Heatwave & Climate Risk: A record-breaking Europe heatwave is being blamed on human-caused climate change, with scientists saying the event would have been “virtually impossible” without it; power systems and public services are struggling as temperatures soar, schools close, and heat-related deaths and drownings are reported across countries. EU Presidency Agenda (Ireland): Ireland’s EU presidency is set to push an ambitious legislative programme amid war, security shifts, digital rulemaking, energy pressures, and enlargement—while trying to land a new 2028–2034 budget deal. EU Sanctions in Practice: A new look at how EU sanctions work shows the bloc’s rules often fail at the border and in national courts, with member states doing the heavy lifting that determines real-world impact. Defence & Aviation: Germany’s post-FCAS dilemma is back in focus as it weighs more F-35s and other fighter options after the Franco-German 6th-gen project collapsed. EU–Kazakhstan Deals: Kazakhstan and the EU signed strategic documents and about €10bn in deals during Tokayev’s Brussels visit, including major Airbus and Alstom contracts. Nature & Infrastructure Clash (France): Environmental groups are urging Macron to rethink a Camargue power-line plan that could threaten flamingo habitat. Spain Property & Foreign Buyers: Non-resident foreigners made up 18.8% of home purchases in Spain in 2025, with Dutch buyers leading. Ukraine Recovery Support: Ukraine’s recovery conference in Gdańsk backed €1.5m for Ukrainian media and civil society to strengthen resilience against Russia’s information war.