Migration Overhaul Takes Effect: The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum starts applying today, with mandatory border screening up to seven days, faster asylum tracks for people from low-recognition countries or deemed security risks, and expanded Eurodac checks—while rights groups warn it will mean more detention and rushed decisions. EU Diplomacy Shake-Up: Pressure is building to reform the European External Action Service, with France and Germany pushing options that could clip Kaja Kallas’s powers and reshape how EU foreign policy is coordinated. US-Iran Diplomacy: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar welcomed progress in US-Iran talks, stressing dialogue as the only route to a durable settlement. Moldova Accession Momentum: EU states have drafted a declaration to open the first negotiation “cluster” with Moldova, with an EU-Moldova summit set for June 22. Western Balkans Race: At the EU-Western Balkans summit, Montenegro’s accession timetable was floated as early as 2028, while other states face tougher reform hurdles. Tech Sovereignty Push: The Commission’s tech sovereignty package aims to cut dependence in chips and AI, but analysts warn it could raise costs and strain ties with the US and China. Poland Crypto Clash: Polish President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a crypto-assets bill for the third time, citing overly restrictive proposals despite support for regulation. Industry Watch: Europe’s carmakers are urging simpler “Made in Europe” manufacturing rules as they juggle costs, competition, and the EV transition. Albania Protests: Thousands again rallied in Tirana against a Kushner-linked luxury resort, with EU membership hopes now tangled in environmental and transparency fights.