Diesel diplomacy under pressure: EU governments are coordinating possible releases of strategic diesel and crude stocks after US President Trump floated an export ban threat, with the Commission stressing there’s no “security” shortage but an “affordability” crisis and pointing to IEA involvement; France’s proposal of 50 million barrels of diesel plus 50 million of crude is being discussed ahead of possible G7 coordination. EU migration clampdown: Interior ministers in Luxembourg backed tougher return rules, including “return hubs” outside the EU and stronger Frontex powers, while Greece pushed for emergency suspension of asylum applications. Ukraine funding and defence integration: The Commission disbursed €2.9bn in budget support under the Ukraine Facility as Zelenskyy signed Ukraine’s participation in the European Defence Fund, aiming to deepen defence-industrial cooperation. EU budget fight over defence vs farming: Ireland’s Sinn Féin warned that EU defence spending pushes could cut CAP and cohesion, as 17 countries signalled opposition to budget cuts and Copa re-elected farm leader Francie Gorman to defend a stronger CAP. EU enlargement readiness: Von der Leyen said the Commission will assess what institutions, policies and the budget must change for future enlargement, with North Macedonia urged to open key accession talks. Tech and rights: Germany expanded EU Blue Card eligibility for IT specialists without degrees, while the Commission gathered feedback on the proposed EU KIDS Act to tighten child online safety.