EU Enlargement Momentum: European Council President António Costa urged Western Balkans leaders to accelerate reforms, framing enlargement as a strategic investment in peace and stability ahead of an EU-Western Balkans summit. Moldova Accession Talks: Moldova’s deputy PM for European integration said the country is ready to open EU accession negotiations, with EU Commissioner Marta Kos visiting June 4-6. Migration Crackdown: The EU is moving toward an “era of deportations,” with governments exploring return centres abroad as new return rules take shape. Rule of Law Explained: The Council of Europe published a public-facing guide to make the rule of law easier to understand in everyday life. Digital Sovereignty & Big Tech: The EU’s General Court delivered a mixed Digital Markets Act ruling involving Meta, while the bloc pushes broader digital sovereignty. Markets & Travel Disruption: European stocks dipped on Middle East tensions; Portugal faces a nationwide strike that could disrupt flights and transport. Energy & Industry: Spain approved updates aligning ecodesign rules with EU standards to cut energy use, including standby “phantom” consumption. Tech & Finance: ClearBank Europe partnered with Bybit EU to provide safeguarding and fiat/digital on/off-ramping across Europe.