Energy Security: Germany will build a strategic gas reserve equal to 10% of storage capacity, to be filled in 2027-28, costing €1.5bn to set up and up to €310m a year to maintain, funded via consumer levies—expected to add about €42 annually to household energy bills. Auto Industry Shock: Volkswagen is signaling further restructuring, with an internal memo pointing to up to 50,000 more job cuts worldwide, bringing potential losses to 100,000 as the group battles a cost gap and intensifying competition. China-EU Car Race: Xinhua frames the auto shift as a call for deeper China-EU cooperation, noting Volkswagen’s China R&D/testing center and the broader debate over whether European firms can compete fairly with Chinese EVs. Digital & Media Tech: Mediagenix says it’s rolling out AI agents to automate broadcasters’ scheduling and rights checks, while Germany’s regulator moves to treat Google AI summaries under media rules. Crypto & Platforms: SCANDIC TRADE launches an AI-assisted, self-custody trading workspace focused on SNC SCANDIC COIN. Logistics & M&A: Uber is in advanced talks to buy Germany’s Delivery Hero, potentially valuing it above €36/share. Business Finance: Kroll acquires Berlin-based ABC economics to expand competition and economic advisory capabilities.