Slovak-China Diplomacy: President Peter Pellegrini met Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both sides pushing a strategic partnership and new cooperation in clean energy, digital economy, robotics and AI, plus easier travel between the two countries. Wildfire & Heatwave Travel Warning: Europe’s heatwave is feeding major wildfires in France and Spain, with temperatures forecast up to 40–42°C and hundreds of thousands evacuated around Bordeaux and near Madrid; France’s Macron says the situation is the toughest since WWII and urges support as firefighting gets harder. UN Climate Alarm: The UN climate chief warned that climate-driven disasters are reaching “national emergency levels,” pointing directly to the wildfire evacuations and drought conditions across Europe. Drought Watch for Summer Plans: Switzerland has raised drought alerts after unusually low rainfall, with municipalities introducing water restrictions—an issue for hikers and holidaymakers. Bratislava Tourism Momentum: The city expects its best tourism year yet, reporting over half a million visitors in the first five months of 2026 and a 17.6% rise in overnight stays, helped by improved air links. Airfare Shake-up for Slovaks: Eurostat says air fares from Slovakia fell fastest in the EU in early 2026, driven by low-cost airline competition around Austria’s aviation tax changes. Tourism Curiosity: A UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland is drawing attention for its 245 km of tunnels and underground “city” experience near Krakow.