EU Research & Biodiversity: The European Commission added €500m to Horizon Europe for 2026-27, expanding calls on AI-driven energy systems, SME skills and a “nature-positive” push tied to biodiversity spending targets. Recovery Funding Watch: The Commission also cleared Austria’s final €306m Recovery and Resilience payment, confirming all remaining milestones and targets, while France received a €6.1bn final RRF green light. Ukraine Energy Exports: Ukraine says it has completed initial biomethane deliveries to the EU and is pushing Brussels to remove regulatory barriers and integrate it into the EU renewable-fuel tracking database. EU Borders & Migration: Spain’s King Felipe VI called the Ceuta migrant surge “unacceptable,” arguing it violates the Spanish—and EU—external border and requires stronger shared action. Russia Grey-Zone Pressure: Brussels is debating how to deter Russia’s escalating “grey zone” tactics, with concerns that current plans still focus on reacting rather than credible deterrence. Trade & Climate Dispute: A Dutch group Both ENDS filed the EU’s first climate complaint under the Single Entry Point against New Zealand, alleging broken EU trade climate promises. EU Sanctions vs ICC: European lawmakers urged the Commission to activate the blocking statute to shield banks and firms from US sanctions tied to the ICC. Markets: European stocks slipped late as US Treasury yields rose, keeping investors cautious.