Ukraine Defence & EU Funding: Zelenskyy urged EU leaders to unblock the EUR 6bn European Peace Facility for Ukraine’s defence now, warning delays could cost lives and calling for faster air-defence and winter support. NATO-US Tensions: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month Pentagon review of US forces in Europe, tying outcomes to how quickly Europeans take primary responsibility and blasting allies over defence spending. EU Sanctions & Russia: EU leaders agreed to extend Russia sectoral sanctions for 12 months, while also debating whether to keep channels open for future dialogue. Trade War With China: Leaders backed tougher EU trade defences against a surge in Chinese exports, while insisting on “constructive dialogue” to manage dependencies and avoid escalation. Energy Security: Europe is pushing alternative routes after the Iran shock, with renewed focus on the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor as a resilience and connectivity plan. Israel-EU Rift: Israel’s foreign minister said he is severing all contact with EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas over alleged “apartheid” remarks, deepening strain over Gaza and the West Bank. Georgia-EU Friction: Georgia’s foreign minister rejected a European Parliament resolution as politically motivated and “false,” saying it aims to pressure and polarize. EU Tech & Society: The Commission launched “W,” a made-in-Europe alternative social platform with user verification and European hosting plans, as part of a broader sovereignty push. Security on NATO’s East Flank: Portugal and Slovakia offered Romania drone-defence equipment, alongside Ukraine sharing counter-drone expertise. UK Politics: Labour’s Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, setting up new leadership uncertainty for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.