On 16th July, the European Commission launched a review of the EU's anti-fraud architecture with a view to better protecting the European budget. In response to growing threats, particularly cross-border fraud and the use of advanced technologies, this review aims to strengthen prevention, detection and prosecution. It plans to improve data sharing, exploit AI and promote cooperation between the relevant actors. This initiative is part of the work related to the multiannual financial framework (MFF).

On 18 July, the European Union adopted its 18th package of sanctions against Russia after Slovakia lifted its veto, targeting the energy, finance and military industries. This package of measures includes a reduction in the oil price cap, increased sanctions against Russia's ghost fleet, expanded banking restrictions, and export bans to curb Russia's military capabilities. Specific sanctions also target companies linked to Belarus' military-industrial complex. The European Union is thus stepping up pressure to support Ukraine and limit Russia's access to financial and technological resources.

Ministers responsible for European affairs, meeting in Brussels on 18th July, held an initial exchange on the Commission's proposal for the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework, estimated at nearly €2 trillion. They also gave the green light to the gradual roll-out of the Entry/Exit System, adopted a two-year postponement of the application of due diligence rules for batteries, and approved a two-year extension of the rules on filling reserves to ensure gas supply and storage.

The Sziget Festival will take place from 6 to 11 August on Óbuda Island in Budapest, bringing together festival-goers from all over the world. For six days, more than 1,000 shows combining music, street art, theatre and visual performances enliven the site. The event celebrates diversity, inclusion and freedom.

On 17th July, the Republic of Korea officially became the first Asian country to join Horizon Europe, the European Union's multi-billion-euro research and innovation programme. Korean researchers and organisations can now participate in several areas of the programme on an equal footing with Member States. This association agreement strengthens the Union's geopolitical alliance with countries that share the same values.

On 15th July, the ECB launched a design competition to redraw the future euro banknotes. Designers living in the European Union can submit their entries until 18th August. Two themes have been chosen: European culture and rivers & birds, symbolising the continent's identity and ecosystems. After selection by an independent jury, the general public will be able to vote, before a final decision is expected at the end of 2026. This initiative aims to renew the banknotes to reflect Europe's cultural and natural values, while integrating a broad participatory process.

'Europeans are proud of their cultural heritage' which shapes their identity and way of life. This rich diversity, the result of thousands of years of artistic creation, unites the peoples of the continent despite their differences. Art occupies a central place in their societies, reflecting a universal and timeless quest. In the face of global challenges, this cultural identity remains a major asset and a source of strength. Recognising and defending this unique characteristic is essential for the future of Europe.

On 18th July, the Zugspitz Summit on illegal immigration took place. Convened by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, it was attended by his French, Polish, Austrian, Danish and Czech counterparts, as well as European Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner. In their joint statement, they called for the rapid implementation of a stricter migration policy in Europe, a strengthened European migration and asylum system, effective economic models to combat people smugglers, a safer return policy and better protection of the European Union's external borders.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan was hosted in Berlin on 18th July by his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. They discussed a joint action plan to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the areas of security and economic policy.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, hosted the Montenegrin Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Filip Ivanović, on 17 July, with whom he signed an agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the context of Montenegro's accession process to the European Union. This agreement aims to support Montenegro's efforts to align itself with the acquis of the Union and move towards full European integration.

Innovation is progressing in Europe, with an overall improvement in performance. The latest European Innovation Scoreboard, published on 15th July, shows that 13 Member States have strengthened their performance, notably Malta and Luxembourg. Sweden has regained its position as the most innovative country, while Ireland and Croatia have made significant progress. Despite a slight decline between 2024 and 2025, regional performance remains on the rise overall, although disparities between the north and south of the continent persist.

On 18th July, the Council of Europe published a report containing annual prison statistics (SPACE I). It reveals that overcrowding remains a critical challenge in one third of European prison administrations. These data highlight worrying conditions of detention, which impact fundamental rights and the regularity of care. It calls on member states to step up their efforts in the areas of penal reform, sentence reduction and alternatives to detention in order to comply with its standards on human dignity and justice.

On 17th July, the British government announced its intention to lower the legal voting age from 18 to 16 for all elections, in line with a campaign promise made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Presented as a modernisation of democracy, this reform aims to enable young people, who are already active in society, to participate in political decisions. The proposal still needs to be approved by Parliament.