EU Law Pause Push: Austria and 10 other EU states want a 12-month halt on new legislation, calling it a “year of simplification” because existing rules aren’t fully implemented and should be reviewed every five years. Russia Elections Condemned: The EU says Russia’s State Duma vote can’t apply in occupied Ukrainian territories and is preparing sanctions against those involved in the “sham” process. Sanctions Deadlock: EU ambassadors are again weighing Russia sanctions, with France blocking a deal over oligarch Alisher Usmanov and fears of setting a precedent. Energy Cost Relief: Greece will unveil next week a heating fuel support package, including heating oil sold below €1.75/litre and higher allowances. Nuclear Ambition: EDF plans to build 10 SMRs across the EU by 2035, with the first in France and talks for Poland, Belgium and Finland. Crypto Regulation: A report says ECB President Lagarde blocked Binance’s EU entry over MiCA licensing issues. Arctic Security Deal: Greenland, Denmark and the US have agreed a security arrangement preserving Danish sovereignty while enabling a major US military presence. Climate Risk: New research warns children born in Europe in 2025 could face nearly twice the extreme fire-weather exposure of their great-grandparents. UN Diplomacy: Australia launches its bid for a UN Security Council seat for 2029-30, while EU-linked “Partners for Multilateralism” activity ramps up around the UNGA.