EU Electrification Action Plan: The European Commission wants Europe to become the world’s first “electro-powered” continent, targeting 46% electricity by 2040 and pushing electricity-cost rules to cut fossil import bills by an estimated €260bn a year by 2040. Energy Security & Industry Costs (Germany): Germany confirmed a strategic gas reserve equal to 10% of storage capacity, to be filled in 2027-28 and funded via consumer levies—raising bills for households and adding pressure on energy-intensive manufacturers. Antitrust (Construction Chemicals): The Commission issued statements of objections to five construction-chemicals makers and an employers’ association in Spain over suspected cartel coordination on price increases for cement and concrete additives (2021-22). Defence Industrial Base (Belgium/Netherlands): Belgium launched an RFI on alternative frigate builders after ASWF delays and cost blowouts, seeking options that could replace aging ships without a NATO North Sea capability gap. Biopharma M&A (Samsung Biologics): Samsung Biologics agreed an all-cash tender to acquire PolyPeptide for about SFr1.46bn, expanding into peptide therapeutics with facilities across Europe and beyond. Aerospace Aftermarket (ITP Aero): ITP Aero extended a 10-year repair deal for GTF engine parts at its Madrid site, ramping through 2027-28 to grow aftermarket share.