Energy & Drought: Hungary is moving to protect Paks by raising Danube water levels, including plans to sink barges and build a weir/sill near the plant after record-low flows disrupted cooling; the wider European heatwave is also forcing nuclear curtailments and raising power prices. Agriculture Support: The government approved extraordinary drought measures: farmers can receive earlier “super-advance” payments (September) with the advance rate lifted to 75%, with about 106bn forints earmarked for 150,000 farmers. Energy Security: Hungary granted three hydrocarbon exploration concessions (MVM Upstream in Baracska; MOL Upstream near Békéscsaba and Nagylengyel-Nyugat), with final contracts expected within 90 days. Real Estate (CEE): Colliers reports central Bucharest office rents up nearly 12% YoY by end-June 2026 amid limited modern supply. Procurement Integrity: Hungary’s Integrity Authority will publish a registry of economic operators excluded from public procurement due to criminal offences, tied to EU-funding resumption. Tourism & Environment: Lake Balaton’s Balaton midge swarms are worsening complaints from hotels and restaurants, prompting calls for a long-term management plan. Hospitality Investment: Europe hotel deal activity remains selective: €11.7bn invested in H1 2026, with Asia-Pacific investors driving volume.