EU Sanctions Gridlock: EU foreign ministers failed to agree on the 21st Russia sanctions package, raising the odds of oil price-cap pressure and renewed bargaining over fishing and visa bans. EU Trade vs Israel Settlements: Ireland’s foreign minister says Brussels is stalling on an EU-wide ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements, with the key fight now over whether it’s a foreign-policy call (unanimity) or a trade measure (qualified majority). Hungary’s EU Funding: The European Commission cleared Hungary’s revised €10bn recovery plan, unlocking about €6.5bn in grants and €3.5bn in loans, tied to anti-corruption and procurement milestones. Hungary Politics & Rule of Law: Parliament passed a constitutional amendment to remove President Tamás Sulyok, with a new financial-abuse probe and judicial reforms; Sulyok has five days to sign or face impeachment. Mercedes EV Push: Mercedes inaugurated a €1bn expansion of its Kecskemét plant, starting electric C-Class production and adding battery and paint capacity. Hotel Sector Under Pressure: Hungary’s hotel industry is feeling the squeeze from labor costs and a strong forint, with exchange-rate moves hitting profits fast. IKEA Strike Disruptions: IKEA workers in Hungary staged a third day of strikes, causing checkout queues and order delays while unions seek a 6% wage rise and more pay transparency. Mossad-Ahmadinejad Claim: Reports say Israel tried to recruit former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad via secret meetings in Budapest, with Iran later placing him under house arrest. Business & Culture: Danubius will rebrand Hotel Erzsébet City Center Budapest under Radisson Individuals, while KVIFF Promises highlighted Central European film projects in development.