EU Migration Pact in force: The EU’s new migration and asylum rules officially kick in, bringing border screening, faster procedures for some cases, and tighter returns—though member states admit they’re not fully ready and critics warn it could worsen pressure on asylum seekers. Ukraine EU accession momentum: EU leaders agreed to open the first accession negotiation cluster with Ukraine and Moldova next week, a move Zelenskyy calls major political and moral support. Swiss referendum risk: Switzerland votes Sunday on capping its population at 10 million, with warnings it could force changes to immigration rules and even end the EU free-movement deal. NATO uncertainty: Estonia’s experts warn that reported US military drawdowns in Europe—especially in air refuelling and maritime patrol—could create capability gaps even as NATO planning is said to stay intact. EU-Russia/India sanctions friction: A new EU sanctions proposal includes entities based in India, potentially complicating ratification of an EU-India trade deal. Bulgaria gears up: Bulgaria says it’s ready to implement the pact, including a new border procedure and faster processing/returns. Border rescue: Frontex-linked operations helped rescue 44 migrants south of Gavdos, Greece.