Transatlantic Trust Shock: A new ECFR poll across 15 European countries finds only 11% of Europeans see the US as an ally, with majorities doubting Washington would defend them—fueling calls for stronger European defense and less reliance on US security. Bulgaria-US Tech Cooperation: Bulgaria’s parliament leadership met the US charge d’affaires, highlighting modernization, energy diversification, trade, and science/AI as priority areas, alongside Bulgaria’s push for Visa Waiver progress. EU Digital Governance: Bulgaria’s innovation minister backed EU rules for European Business Wallets and urged a more coordinated, rules-based digital order in the ITU, stressing “open, secure” international digital governance. Hydrogen Funding Gap: Europe’s hydrogen push is under-delivering: only about €300m of €1.2bn from the second European Hydrogen Bank auction is turning into real projects, with industry warning about speculative underbidding. Climate Extremes: Copernicus reports May 2026 as the second-hottest on record globally, with an unusually early, intense heatwave across western Europe and signs a Super El Niño may be developing. Food Safety at the Border: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency tightens lab checks on incoming milk and dairy shipments, including microbial counts and aflatoxin M1, with vehicles held until results arrive. Dual Education Boost: Bulgaria’s dual education forum says about 11,000 students are in dual programmes with 720 employers, pointing to shortages in engineering and tech roles. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: German raids targeting an international drug network included a simultaneous operation in Bulgaria, with authorities citing armed cannabis trafficking and cross-border smuggling routes.