Gaza Recovery Push: The European Commission and a coalition of EU states plus partners launched the “Team Gaza Initiative” in Brussels, pledging €883.6m to restore water, sanitation, debris removal and health systems after the war. Ukraine Air-Defence Drive: Volodymyr Zelenskyy met European leaders in Paris to press for more anti-ballistic air defence support and to unveil an Anti-Ballistic Programme ahead of winter. EU Sanctions Talks: EU foreign ministers in Brussels aimed to agree 250 Russia listings and continue work on the 21st sanctions package, while also discussing detained civilians and a new Armenia mission. Online Safety Crackdown: Ursula von der Leyen outlined a three-part plan for age-appropriate social media limits for children, including accountability, age verification and a “social media start date,” with a proposal expected after summer. Heatwave Toll: Western Europe recorded over 10,000 excess deaths during late-June heat, with most fatalities among people 65+ as temperatures shattered norms. Middle East Fuel Risk: Europe’s jet fuel reserves are tight—less than 30 days of demand—raising the stakes as Hormuz tensions threaten supply chains. Defence Unity Warning: Macron urged Europe to avoid go-it-alone defence policies as rearmament accelerates, calling fragmentation “absurdity.” Travel Rules Update: The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is adding biometric border checks for travellers heading to Schengen this summer, with potential delays and extra hassle.