Energy Security: Germany confirmed plans for a strategic gas reserve equal to 10% of storage capacity, to be filled in 2027-28 and covering about two weeks of winter use; costs (€1.5bn to set up, up to €310m a year to maintain) will be funded via consumer levies, with estimates of roughly €42 more per year for households. EU Migration & Asylum: EU governments agreed a negotiating position for 2028-2034 funding rules tied to asylum, borders and internal security, shaping how the bloc implements its new migration system while keeping safeguards central. Ukraine-EU: The European Commission said Ukraine is ready to open formal talks on the EU single market cluster, after “homework” on reforms—while member states debate how fast to move. Politics & Elections: Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned the US not to interfere in German elections after Washington announced a grants scheme for Europe-based groups aligned with “shared political philosophy.” Health & Industry: Siemens Healthineers will invest about €70m to expand its Kemnath medical-tech manufacturing site, adding radiotherapy component production and automation. Sports: Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro blamed Germany’s World Cup exits on structural and cultural issues, including youth development and slow approvals for infrastructure.