Danube Drought Fallout: Record-low Danube levels are disrupting shipping and power across Central Europe while exposing WWII German warships near Prahovo and even Roman-era Constantine’s Bridge foundations near Gigen in Bulgaria, giving archaeologists and historians a rare look at long-submerged relics. Security on NATO’s Eastern Flank: A drone explosion near Kardam entered Bulgarian territory from Romania; authorities say it wasn’t detected by air surveillance and are examining the wreckage, with the incident raising questions about regional risk. Fentanyl Crackdown: Bulgarian prosecutors and investigators report dismantling a fentanyl lab in Sofia’s Fakulteta, seizing 12.5 kg of fentanyl plus other drugs, and tracing a network that supplied users nationwide. AI & Digital Sovereignty: President Iliana Iotova highlights Schwarz Digits Bulgaria’s plans for a major data centre and Bulgaria’s AI potential, including the EU AI gigafactory selection and INSAIT’s research role. R&D Funding Boost: Eurostat data show EU government R&D allocations rose to €130.2B in 2025, and Bulgaria’s per-capita increase since 2015 is among the biggest in the bloc. Space Industry Watch: Reports say Russia’s Angara rocket ramp-up relies heavily on imported machine tools, with a notable share linked to Chinese suppliers. Tech Talent Pipeline: Bulgaria’s national informatics team, hosted at INSAIT, is set to compete at the 2026 IOI in Uzbekistan with four students.