Settlement Trade Sanctions: France says it will end trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, joining a coalition that includes the UK and Canada, with measures aimed at companies and services tied to settlement expansion. EU Russia Sanctions Deadlock: EU capitals failed to agree on rolling over Russia sanctions, extending the deadline after France and Slovakia pushed to delist Kremlin-linked oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman. Arctic Security Push: Leaders from 12 European countries urge the EU to expand its Arctic presence, calling for more strategic capacity as Russia tensions and new sea routes grow. Nuclear Deterrence Cooperation: Finland formally joins France’s forward nuclear deterrence initiative, stressing it won’t replace NATO and setting up a nuclear steering group. AI Governance at the UN: France will host a UN Security Council meeting on AI next week, framing it as a global security and child-safety issue. Cost-of-Living Politics: A new poll finds voters increasingly pessimistic ahead of 2027, with purchasing power driving anger and demand for radical change. Middle East De-escalation Talk: Zelensky says Ukraine is ready for de-escalatory steps if Russia reciprocates, after Trump announced a mutual halt on energy strikes. France-Iraq Energy/Defense: TotalEnergies seeks a stake in a consortium to build a Basra-Baniyas pipeline as France and Iraq deepen ties. Sports & Culture: USA beat France to win a fifth straight FIBA Women’s World Cup title; meanwhile, EU KIDS Act plans target social media access for under-15s.