• EU ministers have reached a deal to overhaul the bloc's asylum procedures, changing how asylum seekers are processed at the EU's external borders and relocated across Europe. Italy was initially opposed to the deal but may have been swayed by a last-minute visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Tunisia with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
• Ukrainian forces have launched a counteroffensive against Russia, claiming gains in Bakhmut. However, Ukraine is maintaining operational secrecy and not disclosing its overall plans for an offensive. France, Germany, and Poland plan to meet in Paris to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine and its bid to join NATO.
  
  
• The Qatargate cash-for-influence scandal has prompted some reforms in the European Parliament, but progress has been limited. The European Commission has proposed an ethics body to harmonize rules across EU institutions, but critics argue that it may be ineffective and won't impose new rules.
  
  
• The European Commission is preparing for the next round of its joint gas purchase initiative, which aims to address over-dependence on Russian gas. Feedback from the industry suggests that the time frame for gas purchases should be increased from one year to 18 months. Concerns remain about future gas supply, mainly due to geopolitical tensions and the effects of climate change.
  
  
• Former US President Donald Trump has been charged with handling classified documents after leaving the White House. The nature of the charges remains undisclosed. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has called for support for the United States in the face of a potential US-China conflict, emphasizing the importance of transatlantic unity.
  
  
• Germany is experiencing a rise in far-right support, causing concerns ahead of regional elections. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has seen an increase in support, making it the third-strongest political force in the country.
  
  
• NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu leaves her position at the end of August, making way for her deputy, Dylan White. Lungescu is the first woman to serve as NATO spokesperson.
  
  
• The owner of Le Coin de Diable, a popular bar in Brussels, has been hospitalized due to a motorcycle accident—best wishes for his recovery.
  
  

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