belgrade freight service, integrated into its TransFER network and planned to expand to a second weekly trip. Renewables Deal: PPC Group moves into Hungary’s clean energy market via PPC Renewables’ agreement to integrate a 57.5 MW solar park in Southern Hungary. US Tariff Risk for Hungary: A US Senate-backed Russia sanctions bill could allow up to 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian energy, with Hungary named among potential targets. Mortgage Cap Politics: Fidesz is campaigning around the government-set end of Hungary’s variable mortgage rate cap on Sept 30. Tourism Data: June tourism weakened, with arrivals and nights down year-on-year as heat and the strong forint weigh on demand.