Plastic Ban Pushback: Hungary’s catering sector is asking the economy and environment ministries to postpone the July 1, 2026 ban on single-use plastic beverage cups, arguing current alternatives don’t match hygiene, food-safety and cost needs. Mayfly Protection: Authorities are warning people to leave the Tisza mayfly “bloom” alone, after the annual mating spectacle turned the river surface into a shifting cloud—offenders can face penalties. Local Nature Watch: Police also stress the mayfly’s sensitivity to pollution and water quality, linking the protected period to broader river health. EU Carbon Fight: EU states, industry and environmental groups are clashing over reforms to the Emissions Trading System ahead of a July 15 proposal, as energy costs and competitiveness concerns rise. Payment Pressure on SMEs: A new survey says two out of three Hungarian SMEs pay suppliers late and most struggle with overdue invoices, raising insolvency risks. Geothermal Move: Hungary is set to drill for Europe’s next geothermal “powerhouse,” aiming to expand renewable heat and power. Energy Storage Investment: CATL expects battery storage to make up half of its sales by 2030, betting on grid reliability as wind and solar grow. Workplace Flex Demand: IWG is expanding across Hungary for hybrid and flexible office demand, reflecting a shift toward rented, ESG-minded spaces. Budapest Office Supply: Skanska’s H2Offices project has topped out, highlighting a still-thin pipeline of high-quality, ESG-compliant offices in the capital.