EU-Western Balkans Summit: Leaders gathered in Montenegro’s Tivat to push enlargement, with Montenegro’s EU path framed as “within reach” by 2028 and security concerns tied to Russia and China. Kosovo Politics: Kosovo heads to its third parliamentary election in 18 months amid institutional paralysis, with Brussels treating the vote as a referendum on EU integration and Serbia normalisation. Armenia Elections: Armenia votes Sunday as the EU deepens engagement while Russia’s influence appears to wane, putting peace steps with Azerbaijan and Turkey and EU rapprochement under the spotlight. Balkan Security & EU Integration: EU leaders also discussed merit-based accession and resilience against cyber threats, hybrid attacks and disinformation. Bulgaria Rule of Law: Bulgaria’s justice minister says reforms are delivering results aligned with EU recommendations, while the European chief prosecutor urges a swift, depoliticised selection of the next European Prosecutor. Migration & Deportations: The EU backs tighter migration rules, including “return hubs” in third countries, as deportation and irregular migration remain top political pressure points. EU Economy Watch: Cyprus reported stronger Q1 growth than the euro area and EU, while Ireland’s slump is dragging the eurozone into reverse. Pay Transparency: New EU pay transparency rules are rolling out, with some countries still lagging ahead of the 7 June 2026 deadline. Ireland–Israel Row: Ireland bans two Israeli ministers over their conduct toward Gaza flotilla activists, escalating EU-level debate on sanctions and conflict rhetoric. Energy & Trade: Aviation groups warn against expanding the EU emissions trading scheme for aviation, citing possible trade reprisals.