IAEA Tensions: Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami was barred from the Vienna IAEA conference after a US objection, with Austria saying it sought a sanctions travel waiver that failed under committee consensus rules. Border Security: Austria extended land and river border controls with Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary and Slovenia through March 2027, citing action against smuggling and irregular migration. Defense Debate: Poland’s FM Radosław Sikorski claimed Europe could defeat Russia “quite quickly” even without the US, sparking pushback from a wider reality-check on capabilities. Energy Markets: Uniper agreed to sell its 20% stake in the Opal gas pipeline to Hy24, a step tied to EU bailout conditions. Rail Investment: Siemens Mobility is building its first Polish Rail Service Center near Poznań, opening in 2027 for maintenance across Central and Eastern Europe. Diplomacy & Trade: Slovakia highlighted Vietnam’s growing global role as ties deepen into energy, defense industry, transport and digital cooperation. Nuclear Project Watch: Rosatom reiterated Paks II’s progress in Vienna, stressing designs for low Danube water levels and continued construction milestones. Democracy Watch: A new report says democracy declined across Europe from 2020-2025, with setbacks outnumbering improvements. Aviation Shock: airBaltic’s Chapter 11 filing signals a tougher winter for smaller airlines as the Iran war keeps jet fuel costs high. Archaeology: Slovakia unearthed a Roman military camp near Šurany linked to Marcus Aurelius, including soldiers’ remains and weapons.