China Trade: EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič opened talks in Beijing, pressing to narrow a deficit that runs to about €1 billion a day. China called for dialogue, but Brussels is seeking concrete results. Russia Policy: EU envoys backed a record 1,646 new sanctions listings targeting Russia’s war effort, while the bloc separately extended measures against 80 people and 20 entities over Russian hybrid activity through October 2027. Enlargement: Moldova says it is ready to open four remaining accession chapters; President Maia Sandu also told EU Council President António Costa that the country is preparing to host more Ukrainian refugees if winter conditions worsen. Hungary has cleared the way for Ukraine to advance two more accession clusters. EU Finances: The Commission backed Italy’s request for fiscal-rule flexibility to boost defence and energy spending, subject to Council approval. Auditors, meanwhile, warn that rising budget errors and a lack of new revenue could leave the EU facing a funding gap. Lebanon: Kaja Kallas said the EU supports extending the UN peacekeeping mandate and is preparing an advisory mission to train Lebanese security forces, not replace UNIFIL. Georgia: The European Parliament urged targeted sanctions on senior officials, condemning moves against opposition parties and warning of a worsening rule-of-law crisis.