EU Budget Fight: EU leaders asked Ireland to propose by October new “own resources” to fund the 2028–2034 budget after sharp clashes over a €2tn plan, with net contributors pushing cuts and beneficiaries warning agriculture and cohesion could be squeezed. Estonian Governance & Tech: Estonia plans “AI ID codes” so AI agents can act with verifiable accountability, aiming to keep control as digital automation spreads. Energy Infrastructure: Estonia’s offshore wind grid plan for the Gulf of Riga outlines a subsea-to-overhead transmission route, with public consultation running until 26 July. Grid Storage (Baltics): Lithuania connected an 80 MW / 186.26 MWh battery storage system to strengthen fast grid balancing as renewables rise. Maritime Decarbonisation: Klaipėda named “Rasa,” a green hydrogen and electricity-powered waste collection vessel, boosting Baltic green shipping cooperation with Estonia. Shipping & Courts: Estonia’s Supreme Court upheld prison terms for former Saaremaa Shipping Company executives tied to insolvency. Legal Environment: Estonia’s Supreme Court ruled a 2020 wolf hunting quota illegal for failing to account for the Bern Convention. Local Industry & Logistics: Estonia’s offshore wind line and Lithuania’s battery build both point to faster grid flexibility needs across the region. Space & Science: An Estonian deep-space comet camera (OPIC) departed Tartu for Spain ahead of its mission. Digital Payments (Baltics): A look at how leisure and travel spending is shifting toward app-based, multi-step card payments before totals are fully visible. Defense Tech (EU/Ukraine): Ukraine’s Defense Builder Demo Day showcased nine combat-tested systems for investors and partners. EU Security: The European Parliament condemned Russian drone incursions into EU states.