Energy Security: Germany plans a strategic gas reserve equal to 10% of storage capacity, to be filled in 2027-2028 and funded via consumer levies, with costs put at €1.5bn to set up and up to €310m a year to maintain—expected to add about €42 per household annually. Franco-German Defence Push: Chancellor Merz and President Macron pledge deeper defence cooperation, including Germany joining a French nuclear exercise with conventional forces and a “roadmap” to strengthen air defences and long-range strike capabilities after the FCAS fighter-jet fallout. China Trade Pressure: Paris and Berlin plan a joint roadmap by September to tackle China’s trade imbalances, focusing on faster EU market investigations and protection for sectors hit by subsidised overcapacity. Volkswagen Shockwaves: Reports say Volkswagen is preparing up to 100,000 job cuts and plant closures; workers will be able to question CEO Oliver Blume at staff assemblies in August. Corporate Deal Watch: Uber has agreed to acquire Germany’s Delivery Hero in a deal valuing it around $14.8bn, aiming to expand its global food-delivery footprint. Public Safety: A rail security worker was critically injured after falling from a moving train during a confrontation with a passenger on a route between Offenburg and Karlsruhe. Politics & Influence: Merz warns the US against interfering in Germany’s September elections, stressing foreign funding of German parties is illegal. Wildfire Health: Wildfire smoke is spreading across western and central Europe, raising concerns about air quality and health risks, especially from fine particles and toxic compounds.