EU Defence & Hybrid Threats: EU defence ministers met in Brussels with Kaja Kallas urging faster action to close capability gaps as Russia’s “hybrid” sabotage threat grows, including air defence, drones and ammunition shortfalls, plus a push for a Nato-style emergency coordination protocol. Ukraine Support: Ministers also focused on urgent air defence needs and industrial cooperation, with Ukraine set to feature in new EU defence projects. Red Sea Security: Kallas called for strengthening Operation Aspides in the Bab el-Mandeb area, arguing the current ship numbers are too low for rising Houthi risks. EU Sanctions: The bloc imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and 17 entities over the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. Syria Aid: Von der Leyen said the EU will grant Syria about €722m for recovery, bilateral support and humanitarian aid. Schengen Tech Rollout: Spain continues using EES while other countries work through operational glitches at specific border crossings. Pope Leo XIV: In Metz, the pope urged Europe to return to its Christian roots while engaging migrants, linking unity to peace as the Ukraine war drags on.