Energy Shock: EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen warned Europe is heading into a “challenging winter” as prices stay high, saying the bloc has paid an extra €100bn for fossil fuels since the start of 2026 without getting “one extra molecule” of gas or oil, while the IEA’s Fatih Birol said emergency stock releases remain on standby. Diesel Pressure: The White House is weighing a diesel export ban, and officials are floating alternatives like asking Europe to release diesel from strategic reserves. Ukraine Funding: The European Commission reiterated that EU support for Ukraine stays conditional on Kyiv delivering reforms, as Ukraine pushes to use immobilised Russian assets to plug a $78bn 2027 gap. Russia Escalation: Russia is set to raise military spending by about 27% for 2027, while strikes hit civilian targets including a school in Sumy with glide bombs. EU Security & Hybrid Threats: Estonia accused Russia-linked sabotage at Milrem Robotics, and Ukraine urged tighter EU visa rules and entry bans for those involved in aggression. Climate & Food: EU agriculture ministers estimated €14bn–€17bn in damage from extreme heat and drought, while Bulgaria faces high food-waste indifference. Greenwashing Crackdown: Regulators are scrutinising “eco” hotel claims ahead of stricter EU rules. Trade Law: Poland lost a bid to suspend the EU-Mercosur trade deal at the EU court. UK Politics: Andy Burnham’s camp is reopening Brexit debate as Louise Haigh refused to rule out rejoining the EU.