Payments Modernisation: The ECB and Seðlabanki Íslands have agreed for Iceland to join the Eurosystem’s instant payments system, TIPS, enabling retail payments in Icelandic króna to settle instantly from 2028. EU Membership Politics: Iceland will hold a late-August vote on whether to restart EU accession talks, with the European Commission floating possible Common Fisheries Policy exemptions for Iceland—prompting Ireland’s fishing industry to demand the same opt-out terms. Whaling & Marine Policy: Iceland has resumed commercial whaling after a two-year pause, with two fin whales reported killed off the coast; the government signals a ban proposal later this autumn. Inflation Pressure: Statistics Iceland says industrial producer price inflation accelerated in May to 16.8% year-on-year, the fastest since July 2022, alongside a stable jobless rate of 5.6% (seasonally adjusted). Cyber & AI at Work: An Icelandic cybersecurity specialist warns that growing workplace AI use can expose sensitive data, especially when employees use unapproved “shadow AI” tools. Corporate Results: Samherji reported higher FY2025 profit and earnings, citing strong whitefish pricing and sales, and flagged further investment plans. Energy & Industry: Syntholene says it has completed an integrated geothermal-SOEC facility and started operations, aiming to cut eSAF costs and support aviation net-zero goals.