EU Migration Policy: Pope Leo XIV urged Europe to protect and integrate migrants during a visit to Lampedusa, calling for emergency help plus a long-term plan as the EU moves toward tougher rules. Ukraine War: Kyiv struck Russia’s St Petersburg oil infrastructure in a major drone barrage, while Ukraine said Russia has damaged or destroyed 200+ railway locomotives this year. EU Accession Talks: Hungary agreed to unblock a key cluster for Ukraine’s EU bid, with the EU preparing to open foreign-policy negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on 14 July. EU Defence Push: The EU launched five joint defence projects to counter fragmented spending, targeting drones, maritime security, space and missile shields. Russia-China Security: Reuters reports China secretly trained Russian troops, approved by a Putin ally, raising fresh alarm in Europe. Heat and Agriculture: Italy’s rice crops suffered in drought amid Europe’s record heatwave, with thousands of excess deaths reported across the continent. Travel Disruption: New EU border rules are causing airport gridlock, with queues and delays expected to worsen in peak summer. EU-China Trade/Industry: Europe faces rising Chinese car competition, while EU gas imports from Russia reportedly increased despite restrictions.