Aviation Disruption: Ryanair passengers were stranded in Greece after a “mega-queue” at Athens tied to EU border processing under the Entry Exit System, leaving some travellers missing flights amid heat and congestion. Air Connectivity & Regional Impact: Cyprus’ air links are under pressure from rising costs and rigid rules, with the European Regions Airline Association warning island and remote routes face the biggest hit. EU Tech for Industry: Europe is pushing “AI Factories” with 19 specialized supercomputing hubs to modernize manufacturing, plus “AI Gigafactories” funding to scale factory use of AI. Defense Mobility: EU member states unanimously backed a mandate to negotiate rules to move armed forces across Europe faster, including digitalized permissions and upgrades to dual-use transport infrastructure. Energy Security & Shipping: With the Strait of Hormuz reopening after the US-Iran deal, Europe is still planning alternative trade and energy routes (including IMEC) as traffic recovery is expected to take time. Aviation Decarbonization: Shell and ENGIE signed a license deal for France’s KerEAUzen project to turn captured biogenic CO2 into synthetic aviation fuel for ReFuelEU Aviation. Rail & Logistics Tech: A German project (PulPro-SMC) demonstrated lighter, bonded composite rail vehicle joints in a single pressing step, aiming to cut weight and simplify manufacturing. Digital Infrastructure: The EU published broadband and 5G coverage progress versus the UK, tracking progress toward gigabit connectivity and 5G coverage goals. Passenger Rights & Costs: EU air passenger rights are moving forward on clearer rules, while Wizz Air plans Starlink WiFi on European flights from 2027.