Heatwave & Wildfires: Fires are raging across France, Spain and Portugal as temperatures push toward 40C, with thousands of firefighters deployed and thousands of excess deaths already recorded after June’s worst heat. Ukraine Air War: Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia used about 2,200 drones, 1,730 guided bombs and 106 missiles in a week, while Ukraine says it can shoot down over 90% of drones but still lacks enough ballistic missile interceptors. China’s Minority Crackdown: Beijing’s new Ethnic Unity law is drawing fresh global backlash as Uyghur groups step up transnational advocacy and protests in Europe and beyond. EU-Armenia Trade Relief: The EU plans to lift tariffs on nearly 80% of Armenia’s exports, citing pressure from Russia, alongside €18m in added support. NATO & Europe’s Rearmament: Germany’s Merz is reinforcing the eastern flank ahead of the Ankara summit, while NATO allies say Europeans are backfilling reduced US roles. EU-US Trade Deal: The EU has activated a US trade pact with a 15% tariff for European exports, aiming to avoid immediate escalation as steel remains the key flashpoint. EU Border Chaos: Airport bosses warn the Entry/Exit System is causing “design flaw” delays and could trigger disastrous queues over summer holidays. Pope on Migration: Pope Leo XIV marked the US 250th by praying in Lampedusa, urging Europe to protect migrants and remember deaths at sea. Erasmus for Nigeria: The EU awarded 89 fully funded Erasmus Mundus scholarships to Nigerians for 2026.