Visegrád Group Reset: With Viktor Orbán out of the picture, the V4 is regrouping around defense, military mobility, and EU expansion—signaling a more coordinated Central European security push. Slovakia–Azerbaijan Energy & Trade: President Peter Pellegrini’s visit to Azerbaijan (including Shusha) doubles down on cooperation in energy, investment, and military-technical ties. Carbon Price Fight: Ten EU states, including Slovakia, are urging the EU to rethink the planned ETS2 carbon price on heating and transport fuels from 2028, warning it could derail broader ETS reforms. Waste & Recycling Pressure: The European Commission has launched legal action against 14 member states over missed waste recycling targets and failures to fully transpose key waste rules. Bratislava Waste-to-Energy Greenlight: Slovakia’s Environment Ministry approved the environmental assessment for Slovnaft’s planned waste-to-energy plant in Bratislava, with 56 conditions and operations targeted for 2029/2030. Modernisation Fund for Efficiency: The Environment Ministry rolled out new Modernisation Fund programmes to cut energy use and bills for firms and households facing energy poverty. Digital Euro Pilot: The ECB selected 36 payment providers (including Slovak participants) for the digital euro pilot starting in late 2027. Climate-Driven Harvest Shift: Slovakia’s harvest began unusually early after warm spells and spring drought, raising concerns about uneven crop development and potentially lower yields. River Cruise Trend (Wildlife Angle): A roundup highlights river cruises as a way to spot wildlife and experience ecosystems along major European and global waterways.