EU Migration Leverage: EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner urged the bloc to use “all available leverage,” including visa and trade tools, to win Morocco’s cooperation after the Ceuta surge drew fresh scrutiny of the EU’s North Africa migration model. Ceuta Security Escalation: Spain deployed about 2,000 troops and 300 riot police after social media calls warned of a new mass attempt to cross from Morocco, with authorities citing potential coordination around 15/08. Spain–Italy Schengen Clash: Madrid retaliated with temporary border checks on Italian travelers after Rome imposed sanctions on visitors from Spain, keeping the dispute tied to the Ceuta crisis. Balkan Economic Ties: Serbia and Ukraine pledged to deepen cooperation and push a long-stalled free trade deal by year-end, while also discussing transport links and winter energy support. Climate & Power: Europe’s grid operators are preparing for a solar-eclipse dip in solar output, with ENTSO-E warning of a short, predictable generation drop and readiness measures across key markets. Property Litigation: A Madrid court ordered AEDAS Homes (Neinor) to pay €1.18mn to buyers over misleading sea-view marketing at Vanian Gardens, rejecting the company’s defenses. Tech for Wildfire Response: Israel tested an autonomous drone system meant to spot new wildfires within minutes and send coordinates to emergency command centers. Work & Compliance (Spain): Spain reminded self-employed workers that starting activity without registering with Social Security (RETA) from day one can trigger fines up to €12,000 and backdated contributions.