EU Consumer Rules Tighten: The EU’s ban on destroying unsold fashion takes effect, pushing brands toward discounting, resale and donations instead of incineration—though some may try to reroute stock outside the bloc. Online Marketplace Crackdown: The European Commission hit AliExpress with a record €550m fine under the Digital Services Act for failing to curb illegal, unsafe and counterfeit goods; China warned the EU is using platform rules as a trade barrier. Child Safety Online: France approved a law to block social media for under-15s from January 2027, requiring age checks for access. Heat, Fires and Water Stress: Wildfires across Spain and France are escalating amid extreme heat, while England faces outdoor water restrictions as drought deepens. UK Cost-of-Living Move: Britain’s new PM orders VAT cut on household electricity bills to zero from October, aiming to save the average home about £45 a year. Retail Expansion: France’s Kiabi plans its first Argentina stores with a $20m, five-year rollout. Consumer Credit Clarity (Croatia): Croatia’s new Consumer Credit Act clarifies that card-based instalment purchases won’t trigger a fresh creditworthiness check each time. Energy and Tech: easyJet expands its Bristol base with a new aircraft, and Mistral seeks billions in funding at a €20bn valuation with Samsung in talks.