The EU has rejected US trade pressure over claims it facilitates Chinese tariff evasion, with Washington’s ambassador urging alignment of new environmental laws with a prior trade deal. The EU maintained its regulatory framework is non-negotiable, despite ongoing discussions on trade issues.

A drone crashed in Romania on Friday after flying undetected in the country’s airspace, as reported by local authorities. The incident occurred near Luncavița, approximately five kilometres from the Ukrainian border, amid increasing drone incursions across NATO’s eastern flank. No casualties have been reported.

Millions across Europe, particularly in France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, faced extreme heat as temperatures exceeded 35C on Thursday. With parts of France reaching 42C and the UK recording the year’s highest day, concerns grow over climate change’s role in escalating heatwaves and their impacts on health and wildfires.

Polls have closed in England’s Clacton by-election, featuring Nigel Farage against fringe candidate Count Binface. Farage triggered the vote by resigning amid a financial investigation. Analysts expect his victory, yet some locals regard the contest as a farce without mainstream party candidates.

The European Commission has deployed migration experts to Ceuta following the recent arrival of 80,000 migrants from Morocco, triggering a humanitarian crisis. The mission aims to assess local needs and enhance EU support for Spanish authorities amidst concerns of further mass crossings.

NATO members convened on Wednesday to address recent breaches of Polish and Romanian airspace, asserting that Russia is fully responsible for these incursions. The discussions mark a significant response to escalating tensions in the region and highlight the alliance’s commitment to collective security.