Tech Sovereignty: The EU rolled out its tech “sovereignty” push, aiming to curb access for US Big Tech in sensitive cloud tenders and speed up data-centre build-out, but analysts warn it’s more “day one” than full independence. Digital Energy: The Commission also set a Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI in Energy, stressing smart grids/meters and cybersecurity as power demand rises. AI & Funding: Semble raised £30m Series C to expand its care-orchestration platform across UK and Europe, while French restaurant-tech Innovorder secured €20m to accelerate AI-driven operations. Labour Shock: Italy’s migrant farmworker killings spotlight exploitation and the caporalato labour system, renewing pressure for tougher enforcement. Macro Watch: Poland is forecast to grow 3.5% in 2026 (EBRD), supported by EU funds and investment, even as energy costs and trade tensions bite. Greece Reset: Greece was removed from the EU’s macro-imbalance list, marking the end of 16 years of heightened surveillance. UN Politics: Germany lost its UN Security Council bid for the first time, with Portugal and Austria winning the Western Europe seats. Armenia-EU: EU officials discussed short-term support and trade/energy connectivity as Russia tightens pressure on Armenia. Payments Shift: Paybis says stablecoins are rapidly moving into B2B cross-border payments, with stablecoins now dominating its crypto volume.