EU–China Trade Talks: Brussels and Beijing launched a new ministerial “Trade and Investment Consultations” platform to cool a widening €360bn goods imbalance, with four workstreams on trade balance, export controls, intellectual property and WTO reform, plus a joint mechanism to monitor import surges; EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič says both sides must deliver “tangible results” by October. Crypto Regulation Shock: As the MiCA deadline nears, MiCA-compliant exchanges are luring users with transfer bonuses and prize draws while unlicensed platforms scale back from July 1, leaving many EU customers scrambling for new homes. Heatwave Fallout: Europe’s record-breaking heat continues to disrupt life and infrastructure, with reports of more than 1,300 deaths and renewed political fights over air conditioning. NATO/Defense Pressure: NATO allies face fresh urgency ahead of the Ankara summit as US–Europe tensions over Iran and deterrence readiness sharpen. Serbia Politics: President Aleksandar Vučić says he will resign and call early elections amid months of protests. Business/Logistics: IATA reports global air cargo demand rose 6% in May, with Europe among regions seeing above-trend growth.