EU Migration Pact in force: The EU’s Migration and Asylum overhaul entered into force on 12 June, pushing a more harmonised asylum process and faster border procedures, while critics warn it won’t stop irregular migration and will intensify political fights. Bulgaria implements the rules: Bulgaria’s asylum agency says it is ready to apply the new border procedure, shorter timelines and faster returns, alongside upgrades to Eurodac and asylum standards. Ukraine accession momentum: EU ambassadors agreed to open membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova next week, with the first negotiation cluster set to begin on 15 June after Hungary lifted its veto. Carbon border controls tightened: EU countries backed making it harder to pause the carbon emissions fee on imports, aiming to protect industry and reduce evasion. NATO strain and US drawdown: Reports say the US plans to cut NATO-provided fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft and tankers, reshaping Europe’s defence planning. ECB and Italy under pressure: The ECB raised rates amid inflation from the Iran war shock, while Italy’s central bank trimmed its 2027 growth outlook. UK-EU migration politics: Ireland’s Israeli settlements import bill faces scrutiny at home as the debate over boycotts and sanctions spills into EU politics. India-Europe diplomacy: PM Modi begins a France and Slovakia tour for G7 and innovation talks, including “Bharat Innovates 2026” with Macron.