Diesel Diplomacy: The Trump administration escalated pressure on Europe, telling Germany and France to draw down emergency diesel inventories or face a potential U.S. export ban, as EU leaders weigh the risk of higher global prices against relief for households. EU Budget & Energy Flexibility: Italy’s Meloni pushed the European Commission for more room to maneuver on energy-driven inflation, but Brussels said flexibility has already been granted. Markets & Italy’s Cost of Borrowing: Italian BTP-Bund spreads jumped above 118 bps, with yields near multi-year highs as crude prices and debt concerns feed rate expectations. SoutH2 Hydrogen Corridor: Algeria and partner countries signed the Algiers Ministerial Declaration to advance the SoutH2 green hydrogen corridor, targeting 4 million tons annually and a dedicated technical secretariat. Vatican Peace Effort: Cardinal Matteo Zuppi visited Ukrainian POWs in Russia, urging further prisoner exchanges and family reunifications. Italian Politics & Society: Italy’s school curbs on burqas/niqabs and limits on non-Italian-speaking pupils continue to spark debate over integration and rights. Rome’s Media Hub: MIA Market returns with a new format, overlapping with the Rome Film Festival and expanding venues across Via Veneto hotels.