Energy Security & Industry: Russian crude deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline have returned to normal operating levels in May after a restart in April, with volumes still below pre-suspension levels as both countries keep diversifying supplies. EU Policy for Slovakia: The European Commission urges Slovakia to keep reforms aimed at boosting growth and competitiveness, calling for a better business environment, more investment in research, innovation and clean energy, and a more dynamic labour market. Workplace Rules: Slovakia’s new equal pay and pay transparency rules take effect June 7, ending “wage secrecy” and requiring larger firms to report gender pay data and justify gaps above 5%. Defence & Engineering Procurement: CSM Industry signed a framework deal worth up to €497m with Slovakia’s Ministry of Defence under the EU SAFE programme to supply military engineering systems, including the UDS wheeled excavator platform. Construction Sustainability: BREEAM V7 is launched with tighter focus on decarbonisation, lifecycle carbon tracking and “net-zero ready” performance. Labour & Growth Context: Eurozone retail volumes fell 0.4% in April, driven mainly by weaker fuel sales, with Slovakia among the biggest monthly decliners (-1.8%). Logistics Automation: Amazon announced a €10bn Europe investment push for warehouse and delivery network expansion, including more robotics and automation. Agriculture Risk: African swine fever was confirmed in domestic pigs in Hungary for the first time, triggering farm closure, culling and movement restrictions. Azerbaijan Gas Route Talk: Slovakia is pushing for a decade-long gas deal with Azerbaijan as regional pipeline plans tied to the Three Seas “Solidarity Ring” gain attention.