Bulgarian Science Diplomacy: The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences met Slovakia’s academy leadership in Sofia to discuss joint European research projects, industry cooperation, doctoral training and funding, with plans for similar “Science for Business” formats. Antarctic Collaboration: Bulgarian and Romanian researchers wrapped up a Constanta polar symposium, with Bulgaria inviting partners to join its 35th Antarctic expedition and expand work at the St. Kliment Ohridski base. Biodiversity & Water: WWF Bulgaria reports 10,000 critically endangered Russian sturgeon released into the Danube near Gomotartsi, bred in Austria as part of a multi-country restoration effort. EU Integration Watch: Moldova’s EU path is accelerating again as Brussels moves toward membership negotiations, while the country tackles Russian interference and disinformation. Local Tech & Industry: Bosch will close its Sofia Engineering Center by mid-2027, cutting about 670 jobs, as it consolidates engineering amid shifts in automotive tech and demand. AI in Education: A study says nearly 95% of Bulgarian pupils use AI for school purposes. Energy Storage Trend: The EU approved a 45 GW energy storage target, pushing grid-scale batteries higher across Europe. Heat & Water Stress: A Europe-wide report warns one in ten EU residents struggles with safe water access as heatwaves intensify.