EU Digital Sovereignty: EU Commissioner Henna Virkkunen outlined plans to cut dependence on foreign tech providers while using AI to strengthen Europe’s resilience and cybersecurity, including clearer rules for cloud and AI services. Ukraine EU Talks: EU ministers formally opened the first negotiation cluster with Ukraine and Moldova, a major step after Hungary’s earlier veto, but accession still means years of reforms amid the war. Climate Risk Watch: A new “Super” El Niño has begun, with expectations of extreme weather impacts across the world. Hungary’s Water Stress: Reports highlight Lake Velence drying up toward historic lows, raising alarms for tourism and local wildlife. Skilled Labor Pressure: Hungary’s manufacturing faces a potential 40% skilled-worker shortage by 2030 as experienced staff retire and know-how is lost. Media Restructuring: Mediaworks Hungary announced restructuring and staffing cuts, including suspending Metropol and shutting down a Szeged portal. Nuclear Safety Concern: A large international statement condemned a drone attack on electrical infrastructure near the Barakah nuclear plant, warning of possible transboundary environmental and health risks.