Bulgaria–US Defence Friction: Prime Minister Rumen Radev says US military aircraft and tanks at Sofia airport can stay only until end-June after Washington failed to approve a visa-free system for Bulgarians, adding a fresh strain while Sofia reiterates NATO commitments and a path toward 5% defence spending. Water Sector Overhaul: Bulgaria’s Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva urges stronger consumer protection and tighter oversight of water utilities, citing water losses above 60% nationwide and price hikes, while Parliament approved Water Act amendments tied to the Recovery and Resilience Plan to set unified quality/efficiency indicators and socially affordable pricing. Energy Transition Pressure: Bulgaria’s Maritsa Iztok Mines and TPP Maritsa Iztok 2 will keep operating until 2038 after the European Commission accepted reforms, including worker protection and a smoother transition; meanwhile, Greece’s solar revenues are hit hard by curtailments and negative prices. Agri-Food Compliance: Bulgaria’s Food Safety Agency found pesticide residue non-compliance in an Argentine sunflower seed shipment (malathion about twice the limit), triggering enhanced 24-hour controls across the supply chain. Ag Machinery Showcase: BATA AGRO’s 18th exhibition in Stara Zagora (June 1–5) will bring 186 firms and a full lineup from irrigation and seeds to consulting and test drives. EU Consumer Rules: The European Commission opened infringement procedures against Bulgaria and 19 others for failing to fully transpose the Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition.