EU Economic Outlook: IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warns Europe faces a tough trade-off as growth weakens and inflation stays sticky, urging the EU budget to prioritise competitiveness, productivity and innovation. Middle East Energy Shock: A new analysis says the US-Iran standoff is turning into a wider energy, shipping, fertilizer and financial drag that could linger through 2027 even if fighting eases. EU Sanctions & Trade: The EU’s 21st Russia sanctions package includes entities in India, clouding ratification of an EU-India trade deal and requiring unanimous approval by member states. India-Europe Tech Push: PM Modi arrives in France for talks with Macron and the G7, with “Bharat Innovates 2026” spotlighting deep-tech startups and investor links. Central Europe Defence & Industry: Modi’s Slovakia state visit (first since 1993) targets cooperation in defence manufacturing, autos and rail. Germany Business & Skills: Germany’s “creative bureaucracy” push highlights efforts to make public administration more service-minded as firms and citizens feel the strain. Rail Competition in France: Velvet unveils its Paris–Bordeaux high-speed challenger, aiming to siphon demand from crowded SNCF services from 2028. UK Travel Costs: IATA warns new EU border controls could mean up to six-hour queues for British travellers this summer. Corporate Watch: US regulators clear Paramount’s $190bn Warner Bros takeover, while antitrust scrutiny remains active in Europe and the US. Retirement Wealth Snapshot: ECB data shows huge gaps in over-65 wealth across Europe, with Luxembourg, Belgium and Ireland leading.