EU Budget Talks: Several EU states are preparing for a long-term budget proposal that could cut spending by more than €100bn, with farm and cohesion funding at risk. Brexit Reversal Debate: France and Spain welcomed UK PM Andy Burnham’s openness to rejoining the EU, with Macron saying “welcome back.” Migration & Borders: Spain’s Ceuta braces after a historic summer surge, while EU data shows hundreds of thousands of return orders and growing pressure on enforcement. Security & Defence: EU officials warn of a “dark winter” as Russia steps up hybrid threats; Brussels also plans to extend its Mediterranean naval mission to counter Russia’s shadow fleet. Justice & Corruption: The US withdrew from the Council of Europe’s GRECO anti-corruption body. Crime Crackdown: Police raided across Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria and the Netherlands in a probe into an alleged Hells Angels-linked money-laundering network. Consumer Protection: EU consumer authorities investigate major game makers over virtual currency rules and possible addictive design. Politics in Romania: Romania’s parliament rejected a pro-EU PM candidate, deepening a political deadlock. Environment: Copernicus analysis finds nearly 40% of the world’s population exposed to harmful ground-level ozone in 2026.