US-Bulgaria Defence Deal: Bulgaria’s PM Rumen Radev says the government will seek parliament’s approval to station up to eight US aerial refuelling aircraft at Bezmer Air Base, after earlier controversy when similar planes were placed at Sofia’s civilian airport without parliamentary sign-off. Black Sea Security: Russia’s missile strike on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship Golden Leo off Odesa killed 10, including four Indian seafarers, as attacks on merchant shipping intensify and threaten the last maritime export corridor along the Romanian and Bulgarian coasts. OSCE Hostages: Ukraine’s acting foreign minister Andrii Sybiha met OSCE representatives and again demanded the immediate release of three Ukrainian OSCE Special Monitoring Mission staff held in Russian captivity since 2022. NATO Air Defence Pressure: NATO and EU partners renewed pressure on Greece to transfer up to 200 Patriot PAC-2 interceptors to Ukraine, with the request focused on ammunition rather than full batteries. EU Border Friction: New biometric rules under the Schengen entry-exit system are blamed for long queues at some border points, while some European destinations remain outside the EES requirement. Local Governance & Roads: Regional Minister Ivan Shishkov vowed tighter oversight of road repair contracts after presenting signed repair deals for major routes and maintenance work. Tourism Push in Varna: Varna will run an autumn programme in September-October to attract international operators, including TUI leadership events and tourism forums, funded via the tourist tax. Energy & Water Stress: The Danube’s low levels are disrupting cruises and ferry services and raising concerns for drinking water security in Budapest and beyond.