EU Funding & Rule of Law: The European Commission plans to unblock €4.2bn in frozen cohesion money for Hungary, saying Budapest has strengthened rule-of-law steps, with Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe access set to restart pending member-state approval. Middle East & Shipping Security: EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas pressed Iran on executions and on keeping the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-al-Mandeb open and toll-free for commercial shipping. UN Diplomacy & Energy Tensions: France’s Macron says he and Trump agreed on joint action to ease Strait of Hormuz tensions and to seek a moratorium on attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. UK Justice Pressure: Britain’s plan to release thousands of prisoners early is worrying EU governments, with concerns about limited advance notice for foreign offenders. Defence & Industry: Italy has started a €5.14bn procurement for new main battle tanks and related vehicles through a Leonardo-Rheinmetall venture, while France is fielding the Jaguar R3 with stand-off anti-armor missile capability. Economy Watch: The OECD expects UK growth to slow in 2027 despite a stronger 2026, while Italy’s deficit path remains tight as it targets staying under the EU 3% ceiling. Health & Society: Scotland’s drug-related deaths rose to 1,133 in 2025, the worst rate in Europe; AstraZeneca won EU approval for Trixeo Aerosphere as a maintenance asthma treatment. Tech & Mobility: HERE and NIO expand Europe-wide streaming maps for more up-to-date navigation and assisted driving. Politics & Demography: A report warns France could become a minority society by mid-century under high-migration scenarios.