Kosovo War Crimes: The EU-backed Hague tribunal sentenced former Kosovo president Hashim Thaçi to 25 years for war crimes, triggering mass protests in Pristina. EU Security Architecture: Ursula von der Leyen proposed a European Security Council and a NATO-style mechanism to counter drones, sabotage and hybrid threats, while also floating a new “associate member” model for Canada. EU-Canada “Associate Member” Push: Von der Leyen told Mark Carney she wants Canada as the EU’s first associate member, but diplomats say the idea was sprung without prior briefing and the legal meaning remains unclear. Online Child Safety: The Commission proposed an EU-wide ban on social media for children under 13, with tighter rules for older teens. Trade & Industry: EU antitrust moves threaten to block MMG’s $500m nickel mine deal. Climate & Disaster Response: Von der Leyen unveiled a new EU heatwave plan and a firefighting aircraft fleet after deadly summer conditions. NGO Watchdog Pressure: NGOs urged the Commission not to approve beaching yards for ship recycling, warning of hazardous waste risks. Spain CAP/Fishing: Spain’s agriculture minister argued EU CAP and fishing funds should explicitly account for insularity, citing the Balearics. Hybrid Threats in Focus: Lithuania’s president warned Russia may be using drone incursions to destabilize Baltic states and Poland. Digital Governance: Bulgaria adopted stricter crypto reporting rules, requiring registered providers to report user and transaction data to tax authorities.