Energy Security Under Heatwave: Hungary is in its “most critical five days” as record-low Danube levels threaten the first full shutdown of Paks in 44 years; PM Péter Magyar says the last operating turbine may stop late Sunday or Monday, with the plant potentially idle for weeks, while the government urges evening electricity cuts and has so far avoided mandatory curbs thanks to voluntary savings. Grid Stress Measures: A decree now allows disconnection of major industrial users if voluntary reductions fall short, with hundreds of companies already cutting demand to ease pressure on the grid. Regional Ripple Effects: Romania has declared a nationwide August power emergency after drought slashed Danube-fed generation; one Cernavodă reactor was shut and authorities are redirecting water to keep the remaining unit running, with imports expected to rise sharply. Water Logistics Hit: Low river levels are also disrupting inland shipping across Europe, pushing freight costs up and raising supply risk. Telecom Performance: Magyar Telekom leads Hungary’s fixed broadband rankings in an Opensignal report, with fibre reach and gigabit plans standing out. AI Push in Europe: The EU launched a call for up to seven AI Gigafactories, backed by up to €10bn public funding and aiming to unlock at least €20bn in private investment. MOL Expands Gas Portfolio: MOL agreed to buy Shell’s BG Cyprus stake for up to $720m, targeting the Aphrodite field and boosting its Eastern Mediterranean E&P pipeline.