UK Politics & Foreign Influence: Britain tightened rules on overseas political donations, requiring candidates to declare pre-candidacy gifts above £2,230 and prove legitimate sources after concerns about “dodgy funding” and foreign interference. M&A & Retail: Germany conditionally approved JD.com’s €22bn bid for Ceconomy, putting MediaMarkt and Saturn under JD control pending remaining checks in Austria and Spain. Energy Storage & China-Europe Shift: BYD will build Poland’s biggest battery project in Siedlce—600MW/2.4GWh—using its blade-based Haohan system, targeting operation by end-2027. Industrial Restructuring: Continental agreed to sell its ContiTech plastics and rubber unit to Lone Star for up to €4.25bn, refocusing on tires. Climate Shock & Demand: Europe’s heatwave is driving a surge in air-conditioning orders, while UK schools closed due to extreme temperatures, highlighting preparedness gaps. Media Consolidation: Sky agreed to buy ITV’s broadcasting and streaming arm for £1.6bn, aiming to create the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster. Housing Watch: Spain and Portugal are stepping up scrutiny of fast-rising property markets as affordability risks grow. Germany Politics: Thousands protested AfD’s conference in Erfurt ahead of state elections. Food Delivery: Uber paused most planned Europe expansion as it pursues a Delivery Hero takeover.