Work & Health: Malakoff Humanis says absenteeism in France’s private sector hit 4.3% in 2025, up 25.5% vs 2019, with long sick leave (60+ days) rising and burnout/depression driving the longest cases. Nature & Land Use: France added 157,000 hectares of protected forest via seven new biological reserves and two expanded ones, mostly in French Guiana, as biodiversity protection faces pressure elsewhere. Carbon Pricing: The EU agreed tighter price controls for its new ETS2 carbon market: if permit prices exceed €45/ton, 40 million permits can be released from a stability reserve (twice a year), with revenues earmarked for bills, EVs and home renovations. Finance Tech: Abbove will power ING Belgium’s new digital wealth planning experience, tailored to ING’s advisory model for personal and private banking clients. Energy Security (G7): Japan plans to push “Look East” style energy-security principles at the G7 in France, focusing on free trade, oil reserves and Strait of Hormuz navigation. Defense Industrial Shift: Germany is moving to build a sixth-generation fighter after FCAS collapse, with Airbus leading a new alliance. Consumer Watchdog: A French consumer body flags risks in car leasing deals (LLD/LOA), including deposit and roadworthiness-test loopholes. Middle East Policy: Israel settlement expansion remains in focus as new funding for 61 settlements is reportedly set for approval, amid coordinated Western sanctions targeting networks tied to West Bank violence.