Middle East Shock to Europe’s Energy Costs: Renewed US-Iran strikes and Strait of Hormuz worries are pushing oil higher and keeping investors cautious across Europe, with STOXX 600 slipping as energy-inflation fears return. EU Climate Fight: Ten EU countries are urging Brussels to delay or revise carbon pricing on transport and heating fuels ahead of ETS reform, warning of household cost pressure. Sanctions Gridlock: EU ambassadors failed again to agree on the 21st Russia sanctions package, forcing a one-week extension of the Russian oil price cap while talks continue. Ukraine Defense-Industry Push: The EU and Ukraine signed a deal to scale joint drone and anti-drone production and expand anti-ballistic missile cooperation, tying defense manufacturing to Europe’s security. EU–India Clean Tech Deal: EU and India agreed to start formal talks on India’s Horizon Europe association and launch a deep-tech clean-technology startup partnership, including an EV charging innovation hub. Offshore Wind Funding (France): The Commission approved a €72bn French offshore wind support program for 11.1 GW of new capacity. Energy Security (Gas): Hungary’s gas TSO says storage injections rose sharply and supplies stayed stable into summer, offering some winter buffer. Nuclear Safety Alert (Switzerland): Police investigated multiple drones near the Gösgen nuclear plant; operators say safety was not compromised. AI for Energy Ops: UK firm Applied Computing raised $20m to scale its foundation AI platform for energy operations, adding a Houston office.