EES Border Friction: Liechtenstein-included Schengen travel is getting slower as the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) adds biometric checks, with airlines warning of multi-hour queues and half-full flights during peak summer. EU Trade Tightening: A new EU approach focused on “economic security” and reciprocity is increasingly restricting access to the internal market, raising concerns for Ukraine’s industries amid long accession talks. Creative Europe Politics: A Europe-wide petition urging the UK to commit to full participation in Creative Europe from 2027 has extended its deadline to end of August, after UK leadership changes. Democracy Comparisons: A global look at how the U.S. differs from other democracies highlights distinct features of the American political system. Central Banking & Inflation Debate: Commentary argues central banks’ inflation targets erode purchasing power and that “price stability” is being redefined in practice. Local Elections Principle: A Bhutan-focused piece debates whether residency should determine voting rights in Thromde elections, drawing a line between “interest” and “stake.” Police Power Push (Abroad): Việt Nam’s draft penal code would expand police protection while strengthening criminal-law safeguards for the Communist Party, with public feedback sought through mid-July.