Energy Prices: Bulgargaz has proposed cutting natural gas for August by about 1%, to slightly above EUR 37 per MWh (excluding fees/taxes), with the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission set to decide after an open meeting. Budget & Governance: Deputy PM Atanas Pekanov says Bulgaria’s next State Budget will push major reforms, including administrative restructuring, agency closures and steps to bring more of the economy into the formal sector, alongside a push to disburse Recovery Plan funds by Aug 31. Tourism Costs: A Post Office Travel Money study ranks Portugal’s Algarve as Europe’s cheapest for typical family holiday spending, with Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach second—while Sorrento tops the “most expensive” list. Summer Tourism Outlook: Tourism Minister Ilin Dimitrov says Bulgaria’s 2026 summer season is back on pace with 2025 after an early slowdown, with occupancy strong and regional ministry offices planned for Golden Sands and Sunny Beach. Digital Connectivity: Starlink says it has started issuing local Iraqi IP addresses by changing routing after licensing with Iraq’s regulator, aiming for lower latency for users inside Iraq. Business & Exports: Bulgarian caviar demand is rising as global sturgeon stocks tighten; the traders’ association links the surge to depleted reserves and limited supply. Security Cooperation: Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev, in the US, discussed countering transnational threats and sanctions circumvention, and reiterated Bulgaria’s priority to join the US Visa Waiver Program.