Volkswagen Restructuring: Volkswagen management is reportedly pushing ahead with a plan to phase out production at four German plants (Emden and Zwickau by 2031, Hanover by 2032, Neckarsulm by 2034), citing competitiveness and profitability pressures, with some output potentially shifting to lower-cost sites including the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. EU Sanctions Deadlock: EU ambassadors (Coreper) postponed a decision on extending individual Russia sanctions covering 3,000+ people and entities until 9 September, with Slovakia backing the usual six-month renewal and proposing removals from the list. Slovakia Policy Evaluation: The Slovak government is launching a new monitoring and evaluation phase for Roma-related public policies, funded with €5.68m+ from the EU and the state to improve data-driven decisions and integration outcomes. V4+Japan Business Links: Slovakia’s foreign minister says V4 countries and Japan want to restart regular dialogue and expand cooperation in science, research, AI and supply-chain resilience, with a focus on “Made in the EU” and trusted partners. Vision Slovakia 2040: The government presented the non-partisan “Vision Slovakia 2040” framework, stressing reforms in the state, economy, sustainability and a modern public administration, with EU funds seen as key for turning the vision into investments. US-Slovakia Energy Ties: President Trump sent Slovakia a Constitution Day message highlighting NATO cooperation and new opportunities for an energy partnership, including civil nuclear cooperation. Cybersecurity in Auto: Maruti Suzuki’s CEO warned that as carmakers digitise, cybersecurity and contingency planning must keep pace with evolving threats.