Hands-on learning shift: Five European countries are moving away from high-stakes standardized testing toward portfolios, projects, and real-world problem-solving, with Finland highlighted as the clearest model. Ukrainian air defense strain: Zelensky told Estonian President Alar Karis that Ukraine received only “a few” Patriot missiles, while more Crotale systems and AIM missiles are expected, and Kyiv is pushing for the next steps on the Freyja air-defense project. Defense tech transfer: UK officials approved sharing Storm Shadow/SCALP technical documentation so Ukraine can build its own cruise missiles, as Russia warns British drone and missile-component factories could be targeted. Estonian education pressure: Estonia’s compulsory schooling to age 18 is leaving 300–400 children at risk of missing school places by mid-September, with some not applying or not receiving placements. Estonian biotech automation: ÄIO and TFTAK’s DigiFoundry 2.0 secured up to €1.94m to automate microbial oil process development through fermentation and digital process control (to June 2029). Marine science for offshore wind: A University of Tartu thesis found offshore wind noise can reduce Baltic herring school density near the sound source, but spring spawning impact looks limited. EU defense budget push: EU Council President António Costa said the next EU budget’s defense component will be unusually large, including defense research and industry capacity, with Estonia backing the plan. Cyber/space comms in war: Ukraine awarded Elon Musk the Order of Freedom for Starlink’s wartime role, underscoring how satellite internet reshaped battlefield communications. Estonia’s election debate: A political dispute flared over whether Estonia’s presidential election process should be changed, after questions about the single-candidate setup.