Defence & AI: Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius pushed back on claims that Bundeswehr modernisation is stuck with outdated gear, pointing to Leopard 2 A8 upgrades and a growing role for AI and unmanned systems in procurement. Cyber & resilience: A new EU-wide cyber exercise highlighted how rail and maritime networks are increasingly dual-use, with digital disruption posing a major readiness risk. Energy infrastructure: Construction has started on Saarland’s first hydrogen pipeline, feeding into the cross-border MosaHYc network with France, as Europe races to build industrial hydrogen links. Hydrogen policy: A leaked EU hydrogen draft suggests a shift from quotas to credits, potentially changing how renewable hydrogen demand is created after 2030. Finance security: EU financial supervisors warned that quantum computing could eventually undermine cryptography used across banking and blockchain, urging earlier preparation. Space & Earth monitoring: Space42 and Telespazio Iberica began a wildfire-monitoring HAPS mission in Spain, using live electro-optical and infrared sensing. Tech in transport: HERE and NIO expanded their Europe mapping deal, rolling streaming map updates across more NIO models. Nuclear restart: Italy’s Senate approved a legal framework for returning to nuclear power, focusing on next-gen technologies and licensing steps. Data centres & power: The EU is moving toward rules that rate data centres on energy and water use, amid mounting local opposition.