Instant Payments Upgrade: Cyprus is preparing to let people transfer money using only a mobile phone number, building on Greece’s IRIS system and aiming for a launch in early 2027 (after late-2026 targets proved hard). The service will work inside existing bank apps via an “IRIS” button, enabling cross-bank transfers in about 10 seconds across SEPA without entering an IBAN. EU Payments Strategy: The European Central Bank is pushing the digital euro partly to reduce Europe’s reliance on US card networks like Visa and Mastercard, warning that payment infrastructure could become a geopolitical pressure point. Sports Media & Local Business: Liga Asobal has launched Asobal TV, a direct-to-consumer platform broadcasting Spain’s top handball league, with coverage available in Spain and Andorra. It mixes free and paid content, with subscriptions starting at €5.99/month and €49.99/year (discounts for a limited period and for club season-ticket holders).