Danube Drought: Record-low Danube levels from 40°C heat are disrupting shipping, water supplies and hydropower across Europe, while also exposing WWII German warships and even Roman-era remains. Bulgaria Tech & AI: President Iliana Iotova says Schwarz Digits Bulgaria plans a major data centre and links it to AI “digital sovereignty,” pointing to INSAIT’s research role. EU R&D Push: Eurostat reports EU government R&D allocations rose 60%+ over a decade to 0.69% of GDP in 2025; Bulgaria shows the biggest growth rate, while Romania remains far lower per capita. Space & Defence Infrastructure: Bulgaria is moving toward a large space and defence hub at Dobroslavtsi, with cooperation plans involving Starbase Europe. Energy Security Shock: Romania’s grid is under “operational stress” after years of delayed modernization, with experts warning urgent upgrades are needed before summer 2027. Security Tech Incident: Bulgaria’s MoD says a Maya decoy drone likely crashed near the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline near Kardam; authorities are monitoring and investigating. Drug Tech Crackdown: Bulgarian prosecutors report dismantling a fentanyl lab network, seizing 12.6 kg of fentanyl and other drugs, tracing production to Sofia’s Fakulteta district. Ancient Engineering Finds: Low water also reveals Constantine’s Bridge foundations near Gigen, mapped by drones for rare in-situ study.