Middle East Tensions Hit Europe’s Markets: European stocks closed mostly lower as Iran–US fears lifted oil prices and pushed bond yields higher after a reported incident in the Strait of Hormuz, with investors also watching the expired ceasefire and renewed escalation risks. Ukraine Politics in Focus: Sacked defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for wartime elections, arguing democracy can’t be held hostage by Russia, while protests in Kyiv demand his return and Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies move ahead with a probe ahead of a key vote on a new defence minister. EU Digital Rules—Apple Adjusts App Store Fees: Apple overhauled EU App Store terms from October 1, setting new commission rates for in-app purchases and alternative payment routes, drawing sharp criticism from Epic Games. EU Trade & Competition: The European Commission cleared Naspers’ full takeover of Romanian eMAG, saying the deal doesn’t raise competition concerns. Business & Tech: OKX Card usage surged across Europe as crypto shifts toward everyday spending; meanwhile, XTransfer highlighted AI-driven cross-border payment efficiency at its Shenzhen summit. Climate Pressure: Estonia’s forest inventory warns trees are being cut faster than they regrow, adding to Europe’s wider heat, drought and insurance stress.