Slovak Trade & Finance: Slovakia’s foreign trade swung to a July deficit of €0.8m after a €216.5m surplus a year earlier, as imports grew faster than exports. Education & Skills: The OECD’s PISA 2025 results show a broad decline in reading, maths and science across countries, while Slovakia is framed as “not ashamed” after scoring above the OECD average in maths literacy and improving in science—though reading needs work. EU Diplomacy on Ukraine: Slovak FM Juraj Blanar says the EU has lacked a “seat at the table” in Ukraine peace efforts, arguing the US is driving more of the process while Europe mainly covers costs. Auto Industry Portfolio Moves: Volkswagen is reviewing around 600 businesses and is considering selling Ducati as part of a broader push to streamline its portfolio. Business Expansion in Health: Bausch Health and YUN are expanding their probiotic skincare partnership into more EMEA markets, including launches in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Global Markets & Learning: Turkey posted major gains in PISA 2025, and the UN chief is urging conditions for renewed Ukraine-Russia talks.