Energy Policy Clash: Local officials and industry backed preserving the Maritsa East energy complex, arguing decarbonization should speed regional industry—not shut plants—while Bulgaria’s government moves toward restructuring BEH. Grid Storage Boost: Sungrow and Sunotec commissioned a 150 MW / 600 MWh battery storage project in Nova Zagora under the RESTORE programme, aiming to improve grid flexibility and renewables integration. STEM & Skills Pressure: A new report warns declining STEM graduate numbers could cost major economies trillions, with Bulgaria flagged among countries facing talent pipeline strain. Education Reform: Bulgaria’s education ministry says school curriculum changes are being accelerated, targeting completion by end-2027 instead of 2029. BNB & Science-Backed Coin: President Iotova defended a commemorative euro coin for the Bulgarian alphabet as scientifically justified, as BNB leadership changes continue. Space & STEAM Outreach: Sofia Tech Park hosts “Hello, Space! Bulgaria Calling!” on June 26–27, with NASA astronaut Timothy Kopra and STEAM career sessions. DefenseTech Interop: Bulgarian Armed Forces ran interoperability drills testing drones and counter-drone systems, with NATO-linked participation and upcoming air, naval, and helicopter exercises. International Trust in US: A Reuters-based poll finds only 11% of Europeans see the US as an ally, the lowest on record.