Climate Extremes: Copernicus reports May 2026 as the second-warmest on record, with early and intense heatwaves across western Europe and sharp rain swings—drought in parts of Spain and Italy, flooding in parts of Türkiye, Bulgaria and Moldova. Public Health & Oceans: UK researchers warn toxic plankton is shifting along the North East Atlantic, forcing more shellfish closures and raising unpredictable seafood safety risks. Energy Bills & Policy: The EU agreed stronger price controls for ETS2, using a stability reserve if permit prices top €45/ton, with proceeds aimed at easing household costs and funding EVs and home energy upgrades. Energy Transition Tech: Swiss startup zevvy launched a white-label billing platform for energy communities to tackle fragmented utility systems as renewables spread. Cyber & Renewables Procurement: A security expert says EU wind and solar buying will get harder as cybersecurity rules become part of procurement decisions. Finance & Rates: Markets expect the ECB to raise rates by 25 basis points on June 11 as energy-driven inflation pressures persist. Regional Cooperation: Bulgaria hosted the SEECP summit in Sofia, pushing connectivity and EU integration across South-East Europe. Migration Politics: Belgium says it has not yet received visa applications for a Taliban delegation ahead of EU migration talks in Brussels. EV Industry: BYD is seeking to take over an existing southern European factory for a second plant, with Spain among shortlisted locations.