Serbia-Ukraine Diplomacy: President Aleksandar Vučić confirmed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Serbia on Aug. 8 for talks on EU integration, economic ties and energy, with Vučić stressing Serbia’s refusal to join EU sanctions on Russia and noting Ukraine has not recognised Kosovo’s independence. Rail & Trade Connectivity: Hungary says passenger services on the upgraded Budapest–Belgrade railway could start this autumn after final safety tests on the Hungarian section, with ETCS Level 2 testing underway and the project framed as a strategic EU-integration boost for Serbia. Business Support & Tax Reform: The Serbian government approved a package of financial bills and a new business support programme worth nearly 3 bln dinars, including changes to VAT, excise, carbon-intensive product imports and greenhouse gas emissions taxes, plus loan-and-grant schemes for SMEs and sectors like food and furniture. Energy Pressure From Drought: Europe’s heatwave is worsening the region’s energy and water crunch; in Serbia, wildfires continue while record-low river levels add pressure to electricity supplies and logistics. Regional Energy Deal: MOL and Croatia’s JANAF signed a take-or-pay crude oil transport agreement for 2.05m tonnes in 2026, highlighting ongoing cross-border energy infrastructure activity. Mining & Jobs: Serbia marked Miners’ Day in Bor, with Vučić calling mining key to national energy stability and the economy, citing copper output and employment figures.