EU Research & Biodiversity: The European Commission added €500m to Horizon Europe, expanding calls on AI-driven energy platforms, SME skills, and biodiversity to push a nature-positive economy. Energy Costs & Dependence: EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said the bloc has paid over €100bn extra for energy in 2026 due to price hikes—without “extra molecules”—as ministers brace for a tough winter. Ukraine Air Defence Pressure: Ukraine’s defence chief postponed planned visits to Germany and Norway, citing urgent air-defence needs as attacks intensify. Russia Grey-Zone Retaliation: Reuters reports Russia is targeting European firms with measures that could strip foreign owners of property management rights. EU Sanctions vs ICC: European lawmakers urged the Commission to activate the blocking statute to shield banks and companies from US sanctions tied to the ICC. Syria Calls for EU Action: Syria’s foreign minister urged the EU to apply real pressure on Israel to halt attacks, not just issue statements. Slovakia Coalition Strains: A junior party voted to dismiss an environment minister, raising the risk of government collapse and early elections. Trade Tensions: The US began banning nearly $1bn of Canadian goods, escalating a wider dispute. Climate Trade Complaint: Dutch groups Both ENDS and Greenpeace Aotearoa filed the first EU climate complaint against New Zealand for backsliding under the EU-NZ trade deal.