EU Budget Fight: Germany and “frugal” allies are pushing deep cuts to the EU’s long-term budget, while Brussels tries to lock a deal before funding gaps bite. Ukraine Security & Defence: EU leaders keep tying the next steps on Ukraine to faster support for air defence and security, as Russia’s hybrid pressure on Europe remains a live concern. Moldova, Romania, Ukraine: In Chisinau for Moldova’s Independence Day, Maia Sandu, Volodymyr Zelensky and Romania’s Nicușor Dan pledged tighter security, energy and logistics cooperation and backed rapid EU accession steps. Russia Hybrid Threats: Ukraine’s CCD chief warns Moscow is weighing hybrid attacks on specific EU states, especially the Baltics, to weaken support for Kyiv. Ceuta Migration Flashpoint: Spain’s North African enclave saw clashes after a new migrant influx, with residents and police fighting and protesters trying to block aid. Iceland & EU Whaling: Iceland’s whaling industry faces a potential endgame if EU rules apply, as the Habitats Directive bans cetacean hunting. EU Funding for Climate Tech: Estonia-backed work on waste-to-microbial oils shows how EU-linked grants are feeding greener industrial production. EU Trade & China: Von der Leyen warns China must deliver on trade or the EU will act, as the bloc’s deficit with Beijing keeps widening.