Low Rhine water levels: Drought has pushed the Rhine to dangerously low depths, threatening to halt barge traffic and forcing shippers to switch to costlier transport modes. EU nature funding for Triglav: A €3.79m EU-backed project will improve the conservation status of seven threatened species and key habitats in Natura 2000 areas inside Triglav National Park. Textile pollution push: A new Horizon Europe project led by Aalto University targets fabric coloration, aiming to cut water and chemical use by up to 50% by shifting dyeing to the fiber stage. Public transport affordability debate: A Greenpeace study finds Bratislava’s annual pass jumped 32% since 2023, highlighting how fare hikes can undermine greener mobility. Science diplomacy in Slovenia: Slovenia hosted talks on strengthening science diplomacy links between diplomacy, research and innovation, including UNESCO-focused cooperation. Security and environment crime: Operation ATLAS NEXUS dismantled transnational networks, including environmental crime, with hundreds of arrests and large wildlife seizures. Climate and weather context: UN leaders head into the General Assembly amid wars and climate shocks, while drought and extreme conditions keep shaping regional risks.