Cold Snap: A colder air mass is set to hit Czechia next week, with temperatures dropping to around 0–5°C at about 1,500m. Carpathian Eight Forum: Ukraine and Central European neighbours launched the Carpathian Eight, linking wartime security, energy resilience, transport and EU integration, with annual summits but no binding powers or confirmed funding. Hungary’s KEKVA unwind: Hungary’s new parliament has pulled over HUF 1,000bn (about €2.75bn) back into direct state control after dismantling Orbán-era public-interest foundations. Energy Pressure: Czech officials warn of another energy crisis as gas and power prices filter to consumers; Prague is pushing EU changes and is ready to cap electricity prices. Drought Watch: Nine countries logged their driest August on record, with Central Europe hit hardest and Hungary and parts of Slovakia and Serbia under the top drought alert. Danube Power Strain: Low water forced Central European thermal plants to cut output or shut down, including Hungary’s Paks and Romania’s Cernavodă. Austria Border Controls: Austria extended internal border checks with Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary and Slovenia through March 2027. Military Tensions: NATO-linked flights near Russia’s border are becoming more frequent, raising fears of escalation. Aviation Rankings: Skytrax’s 2026 awards put Singapore top overall; only six European airlines made the top 20. Logistics & Industry: Siemens is building its first Rail Service Center in Poland; DP World is expanding chemicals logistics in Wolfenbüttel, Germany.