Monetary Policy Watch: The ECB is widely expected to raise rates by 25 bps on June 11, its first hike since 2024, as Iran-linked energy costs keep feeding inflation across the euro zone. Supply Chain & Inflation: A new survey-based index shows safety stockpiling at the highest level in over three years, with shortages and transport costs also elevated—firms are front-loading orders to hedge uncertainty. Public Health & Security: EU drug agencies warn counterfeit pills laced with nitazenes have surged, with seizures topping 50,000 tablets in 2024, raising overdose risks and enforcement pressure. Energy Transition: Hungary opens EU-funded tenders for grid upgrades and smart meters, aiming to connect thousands of megawatts of clean power and boost system flexibility. Regional Politics & EU Pathways: Bulgaria hosted the SEECP summit in Sofia, pushing connectivity and resilience, while North Macedonia and Bulgaria renewed cooperation ahead of EU accession talks. Business & Tech: EU ambassadors in South Korea met startups pitching AI tools for hiring and architectural design automation, signaling growing tech cooperation ambitions. Defense Industry: Germany moves to build a new sixth-generation fighter effort after FCAS’s collapse, with Airbus leading a fresh alliance. UK Housing: Rightmove flags Exeter as a first-time buyer “coldspot” with the biggest asking-price fall, as affordability and mortgage-rate pressure shape demand.