EU Wildfire Response: The European Commission has launched Europe’s largest-ever wildfire operation, pre-positioning 777 firefighters from 14 countries plus 22 aircraft and five helicopters, with 24/7 coordination using meteorological and scientific analysis and Copernicus mapping. Healthcare Access Reform: Poland is rolling out “Drug Policy 2.0” after an Access GAP 2026 report flagged a 1,211-day delay to new medicines, even as oncology access remains relatively strong. Payments Expansion: Poland’s Blik mobile payments is eyeing euro-zone growth, with Slovakia positioned as a hub after PSP acquired a local platform and started work with Tatra banka. Slovakia–India Ties: Slovakia and India signed two agreements in Bratislava to ease diplomatic mission operations, including visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders and work rights for diplomats’ family members. STEM Outreach: Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ brought hands-on synthetic biology lessons to students in Pretoria, using interactive gadgets to spark STEM careers. Cybersecurity: A Czech Republic and Taiwan-focused campaign (“Dragon Weave”) is using spear-phishing ZIPs and multi-stage malware delivery to target government, research, and tech sectors. Transport & Tech: Wizz Air reported a sharp May passenger jump and is reconnecting Israel routes, including Bratislava, while expanding its Italian base network. Science Discovery: A study on the Himalayan pit viper group found what was thought to be one species is actually five distinct species, using DNA from museum specimens and fresh samples. Local Tech/Industry Angle: Kia’s EV4 qualifies for the top UK Electric Car Grant tier, with the model produced in Slovakia now eligible for the higher incentive.