Education Reform: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said Bulgaria’s PISA results show “encouraging progress” in science (+5 points) and digital skills, but declines in math and reading, warning that the widening gap between small and large schools should push authorities to keep modernizing education rather than letting politicians speculate. Presidential Election Prep: The Central Election Commission says preparations for the 25 October vote are on schedule, with regional commissions operational, polling abroad set for 100 embassies/consulates, and key deadlines including candidate registration by 22 September. Election Campaign Politics: MECH submitted documents to the CEC to run in the presidential election, while an initiative committee backed Iliana Iotova and Kiril Valchev as candidates for president and vice president, with Valchev stressing consensus through dialogue. Bulgaria–Moldova Ties: Moldova’s administrative reform granted Taraclia District a municipality status, with Bulgaria’s foreign minister Velislava Petrova calling it recognition of the Bulgarian community; separately, Moldova’s deputy PM and foreign minister Mihai Popsoi is visiting Sofia for talks on bilateral cooperation and Moldova’s EU path. Regional Diplomacy: North Macedonia’s foreign minister said Skopje is ready to share EU accession experience with Ukraine, while also rejecting intimidation or unilateral concessions during the process. Transport & EU Funding: BDZ put its first Alstom Coradia Stream EMUs into regular service, alongside the earlier Škoda RegioPanter fleet, as Bulgaria accelerates rolling-stock renewal ahead of EU funding deadlines.