EU Budget Relief: The European Commission will channel a €4.6bn Google antitrust fine into the bloc’s budget after the EU’s top court upheld the penalty, easing fiscal pressure as Brussels funds Ukraine and boosts defence spending. US-Russia Energy Shock: A US Senate bill backed by 60+ lawmakers would allow up to 100% tariffs on imports tied to Russian oil purchases, naming India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan, while exempting some European gas buyers—raising new uncertainty for regional energy and trade. Slovakia Inflation Watch: Slovakia’s HICP inflation eased to 3.5% y/y in June, with transport costs cooling and food prices declining. Carbon Pricing Fight: Ten EU states, including Slovakia, are pushing Brussels to loosen ETS2/ETS rules to avoid new household costs and protect industry competitiveness. Biosecurity Alert: An invasive emerald ash borer has been detected in Hungary and Slovakia, triggering monitoring and trap expansion to limit damage to ash forests. Defence Infrastructure: Slovakia’s Defence Ministry plans to move into its renovated Hviezda headquarters later this summer. Azerbaijan Gas Pivot: President Pellegrini says Slovakia sees Azerbaijan as a key long-term gas partner as EU plans to cut Russian gas after 2027. Industrial Defence Production: Czech group CSG has started building a 155-mm shell production line in the US, targeting up to 36,000 shells per month.