Defence & Security: Germany received its first F-35A as NATO members push higher spending, while Latvia’s president warned Europe is lagging on drone and aerial defence and may struggle to repel missile attacks if the Ukraine war widens. Energy & Industry: Work has started on Germany’s first laser nuclear fusion power plant at the former Biblis site, as officials chase a new commercial energy race. EU Foreign Policy: Lithuania’s Landsbergis said the EU won’t accept any imposed Ukraine deal that includes recognition of Russian-occupied territories, even if Washington and Moscow strike a framework. Russia–Europe Tensions: Russia expanded its entry ban list in response to EU sanctions, and Reuters reports Germany’s AfD leadership is preparing talks with Putin’s economic envoy about restarting Russian gas supplies. Tech & Society: France opened a criminal probe into Meta’s camera smart glasses after reports of non-consensual filming, and Japan, the US, Australia and Germany named a North Korean crypto-stealing group. Economy & Markets: EU officials warned banks need scale and integrated markets to rival US giants, as idle capital and liquidity remain trapped by fragmented rules. EU Funding & Connectivity: Von der Leyen said the EU wants up to €12bn for the Middle Corridor to link the South Caucasus and Central Asia to Europe. Religion & Demography: Vatican figures show France’s Catholic Church has sharply shrunk since 1980, with major drops in priests, parishes and baptisms.