EU-Canada “associate member” push: Ursula von der Leyen floated Canada as the EU’s first “associate member,” but insiders stress the status isn’t a real legal category yet—leaving Carney’s “Alliance for the Future” still undefined as Trump warns it could trigger EU trade retaliation. Ukraine defense funding: The EU approved another €3.3bn tranche for missiles and drones under the Ukraine Support Loan, as Kyiv also signals EU accession “clusters” could open by end-2026. Kids Act online safety: The Commission unveiled rules to curb children’s social media use, including a ban for under-13s and tighter controls for 13–15 accounts, with negotiations now set to start. EU-China investment pressure in Hungary: Hungary’s new government is rechecking opaque Chinese deals and tightening environmental rules, raising friction for BYD and CATL. EU security and infrastructure: Macron ordered plans to protect critical infrastructure from drone and cyber threats amid rising “hybrid” concerns. Banking scale debate: ECB officials and EU finance leaders renewed calls for bigger, more integrated EU banking to compete with Wall Street. Trade and sanctions ripple effects: EU moves to renew GSP+ talks with Pakistan, while Russia expands entry bans in response to EU sanctions.