EU Defence & Hybrid Threats: EU defence ministers in Brussels weighed a NATO-style “Article 4” emergency protocol as Kaja Kallas warned Russia is preparing more sabotage and attacks on European democracies, with ministers also discussing air defence, Ukraine training, industrial cooperation and the “shadow fleet.” EU Enlargement Roadmaps: The Commission is drafting clearer membership action plans with indicative timelines for Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania, while keeping some candidates outside the first wave. Serbia-EU Friction: Aleksandar Vučić said EU meetings have been “torture” over repeated demands for sanctions on Russia, as Belgrade resists. Energy & Markets: European shares rose on a UK housebuilder rally, but oil jumped after Trump rejected Iran’s Hormuz reopening offer, keeping pressure on bonds and inflation fears. Italy Fuel Crisis: SOCAR’s Italiana Petroli will cap petrol and diesel prices in Italy from 28 September, highlighting Azerbaijan’s deeper role in Europe’s energy market. EU Fisheries: EJF and Oceana argue the bloc can cut bycatch and discards using transparency, monitoring and enforcement upgrades without reopening the Common Fisheries Policy. Politics & Justice (Hungary): Hungary’s parliament lifted immunity for PM Péter Magyar and two former Orbán-era ministers as prosecutors pursue criminal investigations. Pope in Metz: Pope Leo XIV arrived in Metz to speak on Europe’s future and unity, with nationalist pressures and the Ukraine war shaping the message.