Rail Reliability Watch: Deutsche Bahn says long-distance punctuality in the first half of 2026 is down slightly (59% arrived on time), even as the operator posted a €179m profit and plans more AI tools for passenger communication during delays. Green Industry Push: Economy Minister Katherina Reiche highlights Salzgitter’s €1.3bn-backed shift from coal blast furnaces to gas-first steelmaking and later green hydrogen, aiming for a 95% CO2 cut and spillover demand for “green steel.” Energy & Water Stress: Europe’s drought is hitting the Danube, forcing contingency steps for Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant and disrupting inland shipping with knock-on effects across the region. Migration & Border Politics: Spain deploys troops to Ceuta after thousands of migrants enter from Morocco, escalating a wider EU dispute and raising pressure on Madrid. Security Policy: Germany’s cabinet backs using AI to process asylum applications, while separate coverage notes Germany’s broader post-attack push to tighten anti-terror laws. Climate Disaster Response: Wildfires across France and Spain keep driving mass evacuations, with some residents allowed to return as blazes flare elsewhere.