EU Defence Industry: Sweden is putting €45m into ammunition production (gunpowder, explosives and key components) with matching support for firms applying under the EU’s European Defence Industry Programme, aiming to ease bottlenecks in army needs. EU Industrial Policy: The EU’s Chips Act 2.0 is still not law as negotiations drag on, after auditors warned the original Chips Act target of 20% global share by 2030 is unlikely to be met. EU Packaging & Compliance: New EU packaging rules are rolling out, with PFAS limits in food packaging and broader requirements pushing firms to adapt—especially smaller exporters facing registration and pallet/container knock-ons. Manufacturing Skills: South Africa’s special economic zones are struggling to deliver jobs and investment fast enough, with skills, market access and finance gaps holding back factory ramp-ups. Hydrogen & Heavy Industry: Power to Hydrogen has started installing a 0.5MW anion exchange membrane electrolyser at Antwerp-Bruges, marking its first commercial deployment in an industrial port setting. Auto Supply Chains: Röchling Automotive is set to supply Leapmotor’s European model programme from Spain, reflecting deeper localization as Chinese EV makers expand in Europe. Security & Supply: Ukraine’s air defence is under pressure from ballistic missile shortages, with Patriot interceptors described as running critically low.