Digital Consumer Safety: The European Commission issued preliminary findings that Meta’s Facebook and Instagram may breach the Digital Services Act by failing to curb “addictive” design risks, pointing to infinite scrolling, autoplay, Reels/Stories and personalized recommendations, with potential fines up to 6% of global revenue. Child Online Protection: EU President Ursula von der Leyen backed a gradual, age-based approach to social media access, with a proposed minimum age and safety conditions (13+ for stricter safeguards), plus tighter guidance for younger children. Energy Costs & Household Impact: Germany confirmed a strategic gas reserve equal to 10% of storage capacity, to be filled in 2027-28 and funded via consumer levies—projected to add about €42 a year to bills, while energy-intensive industry faces larger burdens. Payments & Money: EU talks on the digital euro are set to progress toward a final law by year-end, aiming for ECB approval in 2027 and a pilot phase next year. Retail & Consumer Markets: Reports say OnePlus plans to withdraw from the US and Europe, selling remaining stock without replenishment. EU Trade Rules: The Commission adopted updates to the EU Deforestation Regulation product scope and digital tools, with the expanded scope applying from Dec 30 and new Annex I items from Dec 30, 2027. Consumer Data Security: A report says hackers breached Lidl’s IT service provider and stole customer data. Climate Shock: A third heat wave is driving major wildfires, including deadly blazes in Spain and a large fire near Paris that forced evacuations.