EU Circular Fashion: The EU’s ban on large companies destroying unsold clothes, footwear and accessories kicks in from 19 July, pushing firms toward reuse, repair and recycling under the waste hierarchy. Climate Policy: The EU’s binding 2030 carbon-cut targets land with Ireland facing up to a 30% cut by 2030, reigniting debate over whether the goals are fair and achievable. Wildfire Crisis in the Mediterranean: A fast-moving blaze on France’s Mediterranean coast near Fréjus forced hamlet evacuations and disrupted rail links, with drought and heatwave conditions driving rapid spread. Heat Impacts on Health: Germany’s “5,000 heat deaths” figure highlights the human toll of extreme summer temperatures. Energy Transition & Grid: Hungary will open nearly 1,000MW of new grid connection capacity for wind, after easing rules and responding to stronger demand. Clean Tech for Industry: ResponsibleGlass launches a draft international sustainability standard for glassmaking, aiming for independent certification and supply-chain transparency. Carbon Market Overhaul: EU ETS revisions get support from Danish Shipping and the World Shipping Council, with a focus on alternative marine fuels and closing price gaps. Biodiversity & Water: Research links rising freshwater salinity to reduced microbial diversity, with knock-on effects for carbon cycling. Conservation: A new female red panda joins Charu at the Lake District Wildlife Park through the EU endangered species breeding programme.