D-Day Commemoration: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sparked backlash in Normandy by comparing today’s migration pressures to an “invasion” of “dangerous ideologies,” naming Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria as “boats and men” arrive. EU Work & Equality: The EU Pay Transparency Directive is pushing salary openness to cut the gender pay gap (11%), but several countries—including Bulgaria—are still lagging on implementation ahead of the 7 June 2026 deadline. Bulgarian Culture Abroad: Children’s writer Petia Kokudeva brought her Romanian-language book “Lupo and Tumba” to Bucharest’s Bookfest, with Bulgaria as guest of honour. Bulgaria–North Macedonia History Talks: The latest joint historical commission meeting in Skopje ended “without results” after North Macedonia refused to adopt a recommendation on the Ohrid Archdiocese in school textbooks. Health Focus: Bulgaria’s childhood obesity concerns took centre stage at a Sofia congress, with experts warning that hundreds of thousands of children are affected and calling for stronger prevention. Local Arts & Events: Panagyurishte’s International Fireworks Festival returns June 26–28 with teams from Europe, Romania and China plus Bulgarian performers in the concert programme. Diplomacy: Georgi Vodenski was appointed Bulgaria’s ambassador to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Music & Pop Culture: Eurovision 2026 drew 131 million viewers, down 35 million after five countries boycotted over Israel’s participation, while Bulgaria won with Dara’s “Bangaranga.” Lifestyle: Dua Lipa and Callum Turner’s Sicily wedding preparations are underway at Villa Valguarnera, with heavy security and a no-drone zone around the venue.