EU-US Trade Deal: The EU Council has given final approval to tariff commitments under the EU-US framework, clearing the way for the deal to enter into force ahead of a July 4 deadline, with the EU cutting remaining customs duties on US industrial goods and granting preferential access for some seafood and non-sensitive farm products, while the US agrees to a 15% all-inclusive tariff ceiling on many EU exports, plus a sunset clause to 2029. Ukraine Recovery Funding: At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk, the EU disbursed the first €3.2bn tranche from a €90bn two-year Ukraine Support Loan, with another €6bn drone-related tranche due soon, as leaders stress reconstruction as a long-term peace project. Ukraine’s EU Path & Schengen: EU officials are also discussing deeper integration before full membership, including the idea of Ukraine joining the Schengen Area early. Migration Returns Pressure: Kenya is being assessed as a possible “return hub” for rejected asylum seekers under the EU Migration Pact, alongside Rwanda and Benin. Energy & Methane Fight: Qatar, plus other gas suppliers, has urged targeted amendments to the EU Methane Regulation, while 11 EU countries want a three-year delay. EU Politics & Transparency: An EU watchdog has opened an inquiry into whether the Commission properly handled a request to release messages from a private leaders’ group chat involving Zelenskyy and other European leaders. Border System Backlash: Rome’s airports warn they may have to suspend parts of the EU’s new digital border system during peak summer travel to avoid chaos. Public Opinion Watch: A Polish poll finds nearly 60% oppose Ukraine joining the EU.