Nokia to expand collaboration with Microsoft, accelerate network automation and build a unified data foundation.

UK Prime Minister Burnham said the government’s upcoming budget, due Oct. 28, will be "challenging", marking a shift from his earlier growth-optimistic tone. Officials had planned a modest package focused on cost-of-living relief, lower business costs and devolution, but a deteriorating global backdrop—notably Middle East hostilities that have pushed energy prices higher—has raised inflation and gilt yields, increasing borrowing costs. August inflation rose to a five-month high, keeping the Bank of England rate path under scrutiny. Economists estimate rising yields could cut the £23.6bn fiscal buffer under fiscal rules by about £12bn. Chancellor Healy said the economy shows resilience and the government will continue to pursue growth while taking difficult decisions to preserve stability.

European Commission President Von der Leyen used her annual State of the Union to signal the EU will accelerate bolstering security and defence capabilities and economic resilience. She said the Commission will recalibrate trade relations, reinforce industrial capacity and broaden external partnerships on energy and critical raw materials to enhance the bloc’s capacity to act.