Film Industry: European Work in Progress (EWIP) 2026 wrapped in Hamburg with ten awards for 25 late-stage projects, spanning drama, animation, historical cinema, horror and neo-western, with support for post-production, sound, grading, marketing, subtitling and costumes. EU & Media: Politico reports the EU is considering “gradual integration” for candidate countries into the single market, including trade and research access, while also tying benefits to alignment with EU positions. EU Enlargement Politics: The European Commission is also preparing a reform to bypass national vetoes in parts of accession decision-making, using transitional steps and lower voting thresholds. Montenegro in Focus: EU roadmaps for faster accession talks are reportedly being drafted for Montenegro (alongside Ukraine, Moldova and Albania), with indicative timelines for completing negotiation “clusters.” Montenegro Courts & Press Freedom: Montenegro’s High Court in Podgorica quashed a first-instance conviction in the violent-conduct case involving businessman Zoran Bećirović and others over an attack on Pobjeda journalist Ana Raičković, ordering a retrial. China–Montenegro: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit Montenegro by mid-October, with talks likely to cover investment, infrastructure and tourism. Cinema Calendar: FilmFestival Cottbus 2026 (3–8 Nov) opened industry accreditation and teased a first programme highlight set to include perspectives on Montenegro.