Tax Code Clash: Romania’s Senate rejected President Nicușor Dan’s push to reconsider a bill that would have lifted the excise-duty-free home alcohol limit to 200 liters, keeping the current 50-liter fruit-drink exemption and sending the matter back to the Chamber of Deputies. Education Shock: PISA 2025 results show Romania slipping further, with over half of 15-year-olds below basic math proficiency and reading at 48%, alongside high school inequality. Security Watch: The SRI says it stopped a Russian-linked sabotage effort by arresting a Romanian-based suspect allegedly tasked with photographing NATO-linked military sites and critical infrastructure, including Antonov cargo aircraft. Airspace Tensions: A Shahed-type drone violated Moldovan and Romanian airspace, triggering NATO F-18 scrambles and emergency alerts before crashing in Moldova and sparking fires. Public Opinion: An INSCOP poll finds 52% of Romanians expect negative consequences if Bolojan’s caretaker cabinet stays longer, while most want parties to reach a deal to form a government. Water Crisis Focus: ExpoApa opened at Romexpo as industry leaders warned Romania’s water shortages are worsening and called for a national strategy and major investment.