Travel & AI Trust Gap: A new Phocuswright study says European travellers are using AI to plan trips across many channels (standalone tools, OTAs, metasearch, and search answers), but confidence in AI-generated info is much lower (only ~17–20% trust it), leaving brands exposed if they rely on one channel. Middle East Energy Risk: Iran claims it struck a US unmanned vessel in the Strait of Hormuz as fighting escalates after US strikes on Iranian oil tankers; the back-and-forth is again rattling shipping and crude flows. France-Linked Trade Signal: Türkiye’s automotive exports hit $27.2bn in Jan–Aug, with France among the top destinations; exports to France rose by $338m year-on-year. Border Chaos Watch: EU entry-exit system flexibility ends, raising fears of renewed queues; France may avoid immediate disruption due to technical issues with the EES software. Fast-Fashion Crackdown: Shein’s IPO flop and valuation collapse underline investor concerns over ESG and supply-chain risk, as France pushes new fees targeting ultra-fast fashion. Environment & Circular Economy: Toulouse’s floating plastic barrier on the Garonne has collected 8 tonnes of litter since last September, aiming to stop river waste before it reaches the sea. Niger Coup Fallout: Niger accuses France of backing a failed coup attempt, while Paris denies interference—another sign of worsening ties with the former colonial power. ECB Rates Focus: Markets expect the ECB to lift rates again (from 2.25% to 2.5%), with knock-on effects for mortgages, cash and bond markets.