NATO & Ukraine: Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar says NATO has effectively acknowledged Ukraine cannot join the alliance, pushing Slovakia to keep backing Kyiv with humanitarian and non-lethal aid (including demining systems). Tourism Safety in Croatia: Slovak police officers in Croatia assisted tourists with a bicycle search near Zadar Airport, a lost wallet, and guidance for a driver after an animal collision on Krk. Slovak Visa Changes for Russians: Slovakia is suspending short-stay Schengen visa applications for Russian nationals through summer (with only “Sports” category accepted), while long-stay processing continues; Slovakia also halts Schengen requests more broadly. Danube Cruise News: AmaWaterways will launch a Mandarin-language Lunar New Year Danube cruise in 2027, calling at Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and more. UNESCO Overtourism: AFP reports Vlkolínec residents feel like “extras” as tens of thousands visit yearly, with signs limiting entry and photography sparking debate. Travel Demand Signals: SunExpress targets about 4 million passengers in July–August, with heavy focus on Antalya and Izmir. Local Culture Calendar: International Palace Games of Visegrád runs 10–12 July, a medieval festival drawing visitors across the V4 and beyond. Pilgrimage & Heritage: Pope Leo XIV’s blessing was sent for Slovakia’s national pilgrimage in Nitra for Sts. Cyril and Methodius, with tens of thousands celebrating across Slovakia and the Czech Republic.