EU Single Market Expansion: Politico reports the Commission is drafting “gradual integration” for candidate countries, offering frictionless trade and access to research programmes while applications are assessed, tied to alignment with EU positions. EU Defence Industry: The Commission approved the first five European Defence Projects of Common Interest worth $369m, with Ukraine taking part in four, covering drones, maritime/seabed, space, air and missile defence, and the Eastern Flank. Baltic Tensions: Russia warned NATO it could use nuclear weapons if Kaliningrad were isolated, escalating fears amid Baltic military planning. EU–China Trade: Beijing warned of “firm” retaliation over EU restrictions on EVs, solar and steel, as Brussels weighs further trade tools. Syria Partnership: EU foreign chief Kaja Kallas says the bloc wants to “upgrade” its partnership with Syria, linking investment to reforms, rule of law and women’s participation. Payments Sovereignty: European payment groups (Bizum, Bancomat, Wero, others) are forming a Madrid-based network to link cross-border payments and reduce reliance on Visa/Mastercard. Housing Crisis (Spain): Madrid saw violent protests after the eviction of an 87-year-old, underscoring Spain’s worsening housing emergency. Energy Costs (UK): Cornwall Insight forecasts winter energy bills near £2,000, driven by higher wholesale gas prices and import dependence. Research & Innovation: Horizon Europe gets a €500m boost for biodiversity and innovation, while Romania pushes opportunities for firms in EU “big science” projects.