EU Migration Pact in Action: The EU Migration and Asylum Pact starts today, bringing new border screening (up to seven days), faster asylum routes for some cases, and quicker appeals and returns, with a solidarity mechanism and tighter cooperation with third countries—while rights groups warn it could mean more detention and limited safeguards. Ireland Implements EU Asylum Overhaul: Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan formally welcomed Ireland’s International Protection Act 2026, setting up biometric screening, accelerated border procedures for certain applicants, and a new Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals (TARA) to speed up decisions and removals. ECB Signals Rates Still Data-Dependent: The ECB raised rates by 25 bps to 2.25%, citing renewed inflation pressure from the Middle East energy shock, while policymakers like Joachim Nagel say July decisions remain open-ended. UK Defence Crisis Deepens: Britain’s armed forces minister Al Carns resigned over defence funding and preparedness, following John Healey’s earlier exit—adding pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of NATO-focused debates. Trade, Sanctions, and Diplomacy: A U.S. business lobby chief argued more Russia sanctions won’t end the Ukraine war; meanwhile, EU lawmakers condemned alleged U.S. interference in Colombia’s election, and Uruguay prepares to take over Mercosur’s presidency with EU quota distribution a key priority.