EU Digital Compliance for SMEs: Apple is changing EU app rules, replacing the EU Core Technology Fee with a 5% commission on qualifying non–App Store digital sales from Oct 1, 2026—another reminder that platform costs can shift fast. SME Hiring Support (Spain): Murcia launched grants up to €10,000 to help small firms and autónomos take on permanent staff, with higher support for older hires and specific vulnerable groups. SME Digitalization (Spain): Cepyme is pushing the Spanish government to move beyond “tools” and fund hands-on advice so SMEs can actually implement digitalization and scale. Export Readiness & Compliance (EU packaging): Multiple reports flag new EU packaging rules as a burden for small exporters, with calls to pause or suspend them. Cybersecurity Reality Check (META): New survey data says 82% of SMBs in the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa faced cybersecurity incidents in the past year. AI for Small Firms (Europe): Google is rolling out cost-control options for Gemini AI use, including pay-as-you-go and spending caps, aimed at helping smaller businesses adopt AI without bill shock. Funding for Green SMEs (Uganda via EU): The EU is backing Uganda’s green enterprise lending push with Shs29bn, expanding bank partnerships to help SMEs overcome collateral barriers. Local Footfall Push (UK): A UK retail petition is calling for 90 minutes of free parking in town centres to boost independent shops. SME Growth via Marketplaces (Temu): Temu’s 2026 seller report says many European small businesses are adding capacity and expanding into new markets after starting on the platform.