State Election Shock for Merz/CDU: Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Sunday’s Mecklenburg-Vorpommern result a “disaster” after the CDU crashed to 4.9% and failed to enter the state parliament for the first time in postwar history, while the AfD led with about 38.2% and the SPD followed at 35.5%; in Berlin, the CDU also lost ground as the Left gained, piling pressure on Merz’s reform agenda and his political survival. Far-Right Security Alarm: European intelligence chiefs warned Russia-linked sabotage and provocations against NATO could intensify in coming months, with a shift toward targeting infrastructure tied to supporting Ukraine and defense industry. NATO Leadership Move: Germany’s top general, Chief of Defence Carsten Breuer, was elected Chair of NATO’s Military Committee, starting in summer 2027. Court Case: Scheuer Trial: Former transport minister Andreas Scheuer went on trial in Berlin over alleged false statements to a parliamentary inquiry about the failed German motorway toll plan. Economy Watch: Destatis reported German passenger car exports fell 4% in Jan–Jul 2026, with electric and hybrid exports also down. EU Data Rules for AI: The EU is studying changes that could let AI firms process personal data without prior consent under “legitimate interest,” still subject to safeguards. Aviation Disruption: An air traffic control failure at NATS’ Prestwick centre disrupted flights across parts of the UK.