Energy Diplomacy: Slovakia’s FM Juraj Blanar met Bulgaria’s FM Velislava Petrova in Sofia during PM Robert Fico’s visit, focusing on energy security, public-private partnerships, and new technologies, with EU cohesion and the CAP also on the agenda. Nuclear Push: Bulgaria and Slovakia agreed to set up a joint nuclear energy commission to share scientific know-how and legal expertise, while both negotiate with Westinghouse on new reactor projects. Gas Infrastructure: North Macedonia and Serbia joined the Vertical Gas Corridor, extending the route that already links Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and more, aiming to boost interconnectivity and bidirectional capacity. Auto Manufacturing: Dürr will equip Volvo’s first all-electric plant in Košice with highly automated final-assembly systems for up to 250,000 vehicles a year, as production ramps in 2027. EV Supply Chain: Hyundai Mobis started mass production of integrated EV power-electric (PE) systems in Nováky, Slovakia, adding a new European manufacturing base for stators, inverters and related components. EU Sanctions: Slovakia blocked a one-year extension of EU sanctions on Russian individuals and companies, pushing for a shorter six-month renewal and some name removals. Industrial Risk: A BBC-linked report describes a wave of sabotage across Europe, including fires and drone incidents at defence and industrial sites, with Russia widely suspected. Economy Snapshot: Slovakia’s GDP grew 0.8% year-on-year in Q2, with industry up only marginally while trade and transport services rose.