The SASE3 Variable Polarization project is intended to offer polarization control of the X-ray FEL pulses at the European XFEL. The project was completed in early 2022. During the winter shutdown 2021-2022, all four APPLE-X helical undulators were placed in the tunnel and first lasing was achieved in April 2022. Unfortunately, further use of the helical afterburner proved impossible, as the encoders used to position the magnetic structures of the undulator were damaged by radiation. To carry out repairs, all undulators were removed from the tunnel in the summer 2022, and investigations were carried out to determine the cause of the radiation damage. This article presents measures taken to minimize further radiation damage in order to ensure the continued operation of the helical afterburner.

An ultrafast laser system for driving the photocathode RF gun at the European XFEL has been recently put into operation. The new laser system, NExt generation PhotocAthode Laser (NEPAL) is capable of providing drive laser pulses of variable pulse lengths and shapes, supporting the facility to extend its capabilities to operate in multiple user-desirable FEL modes. In this paper, we present a preliminary characterization of the low-emittance electron beams produced by NEPAL in the photoinjector. Both experimental and numerical results will be presented and discussed.

Scientific opportunities with very hard XFEL radiation demands dedicated facility development towards FEL operation in the sub-ångström regime. Very hard X-rays provide capabilities of high Q-range coverage and high penetration, and also allow access to the K-edge spectroscopy of high-z materials. Production of such X-rays using FELs takes advantage of general FEL characteristics such as large coherence, short pulse option, variable pump-probe delay control and higher brightness compared to conventional storage ring sources. R$\&$D activities in the characterization and production of high energy photon beams beyond 25 keV has been launched since 2021 at the EuXFEL. Photon beams of 30 keV have been produced, characterized and delivered to experimental hutches. In this paper, we give an overview of the overall development. Obtained results will be discussed.