Energy Security: Germany is looking to Algeria for long-term gas deals as storage sits at about 53% ahead of autumn, with officials warning of a potential winter crunch. Sabotage & Security: Police and grid operator reports say improvised explosives were used at a Brandenburg substation, briefly disrupting power and prompting investigations into who is behind the attacks. EU Foreign Policy Deadlock: A group of EU states, including Germany, is pushing to move beyond “obstructive” vetoes in foreign policy, arguing consensus must not block action. Ukraine-Russia Tensions: Germany is reportedly preparing to formally blame Russia for a Leipzig airport drone incident involving explosives, as ministers coordinate responses with NATO and EU partners. Markets & Inflation: Bond yields and global risk sentiment are rattling investors, with gold sliding on higher rate expectations and oil jumping amid Iran-related tensions. Volkswagen Restructuring: VW management plans to propose ending production at four German plants between 2031 and 2034, a move likely to intensify pressure on the auto sector. Politics in the East: Chancellor Merz says a CDU-led minority approach could work in Saxony-Anhalt, but sets limits on what AfD/Left-backed cooperation would allow. Sports (Local Interest): Germany’s women’s basketball team heads into the FIBA World Cup in Berlin with injuries and warmup losses, while transfer deadline day brings more focus on German clubs.