Red Sea Security & Shipping: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says the bloc is weighing an expanded Aspides naval mandate, including maritime mine clearance, as reports claim the Houthis may prepare to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—an artery linking Yemen with Djibouti and Eritrea that carries a major share of global trade. Agriculture & Water Management: Eritrea’s Ministry of Agriculture held a mid-year review of regional work plans, tracking soil and water conservation, reservoir and river diversion works, improved seed distribution, organic fertilizer production, crop and livestock health, beekeeping, and the Comprehensive Small and Productive Farm Plot program—showing 83% of targeted villages adopting it by end-June. Engineering & Skills Pipeline: Mai-Nefhi College of Engineering and Technology graduated 297 students (including 25% women) across agricultural, chemical, civil, electrical, marine, mechanical, mining and other programs, with public works officials urging graduates to apply skills for national development. Agriculture Higher Education: Hamelmalo College of Agriculture held its 19th commencement, awarding postgraduate degrees to 375 students, including first-time doctoral graduates in Veterinary Science, aimed at improving access to nutritious food and sustainable resource management. National Industry & Community Events: Festival Eritrea 2026 opened in Asmara at the Expo Grounds, spotlighting regional products, agricultural and marine resources, and bazaars—running through 26 July.