Middle East Tensions: Iran is weighing strikes on US military targets in Europe, with Bulgaria and Cyprus flagged, as the Strait of Hormuz ceasefire expires and Washington signals no new talks. Markets & Energy: European shares were flat to slightly down amid Middle East jitters, higher oil, and rising bond yields, while EU gas storage sits at historic lows in Germany, the Netherlands and Croatia. Domestic Politics (Germany): AfD leader Alice Weidel calls for Berlin’s domestic security agency to be abolished or radically reformed, accusing it of suppressing opposition. EU Digital Rules (Big Tech): Apple overhauls EU App Store terms from October, setting new commission rates and expanding alternative marketplace rules after the DMA fight; Epic criticises “junk fees.” EU Governance (Ukraine): Updates to the Ukraine Facility shift funding toward “progress toward the EU,” tightening how reforms translate into real institutional change. Public Services (UK): Andy Burnham pushes “Everyone in for Christmas” to end rough sleeping, backed by a £442m package. Education (EU): Eurostat shows Romania spends the lowest share of GDP on education (3%), while Sweden tops the table (6.8%). Finance Regulation (Cyprus): CySEC warns Cyprus fund managers that ESMA’s EU-wide risk-management review will start late 2026/early 2027. Humanitarian Aid: The EU releases €2.3m to curb cholera outbreaks in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and the Central African Republic. Elections (Kosovo): Kosovo faces a new political deadlock after the assembly constitution deadline passed without agreement on the presidency.