Extreme Heat Across Europe: A record-breaking early-summer heatwave has pushed France to its hottest day on record, with schools and tourist sites closing early and power grids strained—another reminder that heat is getting more frequent and more intense. EU Packaging Rules Pushback: Italy and seven other EU countries, including Slovenia, are asking the European Commission for “greater clarity” on how the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation will be implemented from August, warning that unclear obligations could force costly delays for businesses. Slovenia’s Solar Market Update: Slovenia’s new nationwide energy-sharing mechanism is drawing early interest (over 1,000 registrations), alongside growing battery storage and a rebound in residential solar demand. Energy Transition Funding: Twelve EU countries including Slovenia want the Modernisation Fund continued and expanded beyond 2030 to protect energy security and competitiveness during the transition. Climate Finance for Forests: A major push to conserve tropical forests is moving from promises toward real funding mechanics, with payments tied to standing forest protection. Wildfire Recovery for Cyprus: Cyprus is one step closer to accessing over €9m from the EU solidarity fund for infrastructure rebuilding after last year’s wildfire. Biodiversity & Nature: A Slovenian-led expedition helped uncover a 1,000-year-old Maya city in Mexico’s jungle, highlighting how much biodiversity and history still lies hidden under dense forest canopies.