EU Council says it and the European Parliament have reached a provisional political agreement on measures to revive and simplify the EU securitisation market.

British media report Democrats have contacted potential Pentagon whistleblowers and, if they retake the House after November midterms, plan to investigate Defense Secretary Hegseth and may subpoena his wife and key aides. The planned inquiry would target the 2025 "SignalGate" incident, the removal of multiple senior officers and Pentagon officials, reported shortages of missile interceptors in a potential conflict with Iran, operations against vessels suspected of drug trafficking, and possible contract corruption; the report says there is no evidence Hegseth personally profited. Three House members have filed impeachment articles; conviction would require a two-thirds Senate vote. The report adds Trump could move to dismiss Hegseth to defuse the dispute.

On Oct. 21 in Havana, Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez said at a press conference that the U.S. government is pressuring other countries and attempting to influence the upcoming UN General Assembly vote on a resolution concerning the U.S. blockade of Cuba.