EU sanctions and Middle East policy: The UK, France and Canada moved to restrict trade in goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, with London targeting specific companies and services tied to settlement expansion and Paris saying it will end trade with settlements alongside a wider coalition of states. EU budget standoff: Berlin and Brussels are heading for a fight over the EU’s next long-term budget as António Costa seeks an ambitious 2028-2034 framework while Germany pushes for major cuts. Germany politics and far right backlash: After AfD’s strong Saxony-Anhalt result, tens of thousands protested across Germany calling for a ban and warning against far-right normalization. Ukraine funding and EU sanctions row: Ukraine warned it could face a budget crunch for non-military payments by October, while Zelensky attacked the EU for failing to extend sanctions on Russian oligarchs. Security and retaliation: Germany ordered about 150 Russian diplomats to leave by Sept 18 after a Leipzig/Halle airport sabotage probe. Industry shake-up: Volkswagen approved “Future Plan 2030” with another 50,000 job cuts and major restructuring as it faces weak demand and Chinese competition. Tech and regulation: Tesla’s EU Full Self-Driving approvals are drawing scrutiny after US concerns over drivers sleeping behind the wheel.