Drone Security & Hybrid Threats: Germany opened a new drone safety and defence research centre near Magdeburg-Cochstedt, saying it will strengthen responses to hostile drones after an explosives-laden UAV was found near Leipzig airport. Courtroom Crackdown on Russian Sabotage: A German court sentenced a Ukrainian man to 1 year 3 months for spying for Russia and helping prepare sabotage; two co-defendants were acquitted in a GPS-tracker parcel plot. Slovakia’s Fiscal Warning: Slovakia’s budget watchdog says rising debt has drained fiscal space, with debt potentially climbing toward 75% of GDP by 2030 unless spending savings are found. Nuclear Power Control in Slovakia: Prime Minister Robert Fico says the state must take full control of the Slovak Nuclear Energy Company (JESS) in September to push a new reactor plan. Public Health & Local Governance: Slovakia’s towns group ZMOS warns about psychoactive products sold via vending machines and wants rules on where such machines can be placed. Poland Tightens Work Entry Rules: Poland tightened entry for workers from Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela, citing illegal employment and human trafficking risks. Ukraine Support at Chernobyl: Germany’s environment minister pledged help to repair the damaged protective shelter over Chernobyl after a drone attack. Regional Safety: Hungary prosecutors seek detention of a Polish bus driver after a crash killed 12 pilgrims and injured dozens. Human Rights in Switzerland: Tibetans rallied in Bern calling on Switzerland and the UN to hold China accountable for rights abuses in Tibet. Economy Watch (Germany): ZEW’s economic expectations index rose in August, though low Rhine water levels remain a risk.**