Digital Rules vs. Social Media Addiction: The EU Commission has issued fresh charges against Meta over “addictive design” on Facebook and Instagram, targeting autoplay, infinite scroll, push notifications and highly personalised recommendations, and demanding changes or facing fines up to 6% of global revenue. Road Safety Tech: From July 7, new cars and vans sold in the EU must include a driver-facing infrared camera to detect distraction, part of the bloc’s Vision Zero push. EU Budget Standoff: Talks on the next 2028-2034 EU budget hit a major impasse, with net contributor states warning they may walk away unless the draft size is cut sharply. Meta’s Next Steps: Meta can respond before a final decision, while the case feeds into wider EU fights over surveillance and children’s online safety. Fuel Pressure in Member States: Spain’s petrol jumped about 5.6% after its VAT cut expired, while Ireland’s minister warned governments can’t keep “writing a cheque” via excise cuts. State Aid for Food Producers: The Commission approved a €2m fuel support scheme for specialist horticulture in Ireland under a Middle East crisis framework. Foreign Policy Solidarity: EU leaders will back Gulf states at a high-level Brussels meeting as US-Iran tensions raise risks to the Strait of Hormuz. NATO Friction: Trump escalated pressure on Spain over NATO spending and Iran stance, ordering a halt to trade—prompting fresh debate over transatlantic unity. EU Enlargement Trust: EU officials discussed keeping accession “one finish line” and merit-based, time-limited safeguards.