Ukraine-EU Security: EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv for Statehood Day, pledging continued military and financial support and saying “the tide is turning,” while Zelenskyy awarded her Ukraine’s new “Order of Europe,” framed as impossible to revoke. Defence Industry Push: Von der Leyen also plans to unveil new initiatives to integrate Ukraine and EU defence industries and speed up production ahead of winter. EU Democracy & Media: The European Centre for Democratic Resilience is under scrutiny, with calls to make independent media central rather than symbolic in the EU’s democracy shield plans. Child Safety Online: Von der Leyen backed new EU rules to restrict social media for children aged 3–13 and limit screen time for under-3s, with draft legislation expected this summer. Missile Defence Race: European firms signed a letter of intent for the Bliksem EXO exo-atmospheric interceptor, targeting medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, with testing slated for 2027. Heatwave Fallout: River cruises on the Rhine and Danube faced cancellations and reroutes as record heat left water levels too low for ships. Economy & Markets: European stocks slipped as Iran tensions rose; ASML lifted forecasts on strong AI demand, while China’s weaker growth added pressure. Tech & Travel: The EU’s EUDI Wallet will let citizens store ID, driving licences and degrees on phones from 2027, and Ryanair warned EES biometric checks could mean long queues at multiple airports. Culture Policy: The Commission withdrew a €2m grant from the Venice Biennale over the reopening of the Russian pavilion.