Aviation & Trade Links: Kyrgyzstan plans direct flights to Europe, with Germany the priority, after being removed from the EU aviation safety “black list,” and also wants to use its High Technology Park to pilot startups by 2027. EU Industry & Regulation: European plastics recyclers are pushing for “Made in Europe” preference rules in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation rollout, warning that imports labeled as recyclates are undermining domestic investment and recycled-content targets. Innovation Pressure in Germany: Germany’s chemical and pharma sector says it wants to innovate out of its crisis, but more R&D is shifting abroad as firms cite an uncompetitive domestic location. Monetary Policy Watch: The ECB is expected to raise its deposit rate to 2.5% as eurozone inflation hits 3.3% and energy-price pressure from the Middle East keeps risks elevated. Politics With Economic Fallout: Germany’s Saxony-Anhalt election could deliver AfD a historic breakthrough, with the vote closely watched as a barometer for national politics and policy direction. UK Growth Debate: US economist Arthur Laffer warns Britain is “taxing itself to death,” while Chancellor John Healey argues growth must reach beyond London and big cities. Energy & Markets: Global markets were mixed after strong US jobs data, while investors weigh rate fears against ongoing geopolitical risk. Real Estate Policy: Greece plans to raise the property-transfer tax for non-EU buyers to 15% from 3%, signaling a tougher stance on foreign investment amid housing affordability concerns. Space & Autonomy: Germany’s Isar Aerospace successfully launched its Spectrum rocket into orbit from Norway, boosting Europe’s push for independent access to space.