Defense & NATO Budgeting: Chancellor Friedrich Merz says NATO allies will confirm EUR 140bn in Ukraine support for 2026-2027, adding that Russia has “no chance” of winning. Missile Production in Germany: Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin plan joint ATACMS production in Europe, with Germany as the first non-US production site. Markets & Energy Shock: US-Iran tensions and strikes push oil higher and revive Strait of Hormuz supply fears, dragging equities and lifting European gas futures. Volkswagen Restructuring: VW’s supervisory board will review a far-reaching cost-cutting plan, including closing four plants and cutting 50,000 jobs, as pressure mounts over China competition. Industrial Policy & Transparency: Germany faces a debate over tightening its Freedom of Information Act, with Human Rights Watch warning it could restrict public access. Energy Security: Germany is set to build emergency gas reserves (up to EUR 1.5bn), aiming to bolster supply resilience. Tech & Security Chips: Fraunhofer-backed RISC-V secure element chips are designed and manufactured in Germany for connected-device trust. Circular Packaging: LyondellBasell and Mondelez expand recycled-content packaging for Marabou, with more circular feedstock planned from a Wesseling recycling plant. Crypto & Banking: Germany’s banks are moving to offer crypto trading via everyday apps, while policy talk continues on ending crypto tax breaks.