Ancient Medicine in Bulgaria: Archaeologists at Heraclea Sintica uncovered an exceptionally rare Roman-era bronze surgical tool (a lithulkos) used to remove bladder stones, with only one other comparable find known from Italy—suggesting high-level medical practice in the city. EU Defence Push: The European Commission launched five large joint defence projects (drones/counter-drone, maritime security, space, air combat, missile shields) with €325M initial support, aiming to reduce fragmented “buy alone” spending—especially along the eastern flank from Finland to Bulgaria. Energy Storage Deal: GEN-I Sonce secured its first EPC contract in Romania for a 55 MW / 225 MWh battery energy storage system, including substation and grid connection works, as grid integration becomes a key bottleneck. NATO Modernisation Talks in Sofia: Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev met NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe to discuss interoperability, faster drone and counter-drone deployment, and more tech transfer during modernisation. Tech Policy & Privacy: Reports say iPhone age verification can trigger privacy-heavy restrictions for users in Bulgaria, even where local law doesn’t require it. Nuclear Ambitions (UK): SGE outlined plans for 14 BWRX-300 SMRs across three UK sites under the UK’s new Advanced Nuclear Framework.