Franco-German Security Push: Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron agreed to deepen strategic cooperation, including integrated air defence and a new joint approach to deterrence, while reaffirming support for Ukraine. EU Foreign Policy Deadlock: A push for qualified majority voting in foreign policy is colliding with member-state veto habits, with sanctions and Israel-related trade positions showing how hard unanimity is to escape. Ukraine Strikes: Ukraine launched a drone attack on Russian oil refining facilities in Tatarstan, killing 12 and wounding 39, as Kyiv links continued strikes to pressure on Moscow. Ceuta Migration Flashpoint: Spain and Italy trade border checks amid intelligence about possible new Ceuta crossings; thousands rallied in Ceuta demanding urgent central-government support. Hungary Media Shake-up: After MTVA suspended news programmes, staff still await clarity; conservative outlets face advertising cuts and layoffs, deepening uncertainty for public-interest media. Germany Deportations: Germany carried out at least five charter deportation operations of Nigerians between February and June 2026, returning 137 people. Rhine Drought Hits Industry: Low Rhine levels are squeezing German steel logistics, forcing costly rerouting and more voyages. Climate Cost Reality: Heatwaves, drought and wildfires are already hitting Europe’s economy with damage in the hundreds of billions, with compounding extreme events expected to worsen. EU Tax Reform Debate: A Tax Justice Network report argues countries could raise hundreds of billions by taxing multinationals where real activity happens, via a UN-led framework. EU-Taiwan Investment: The EU became Taiwan’s largest foreign investor as it seeks to reduce dependence on China, especially in semiconductors and AI supply chains. Geothermal Bottlenecks: EU geothermal deployment remains stuck at low output due to fragmented rules, long permitting and restricted geological data access.