Extreme Heat & Drought: Western Europe just logged its hottest June-July on record, with Copernicus warning heat and drought are reinforcing each other—raising wildfire risk and hitting rivers like the Seine, Rhine and Danube. UK Heat Warning Watch: The Met Office is weighing rare amber/red extreme-heat warnings as temperatures could reach 36C, with officials warning of disruption to rail and power networks and risks for vulnerable people. Economic Fallout: Triodos says the heat could shave about 1% off EU growth in 2026, with agriculture hit hardest and knock-on effects from higher food and electricity costs. EU Foreign Policy Veto Debate: Brussels is pushing to move beyond unanimity in foreign policy, but the latest Russia sanctions fight shows member states still ready to use veto power when it matters. Migration Tensions in Spain-Italy: Spain has imposed border checks on arrivals from Italy as the Ceuta crisis escalates, with intelligence and online chatter pointing to possible mass crossings. Steel Trade: The European Commission proposes definitive anti-dumping duties on cold-rolled steel imports from India, Japan, Taiwan, Türkiye and Vietnam. Energy Supply: Cyprus says natural gas can reach Europe by the first half of 2028 as the EU seeks new sources. Transport & Travel: Dublin Airport set a new July passenger record, while Türkiye reported 138.8 million passengers in the first seven months. Poland Economy: Poland became the EU’s sixth-largest economy in 2025, with GDP at €922.9bn. EV Competition: Chinese EV brands hit a record 14.2% share of western Europe’s BEV market in early 2026, with the UK a major sales driver.