Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit: Leaders in Kyiv adopted the Kyiv Declaration to keep political, military, financial and security support for Ukraine and to press for a 21st sanctions package; Serbia was the only holdout, with President Vučić refusing to sign while reiterating humanitarian support. EU defense industry push: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv to back defense cooperation, including plans to scale drone production with a multi-billion euro deal and to integrate European and Ukrainian defense industries. Digital payments in focus: The ECB selected 36 payment service providers for a digital euro pilot starting in late 2027, a move that will shape how European payments infrastructure evolves. Energy efficiency pressure: Eurostat data show Cyprus at 28% of homes with improved energy performance (above the EU average), while cooling electricity demand across Europe has surged—Slovenia up 114% since 2018–2024. Slovenian business abroad: GEN-I began live commercial management of a 50 MW battery storage project in Bulgaria, signaling regional expansion in BESS operations. Film production in Slovenia: Slovenian director Jernej Kastelec started shooting “Horses / Konji” at the Dob prison facility, with support from the Slovenian Film Centre. Media industry legal fight: Paramount/Warner Bros merger faces fresh uncertainty as U.S. states and the WGA pursue antitrust action and seek judge recusal.