Energy Infrastructure & Regional Integration: Bulgaria and Greece are pushing a joint strategic document to speed up Southeast and Central Europe energy market integration, with Vertical Gas Corridor partners including Slovakia meeting in Athens to advance planning and infrastructure ahead of the EU’s Russian gas import ban. Logistics & Cross-Border Gas: Vertical Corridor capacity bookings reportedly beat expectations, with major reservations at the Greek–Bulgarian Sidirokastro point and new countries (North Macedonia, Serbia) joining technical work to expand the corridor. EU Industry Policy: In the European Parliament, Slovak MEPs backed measures to boost EU competitiveness, debating automotive transition pressures from high energy prices, support for innovative firms via the EU Inc. framework, and closer EU–Mexico trade ties. Slovakia in NATO: President Peter Pellegrini met Turkish President Erdoğan on NATO summit sidelines, highlighting defence, energy and economic cooperation and thanking Türkiye for alternative gas supplies via TurkStream. Manufacturing Spotlight: Škoda Kylaq completed a 19,351-km Pune-to-Prague drive across 13 countries, underscoring India’s role in the brand’s global production story. Industrial Investment Signals: A Colliers report says 9 out of 10 Romanian counties rank among Europe’s most attractive industrial investment areas, pointing to continued growth in production and logistics. Renewables Outlook: An IEA-linked analysis argues renewables build-out could lift global GDP and cut energy demand, while noting some EU states—like Malta and Slovakia—still lag on electricity from renewables.