EU Sanctions & Religion: Bulgaria says it will not back the EU’s 21st Russia sanctions package if it targets Patriarch Kirill, arguing it would interfere with religious affairs, while diplomats also flag energy-related concerns. North Macedonia EU Talks: In Strasbourg, Bulgarian MEPs trade sharp messages over Skopje’s EU progress and Sofia’s role, as the European Parliament keeps language backing the Bulgaria–North Macedonia historical commission and urges constitutional changes to open the first negotiating cluster. Literature & Culture: Georgi Gospodinov meets readers in Athens to discuss Death and the Gardener, while Bulgaria is showcased at Madrid Book Fair through an EU language initiative featuring Bulgarian interpretation and a tourism talk. Culture & Society: A European court ruling blocks blanket bans on door-to-door evangelization, backing Jehovah’s Witnesses’ right to preach. Education & Youth: A Eurobarometer survey finds most Bulgarian parents worry about children’s screen and social media use, citing sleep disruption and exposure to harmful content. Local Life & Heritage: Danube Limes UNESCO work continues with a joint dossier planned by Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Serbia. Arts Calendar: Pictoplasma’s contemporary character design festival is set for Varna in September, with Bulgaria among the participating artists.