EU Sanctions at Sea: EU naval forces boarded the MV SOUTH STAR to verify its registry as part of intensified action against Russia’s shadow fleet, with member states also authorising similar flag-check boardings under EUNAVFOR ATALANTA. Digital Safety Crackdown: The EU fined AliExpress €550m for illegal, unsafe and counterfeit goods, demanding stronger seller checks and a compliance plan by Oct 20. Ukraine Command Shake-up: Zelensky dismissed Ukraine’s top military chief Alexander Syrsky, citing pressure from Europe, and appointed Mikhail Drapaty as commander-in-chief. Heatwave Fallout: Europe’s June heatwave cut grain harvest value by about €2bn and destroyed millions of tonnes of crops, raising food-price fears. Payments Push: Viva.com added Wero to its platform for instant account-to-account transfers across Belgium, France and Germany. Energy & Industry: The EU backed an electrification action plan to make Europe the first “electro-continent,” targeting higher electricity use by 2040. Human Rights: EU lawmakers demanded access and psychological support for a Pakistani Christian girl allegedly forced to convert and marry her abductor.