EU Sanctions on Israel Settlements: Spain’s foreign minister José Manuel Albares says the EU is stalling on a trade ban for illegal West Bank settlements, arguing Brussels debates while Gaza and colonisation continue. EU Competition & AI: The Commission forced Meta to reopen WhatsApp access to ChatGPT across the EEA after a rare antitrust order, a signal that AI distribution “gatekeeping” may face tougher EU scrutiny. EUDR Implementation: The Commission has completed key steps to lock in the EU Deforestation Regulation, pushing it toward entry in December 2026—while industry still warns about practical burdens. Ukraine Defence Push: Von der Leyen visited Kyiv to launch an EU-wide “drone deal” and new defence-industry initiatives, as Ukraine also secures access to EU defence funding and R&D grants. Refugee Rules: EU ambassadors extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until 4 March 2028, but new applicants must comply with military obligations. EU Enlargement Momentum: Moldova, Ukraine, Montenegro and Albania advanced accession talks, with Cluster 6 opened for Ukraine and Moldova. Gibraltar Reset: Spain and Gibraltar lifted routine border checks under the EU-UK treaty, marking a new era of movement for the frontier. Carbon Price Fight: Ten EU states urged a rethink of a new transport-fuels carbon charge, warning it could derail ETS reform plans. EU Child Safety Online: The bloc moves toward age-based restrictions for minors’ social media access, with debate over whether bans can work.