Azerbaijan Economy: Azerbaijan’s GDP grew 0.8% in the first half of 2026, with non-oil growth helping offset weaker oil-and-gas performance, while strategic foreign exchange reserves rose to $85.769B and external public debt fell to $4.617B. Justice & Rights: A Council of Europe report says Azerbaijan has one of Europe’s highest incarceration rates, with prison overcrowding driven by harsh sentencing and a limited parole system. Peace Process: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan reiterated that enclaves-exclaves are still on the agenda, stressing any solution must follow legal and cartographic grounds tied to the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration. EU Tech Regulation: The European Commission urged Meta to change Instagram/Facebook design features linked to addictive use, especially for minors, warning of possible fines. Regional Security: The IAEA says it is monitoring Iran’s Bushehr plant and has not confirmed direct attacks on the facility, while stressing nuclear safety is “impossible and unacceptable” to endanger. US-Azerbaijan Links: A senior US senator met Azerbaijani leaders, with officials framing talks around expanding the strategic partnership. Sports & Culture: Gabala’s 15th International Music Festival opens with a major ballet gala, and Azerbaijan’s football and wrestling news continues to draw attention.