Energy Costs for SMEs: French baguette bakers are getting squeezed as heating-oil prices jump since the Iran war, with some small shops paying nearly the same bill for far less fuel—an energy shock that hits rural businesses hard. SME Tax Policy in Hungary: Péter Magyar says he’ll push to reinstate the flat-rate small business tax (KATA) and even suspend his own immunity, while also promising a waiting-list reduction programme—signals that could reshape costs and planning for small firms. Local Business & Energy Transition: Abu Dhabi Chamber and Germany’s Fraunhofer IPK sign an MoU to help companies, including SMEs, access applied research in AI, automation and circular economy—aimed at building industrial capability. Payments & Compliance: Orange Money (Jordan) partners with ADSTRA to roll out AI-powered AML/CFT screening and sanctions checks, strengthening fintech compliance for merchants and customers. Tourism Support for Micro-Enterprises: KAZA launches a regenerative tourism initiative with EU and German backing, targeting MSMEs—especially women, youth and communities near protected areas—with training, finance access and market links. Cross-border Trade Readiness: India’s MSMEs are urged to boost EU compliance capacity (ESG, CBAM, certification, child labour/deforestation) to actually benefit from the India–EU FTA, not just from lower tariffs. SME Cybersecurity & Growth: Mastercard’s Dreamonomics report finds EEMEA SMEs prioritize stability but are also leaning into AI and cybersecurity as growth enablers, with many already using security tools.