Political Deadlock in Bucharest: Romania is heading into a risky July 1 recess with no fully empowered government, after failed attempts to form a cabinet following the May 5 no-confidence vote that toppled Ilie Bolojan’s minority executive; President Nicușor Dan is weighing two PM options—PSD leader Sorin Grindeanu versus a PNL-USR-UDMR joint proposal led by MEP Siegfried Mureșan—while talks with party leaders and national-minority deputies continue. Black Sea Air Defense Push: Romania is moving fast on layered short-range protection, with Rafael’s SPYDER deal (about €2bn framework) and Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 35 order (24 systems on Lynx KF41) aimed at countering drones, cruise missiles, and low-flying threats on NATO’s southeastern flank. Israel-Romania Memory & Security: Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Romania for the Iași pogrom memorial, warning of an “alarming” rise in antisemitism and stressing the duty to remember; he also met Romanian President Nicușor Dan. Energy Interconnection: Moldova and EBRD signed a grant for the Bălți–Suceava 400-kV power line linking to Romania, framed as further integration into EU energy markets. Heatwave Watch: A dangerous European heatwave shifted east, with Bucharest among cities hitting the high 30s and health authorities warning of excess deaths and grid strain. Fuel Costs: Diesel prices are set to rise in Romania from July 1 as the excise-duty cut expires, with the interim government unable to extend the measure.