EU Industrial Policy & Funding: The European Commission approved €76m in German state aid for QuantumDiamonds GmbH to build a quantum semiconductor test facility, underlining how Brussels is backing next-gen manufacturing infrastructure. EV Charging Interoperability: Hubject’s Spring Tech Days in Berlin brought the European Commission into the room as industry tested live ISO 15118-20 interoperability, a key step for AFIR rollout across EU charging networks. Auto Restructuring Watch: Reports say Volkswagen is weighing 100,000 job cuts and potential plant closures in Germany, keeping Europe’s industrial jobs debate front and centre. Defence Manufacturing: Romania signed a major €2bn+ framework with Rafael for SPYDER short- and very-short-range air defence, with deliveries and training planned over the next few years. UK Manufacturing Finance: The UK’s mortgage approvals fell to a two-and-a-half-year low, a reminder that higher rates can quickly feed into construction and demand for industrial inputs. Supply Chain & Trade: Malaysia and the EU completed talks on five chapters of MEUFTA, targeting finalisation by 2027, with customs, trade remedies and regulatory practices among the concluded areas. Tech & Skills: Persistent Systems’ proposed €1.1bn takeover of Germany’s Nagarro signals continued consolidation in AI-led engineering services tied to European delivery capacity.