Energy & Climate Risk: Record-low Danube levels are forcing nuclear operators to cut output and even shut reactors, with Hungary’s Paks reportedly down to about 10% earlier this month and Romania shutting its last working unit—raising urgent questions about cooling water resilience as drought worsens. Renewables Policy: Slovakia is tightening wind power rules, removing most proposed development zones and leaving only one eastern area split into two, with municipalities’ consent now central to approvals. Industrial Automation: Bratislava-based SIPRON is partnering with Zimbabwe’s Harare Institute of Technology to boost industrial automation, machine design, robotics and production-line engineering—aimed at modernising local manufacturing. Mining & Trade: Ukraine’s iron ore exports fell 27% year-on-year in the first seven months, with shipments to key buyers including Slovakia also down. Cybercrime & Payments: New Android malware (WindRelay) can turn phones into remote contactless card readers by relaying NFC data in real time, enabling fraudsters to drain accounts quickly. Security: Polish services arrested a suspected Russian hitman allegedly targeting Ukrainian rapper Kyivstoner, tied to alleged drone logistics routed via Slovakia. Tax & Compliance: Sales tax rates in the US hit a 10-year high, with more frequent local changes pushing businesses to treat tax updates as strategic, not routine.