US Visa Waiver Update: The US Department of State published the latest Visa Waiver Programme entry rules, requiring eligible travellers to get digital ESTA clearance before boarding and limiting visa-free trips to business or tourism stays of up to 90 days; the US also flags statutory disqualifications for dual nationals and recent travel to certain high-risk regions. EU–Cuba Pressure: At the UN, the EU urged Cuba to end support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and to pursue political and economic reforms, while also calling for an end to the US embargo. Schengen Travel Friction: Europe’s Entry/Exit System is now active at external borders, replacing passport stamps with digital entry/exit records and biometric checks for many short-stay travellers, even for visa-free visitors from places like the US and UK. Euro Payments Expansion Talk: EU officials say Turkey is interested in joining the Single Euro Payments Area, a move seen as important for both payments integration and broader EU–Turkey ties. San Marino Connectivity: New Ryanair links from Manchester to Rimini are boosting access to microstates, with San Marino now reachable in about 45 minutes by direct bus. Local Housing Safeguards (Altadena): California lawmakers advanced a bill to pause certain density laws in Altadena after the Eaton Fire, aiming to curb speculative redevelopment that could overwhelm local recovery.