EU Security & Defence: EU governments are scrambling to send Patriot interceptors to Ukraine as Western stocks run low, with Germany, the Netherlands and Poland already transferring systems and Kyiv pressing Spain and Greece for more. Digital Evidence & Privacy: New EU “e-Evidence” rules let courts issue binding cross-border orders to service providers, aiming to speed up investigations while raising fresh questions about safeguards. Policing Data Powers: Italy’s draft decree would let police collect biometric face data in “sensitive” public areas for seven days, and its privacy watchdog says it clashes with the EU AI Act. Rights in the Courts: France’s constitutional council struck down the under-15 social media ban, warning that blanket age surveillance failed key privacy and expression safeguards. Cybersecurity Rules: The EU is setting a strict VPN security baseline with auditable encryption and update requirements, shaped with major industry players. Migration Flashpoint (Ceuta): Moroccan police blocked a second mass attempt to storm Ceuta, after the July surge that left dozens dead. Afghanistan Policy: Europe is deepening practical contacts with the Taliban for deportations and consular work, despite ongoing human-rights concerns. EU Economy Watch: Slovakia’s growth slowed to 0.7% in Q2, below expectations, as analysts cite industrial stagnation. Tech & Influence: Germany’s intelligence warns of Kremlin-linked “Matryoshka” AI bot disinformation targeting multiple state elections.