Cyprus Banking & Fintech M&A: Three deals are awaiting regulators’ green light in Cyprus and Europe—XM shareholders’ bid for a majority stake in Ancoria Bank, Bank of Cyprus’ purchase of a performing-loan/deposit portfolio from CDB Bank, and ECM Partners’ 50/50 acquisition split with payabl—potentially reshaping the island’s banking landscape and fintech sector. Cyprus Energy Link Uncertainty: Cyprus’ government is staying silent on concerns over the Great Sea Interconnector, raising fears the power link to Europe via Greece could be derailed. ECB Rate Watch: The ECB is widely expected to lift its deposit facility rate to 2.5% as eurozone inflation rises to 3.3% and energy-driven price pressure feeds through to borrowing costs. Greece Credit Momentum: Moody’s says Greece is borrowing more cheaply than France and Italy, citing post-crisis reforms and improved fiscal credibility. Gold Flows: Major fund managers are rebuilding gold holdings despite higher US rate fears, betting on long-term support and portfolio hedging value. Energy Demand & Investment: The IEA flags Türkiye’s fast-rising electricity demand and urges faster infrastructure investment to keep power affordable and resilient. Plastics Policy Push: European recyclers demand “Made in Europe” preference rules so PPWR recycled-content targets actually drive investment and can’t be met with unverifiable imports. Lithium Breakthrough: Geothermal Engineering claims a European first—high-purity technical-grade lithium carbonate from deep brine in Cornwall—aiming to shorten the route to battery supply. Housing Shift in Hungary: Hungary moves toward more rental and publicly supported housing via the Wekerle Housing Construction Programme, raising questions about whether infrastructure spending will outpace delivery. Markets Mixed: Global markets were mixed as strong US jobs data revived rate worries while Europe stayed subdued.