Serbia Election Buzz: Thousands of cycling students were welcomed in Kragujevac ahead of Serbia’s Oct. 25 early election, as opposition challengers push back against President Aleksandar Vučić. Pope in France: Pope Leo XIV drew huge crowds in Paris, telling worshippers “none of us is merely a number,” while warning about AI’s “paradise of machines.” Balkan Security Warning: Carl Bildt says risks in Bosnia, Serbia and Kosovo could compound into something more dangerous. Ukraine’s Hidden Front: Ukraine faces a “silent battle” as drug-resistant infections strain hospitals, while Kyiv’s long-range drone campaign is reported to be delivering payloads comparable to Russia’s missile use. Russia-Serbia Ties: Putin and Vučić discussed energy, transport and healthcare; Serbia also seeks an extension of its Russian gas deal as deadlines near. Climate Pressure on Europe: Marine heatwaves are hitting fisheries and marine life, with sea-surface records broken across parts of Europe. Hybrid War Signals: Poland investigates a Starlink station fire as sabotage linked to Russian intelligence. Estonia Readiness Debate: Estonia’s high-alert posture and defense spending keep the “prepare for war” message in focus. Drugs Seized at Border: Bulgaria seized cocaine and cannabis worth over €2.2m at the Lesovo checkpoint. El Niño Death Toll: A study warns the 2026-27 El Niño could add about 451,000 heat-related deaths worldwide.