EU Tech Sovereignty: The Commission’s “tech liberation” package aims to curb US Big Tech in sensitive cloud tenders and push faster European data-centre build-out, but German industry warns it must move beyond announcements and improve investment conditions for chips, AI and infrastructure. Sanctions Evasion: German authorities say a network shipped €34m of potentially military-use equipment to Russia via intermediaries, while critics argue Germany effectively enables the workaround by rerouting exports through neighbors. Payments Modernization: Wero is expanding in Germany for online shopping via ING, letting customers pay directly from their current accounts—another step toward an independent European payments stack. Energy & Climate: Germany’s floating solar on a Bavarian lake shows ecosystems can survive when panels cover only a small share of the surface. Security & Defence: Ukraine is reportedly asking Germany for additional Patriot interceptors, with a possible decision timed around the NATO summit. UN Diplomacy: Germany’s failed bid for a UN Security Council seat is driving fresh political fallout and blame. Business & Industry: Zurich is expanding its data-centre construction insurance across Europe, citing AI-driven demand for complex projects. Aviation Disruption: A Lufthansa 787-9 suffered a nose landing-gear collapse at Frankfurt, cancelling a flight to Los Angeles.