EU Trade Defences: The Commission is set to push tougher measures to shield critical industries from Chinese competition as the EU’s goods deficit with China hits ~€360bn and ministers warn of major job risks. Industrial Policy: EU industry ministers debated the Industrial Accelerator Act and “European preference” tools, aiming to cut dependence on distant supply chains and speed low-carbon permitting and demand. Digital Sovereignty: Brussels is also weighing stricter rules on foreign tech dominance across cloud, AI and satellite spectrum, with member states split and Big Tech lobbying against a protectionist turn. Platform Enforcement: The EU fined Temu €200m under the Digital Services Act for failing to curb illegal products, with further penalties possible. Energy & Climate Rules: The EU is considering a three-year waiver on methane-law penalties for oil and gas firms, arguing supply security pressures—while the IEA chief warns easing Russian energy sanctions would be a “major mistake.” Britain Defence Fraud: UK MoD fraud controls are under fire after a watchdog found only 48p recovered per £1 spent on tackling fraud and missing items. Cyprus Housing & Medicines: Cyprus saw record property activity but rents rising fast, while a survey finds only 66 of 168 innovative EU medicines were available there. Armenia-Russia Tensions: Zakharova says Yerevan treats ties with Moscow as tactical while EU rapprochement erodes Russian benefits. Business Confidence (UK): North East confidence jumped to 69% in May; North West rose to 54%; Yorkshire held at 42%. EU Sanctions: The Council expanded sanctions on Hamas/PIJ-linked figures and extremist Israeli settler groups.