EU Migration & Asylum: The EU’s new migration and asylum rules move into force, with lawmakers approving the legal framework for the Pact on Migration and Asylum. EU Democracy & Governance: A Council of Europe steering committee in Strasbourg discussed a “New Democratic Pact for Europe,” with focus on democratic resilience, e-voting standards and AI’s impact on elections. EU Foreign Policy & Security: A new ECFR poll finds only 1 in 10 Europeans see the U.S. as an ally, while majorities back more European defence spending and less reliance on Washington. EU Tech Regulation: The Commission orders Meta to restore free access for rival AI chatbots to WhatsApp while an antitrust probe continues. EU Sanctions & War: The EU weighs further pressure on Russia, including entry bans for former combatants and new measures targeting banks and energy. EU Climate & Food: Copernicus warns Europe’s early heatwave is becoming the “new normal,” while the agriculture commissioner says long-term fertiliser fixes are needed to avoid EU food shortages. EU External Partnerships: The EU and South Korea sign a digital trade deal, and the EU–Togo political dialogue reviews security, governance and economic cooperation. Industry & Defence: Germany pushes for a fair share in Airbus’s NGSA future narrowbody role as the Franco-German fighter jet cooperation unravels. Public Health: The EU drugs agency warns synthetic opioids and more complex drug markets are driving new health risks.