Slovakia & Education: Slovakia’s 12 universities and 28 academic reps are in the US at NAFSA 2026, with talks touching AI cooperation, aerospace education and even nuclear research links. Regional Industry Funding: The Slovak government approved over €2.9M for Kosice-region projects, including work tied to the Valaliky industrial park and applied EV-related research with universities and Volvo Car Slovakia. Energy Policy Watch: Italy moves to restart nuclear power after decades of bans, while Europe’s broader nuclear push keeps growing—an issue that will likely stay on Slovakia’s radar. Cybersecurity (NATO): NATO formalised non-commercial cybersecurity partnerships with Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks and ESET, aiming for shared best practices and coordinated defence. EU Rules Pressure: The European Commission opened infringement steps against 20 member states over delayed transposition of consumer, health and worker-safety rules, including green-claims transparency. Tech & Packaging: PerfoTec and Green Factory signed a CEE partnership to roll out online laser perforation for intelligent modified-atmosphere packaging to cut food waste. STEM in Schools: Experts in Trnava discussed bringing drones, robotics and AI into vocational secondary education to match labour-market needs. Biodiversity: Comenius University Bratislava researchers helped identify new Himalayan pit viper species, highlighting how much Asia’s highlands still hide.