On 3 July, the European Commission proposed five European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCI). As part of the European Defence Industrial Programme (EDIP), the Commission has allocated €325 million from the total budget of €1.5 billion to support the roll-out of these five projects: drones and counter-drone systems; maritime defence and the seabed; space, air defence and missile defence; and strengthening security along the European Union's rear flank. On average, 18 Member States are participating in each project, and Ukraine is involved in four of the five projects.

On 2 July, the Court of Justice of the European Union dismissed the appeal lodged by Google and its parent company, Alphabet, against a ruling by the General Court confirming a fine imposed by the Commission in 2018. The Commission had imposed a fine of €4.3 billion on Google for abuse of a dominant position in the mobile phone ecosystem, which the General Court had revised down to €4.1 billion

Until 25 August, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is hosting its 77th edition under the theme 'Northern Lights', exploring the dialogue between Nordic and Mediterranean cultural traditions. More than 2,000 artists are taking part in over 70 theatre performances and concerts at the city's iconic venues.

Until 6 September, the city of Nantes is hosting a new edition of its "Voyage à Nantes", during which contemporary artworks are installed in public spaces, alongside major exhibitions and events throughout the city, inviting visitors to discover it in a new light. This 15th annual event marks the start of a four-year cycle centred on the elements, beginning with the theme of the earth.

Until 11 July, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF), now in its 60th year, is screening 12 films in competition, with the winner to be awarded the Crystal Globe.

Until 25 October, the Zurich Museum of Fine Arts is hosting Switzerland's first exhibition devoted to the Danish artist Vilhelm Hammershoi. Featuring some fifty paintings, drawings and photographs, the exhibition highlights the originality of the artist's work, which plays on tranquillity, subtle nuances and rich colours.

Running until 4 October, the 57th edition of the Arles Photography Festival has chosen the theme "Worlds to Rediscover". To mark the occasion, the public is invited to discover around forty exhibitions on display at various venues across the city. This year, through archives, solo exhibitions and emerging artists, the images examine identities, history and representations, whilst others explore the myriad facets of life. Alongside the exhibitions, the evenings are punctuated by screenings, concerts and performances, and the famous "Night of the Year" – a must-see event at the festival – is the perfect opportunity to party under the stars.

On 1 and 2 July, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, visited Baku in Azerbaijan and Yerevan in Armenia to deepen partnerships with the South Caucasus. The Commission announced the launch of new initiatives designed to strengthen connectivity, cooperation and the resilience of communities in the region. This programme, worth €200 million, aims to support transport and energy infrastructure, promote people-to-people exchanges and underpin peace and reconciliation efforts in the region. Through these initiatives, the European Union intends to consolidate its role as a strategic partner and promoter of regional stability.

On 1 July, French MPs approved, by 375 votes to 113, the bill setting the armed forces' budget up to 2030 at €436 billion, an increase of €36 billion on the previous budget. This brings the annual military budget to 2.5 per cent of GDP. Against a backdrop of technological disruption, rearmament and explicit challenges to the principles of international law, the Military Planning Act (LPM) aims to establish a renewed model for the armed forces.

As the NATO summit in Ankara on 7 July approaches, all eyes are once again turning to the US ally, whose stance towards Europe is becoming increasingly ambiguous. But this summit also presents an opportunity for Europe to demonstrate its ability to ensure its own security. Europeans have now realised that they would be on their own in the event of a major crisis, and are reinvesting in defence. They are increasingly well-equipped and autonomous. Ankara will provide a further opportunity to demonstrate this.

On 2 July, the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, presented a far-reaching programme of 34 reforms, designed to strengthen the country's competitiveness, modernise the labour market and ensure the sustainability of its social security system. The plan includes, in particular, a pension reform to be implemented by the end of the year, tax relief for low-income households, and measures to increase labour market flexibility. The coalition intends to speed up housing construction, tackle abuse of social security benefits and simplify administrative procedures in order to support growth and employment.

On 30 June, the Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas) approved, by 80 votes to 2, with 28 abstentions, the appointment of Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of the Social Democratic Party, as Prime Minister. From that date, he has 15 days to present the composition of his government and his coalition's programme, both of which must also be approved by Parliament. This appointment follows the resignation of the former Prime Minister, Inga Ruginienė, following a reshuffle of the ruling coalition. The next government will comprise a four-party coalition: the Social Democrats, the "For Lithuania" Democrats, the Farmers' and Greens' Union, and the Christian Families. The coalition holds 75 seats in the Seimas, out of a total of 141.

On 3 July, the Moldovan Prime Minister, Alexandru Munteanu, announced his resignation, which automatically led to the resignation of his government, less than a year after he took office. Against a backdrop of criticism regarding the governance of several state-owned enterprises, Alexandru Munteanu stated that he was no longer able to carry out his duties. The President of the Republic, Maia Sandu, subsequently announced the start of consultations with the parties represented in parliament with a view to appointing a new Prime Minister, whilst reaffirming that the pursuit of reforms and the process of accession to the European Union remained the country's priorities.

On 2 July, the Council of Europe published its follow-up report on the implementation of the Lanzarote Convention on combating technology-facilitated child sexual abuse. The report commends the progress made by European states in the areas of investigations, training for professionals and support for victims, but highlights persistent shortcomings. For instance, many states still allow children to be prosecuted for self-produced sexual images.

On 30 June, Denmark announced a 30th military aid package for Ukraine, worth 4.4 billion kroner (approximately €590 million). This funding will be used, in particular, to finance deliveries of ammunition, weapons and military equipment, as well as the training of Ukrainian soldiers. 1.3 billion kroner will be allocated to the "Danish model", which will allow Ukraine to purchase equipment directly from the Danish defence industry.

On 4 July, whilst visiting Lampedusa, Pope Leo XIV urged European political leaders and societies to respond to the migration crisis with compassion and sustainable policies. During a Mass celebrated on the island, he called for an approach based on welcoming, protecting, supporting and integrating migrants, whilst working to develop their countries of origin so that "no one is forced to emigrate". Praising the commitment of local residents and stakeholders, the Pope warned against "the sin of indecision" in the face of migrants' suffering and called for solidarity to be the foundation of a "civilisation of love".