EU Enlargement Roadmaps: The Commission is drafting targeted accession roadmaps with indicative timelines for Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania, setting out expected reforms and “clusters” to complete, while requiring unanimous backing from existing members. Serbia Under Pressure: Aleksandar Vučić says EU meetings have felt like “torture” over repeated demands to impose sanctions on Russia, warning the pressure won’t ease. Russia Hybrid Threats: EU defence ministers in Brussels discussed whether to create a NATO-style emergency mechanism to coordinate responses to sabotage and “hybrid attacks,” with Kaja Kallas warning Russia is preparing more attacks on European democracies. Ukraine Defence Focus: Ministers also reviewed air defence, training missions, industrial cooperation and the “shadow fleet,” as the Ukraine funding gap looms. EU Defence Industry Push: The Council formally identified the first five “projects of common interest” for drones, maritime/seabed defence, space, federated air and missile defence, and eastern-flank surveillance, with around €190bn ambition by 2036. Humanitarian Aid: The EU approved €61m for Ethiopia amid conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks and El Niño impacts. Housing Protest Demand: Madrid’s Sol camp escalates after Maricarmen Abascal’s eviction, pushing for indefinite rental contracts via the “Maricarmen decree.” Markets: European shares rose, helped by a UK housebuilder rally, but gains were capped by higher oil prices and elevated bond yields.