NATO Burden-Sharing Clash: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO allies to “do more” after berating them over support for US strikes against Iran, while hinting the Pentagon could reduce its troop footprint in Europe if allies don’t raise spending. EU Foreign Policy Tensions: Israel’s FM Gideon Saar said he is cutting ties with EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas over her reported “apartheid” comparison, underscoring how Gaza and settlements keep driving EU–Israel fractures. EU Summit Watch: EU leaders met in Brussels to tackle Ukraine, China shocks and the next €2 trillion budget, with Middle East, migration and competitiveness also on the agenda. Slovenia’s Political Stakes: Serbia’s President Vučić met Slovenia’s parliament speaker Zoran Stevanović in Belgrade, while Slovenia’s parliament also moved to strip non-EU residents with permanent status of local voting rights—an issue that hung over the visit. Economy & Governance: Slovenia slipped to 49th in the IMD global competitiveness ranking, with government efficiency and public service delivery flagged as key weaknesses. Energy Regulation: ACER opened a consultation on REMIT reporting rules for energy derivatives, aiming for clearer, consistent transaction reporting across the EU. Local Economy & Industry: Sandoz expanded Slovenia’s biosimilars technical development capacity in Ljubljana, backing future growth in complex biologic medicines. Culture & Tourism: Slovenia’s MICHELIN Guide Slovenia awards highlighted 74 starred restaurants, with Hiša Franko retaining three stars.