Ukraine War Diplomacy: Zelensky urged Europe and G7/G20 to pressure Russia’s energy, oil fleet and financial system after strikes hit Sumy and Zaporizhzhia, arguing Europe still has “tools” to force an end to terror. Middle East Maritime Security: Macron said France will keep mine-countermeasure assets in the Strait of Hormuz even as Charles de Gaulle returns to Toulon, while Britain and France called the strait a “vital highway” and backed a possible multinational mission with Oman. Germany Politics & Far Right: Thousands protested in Erfurt to block AfD’s conference ahead of state elections, as Merz defended a plan to raise defence spending and hit back at Trump’s NATO budget criticism. EU Courts & Big Tech: The EU’s top court upheld the €4.1bn Android antitrust fine against Google, ending the final appeal. EU Sanctions & Finance: The EU is considering reconnecting a Russian bank to SWIFT under the grain deal framework, with any change requiring unanimous member-state approval. Climate & Public Safety: Spain’s Costa Brava wildfire forced evacuations and lockdowns, while Europe braces for stronger El Niño conditions that raise the odds of heatwaves and extreme weather. Housing Pressure: Eurostat data showed Croatia recorded the biggest EU rent jump (21.9% in Q1 2026 vs 2025 average), highlighting widening affordability stress. NATO Readiness: Merz and Baltic leaders stressed translating 5% GDP defence spending into real capabilities and keeping unity on Article 5 ahead of the Ankara summit. UK-EU Debate: Neil Kinnock renewed calls for Britain to rejoin the EU as “the only patriotic thing to do,” adding pressure on incoming UK leadership.