EU Security Push: Ursula von der Leyen used her State of the Union to float a new “European Security Council” format and to deepen ties with partners, including Ukraine and Canada. Canada “Associate Member” Shock: She also proposed Canada become the EU’s first “associate member” as a way to build a broader alliance on tech, defence, energy and the Arctic—but EU capitals say they were not consulted, and the term itself has no clear legal meaning yet. EU Defence Readiness: The European Parliament backed a Defense Readiness Omnibus aimed at speeding permits, transfers and procurement for drones, sensors and ammunition, with Russia’s war in Ukraine driving the urgency. War-Risk Insurance for Ukraine: Ukraine is discussing a First Loss Fund for war-risk coverage for businesses, potentially funded partly by a 1-point VAT rise. Child Deportations Sanctions: Ukraine says the EU is preparing sanctions against 27 Russians and entities tied to the deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children. Online Safety Rules: The Commission proposed an EU-wide social media ban for children under 13, with “mini accounts” and tighter controls for older teens. Crypto Crackdown in Bulgaria: Bulgaria adopted DAC8-based rules requiring crypto service providers to register and report user and transaction data to the tax authority. Israel–Netherlands Trade Fight: Israel is weighing further steps after the Netherlands’ ban on trade in Israeli West Bank products. Russia Hybrid Threat: Germany linked a drone incident near Leipzig/Halle Airport to Russia, as ISW warns of coordinated sabotage, cyberattacks and arson across Europe.