Baltic Security & NATO Readiness: Poland intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea again, with fighter jets shadowing it without violating Polish airspace, as NATO countries brace for more provocative “tests.” Arctic Posture: The U.S. Air Force ran Northern Viking 26 in Iceland to assess C-130J operations in Arctic conditions, underscoring the High North’s growing military importance. EU Politics & War Crimes: The European Commission warned Serbia that honoring war criminals like Ratko Mladić clashes with EU values, after Belgrade floated a state funeral. Ukraine Support Funding: Belgium reiterated it will not back using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, pushing back against a wider EU push. Energy & Trade: Russia is rerouting grain exports toward Baltic Sea ports as Black Sea routes face drone pressure. Schengen Friction: Truck drivers across the Balkans protested EU Schengen stay limits for professional drivers, threatening action if Brussels doesn’t change the 90/180-day rule. Defense Industry: France and Sweden signed deals for four frigates to boost Sweden’s Baltic air-defense capacity. Climate & Nature: Austria’s Pasterze glacier is now connected by a single narrow ice passage, with NASA warning that link could soon vanish. Tech & Industry: Serbia opened a mass humanoid robot factory in Sabac after the U.S. blocked imports, signaling rapid local scale-up.