Ukraine War Diplomacy: President Zelensky urged faster US sanctions on Russia and called for unblocking the Black Sea food corridor plus an energy truce, warning that the blockade is driving up grain prices and worsening conditions beyond Ukraine. EU Sanctions Deadlock: EU ambassadors failed to extend Russia sanctions for a second time as France joined Slovakia in pushing to delist Alisher Usmanov, while Bratislava also seeks removal of Mikhail Fridman—raising fresh friction inside the bloc ahead of the Sept. 15 expiry. V4 EU Budget & Energy Fight: Visegrad leaders met in Bratislava with Ireland’s Taoiseach and agreed to coordinate ahead of EU Council talks on the long-term budget, cohesion, agriculture, migration, and—most sharply—energy prices and competitiveness, with Poland warning it will block climate policies that raise costs. Slovakia’s EU Court Setback: The EU Court ruled against Slovakia over urban wastewater treatment failures in multiple municipalities, ordering Slovakia to cover legal costs. Defence & Security Cooperation: Slovakia plans to send demining specialists to Azerbaijan for Karabakh clearance and also discussed ratifying an agreement on the exchange and mutual protection of classified information. Border-Risk Warnings: Poland’s PM Tusk warned that Russian provocations at EU border crossings could intensify, citing incidents near Ukraine’s borders and briefings on upcoming scenarios. Domestic Policy Signal: Slovakia allocated €35m for irrigation expansion and water-retention measures, with calls opening Oct. 12. Business/Regulation: Slovakia’s competition authority approved Pegasus’s acquisition of Czech Airlines (with remedies on route slots), while a separate EU-wide push from screen producers urged governments to update streaming rules to protect local production.