79 stories found
Despite plans to cease Russian natural gas imports by 2027, EU states have increased their imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) by a fifth this year due to the Gulf conflict, shifting from pipeline to ship deliveries.
Also: Kaja Kallas won’t ‘fight shadows’ in row over Israel ‘apartheid’ comments
The European Union has officially agreed to launch membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, with talks set to begin on Monday. This decision marks a significant step in the two countries' aspirations to join the bloc.
Luxembourg questions whether Gloden is celebrating too early the end of German border controls, as EU states near agreement on protection for Ukrainian men and return centers, but differences remain between Luxembourg and Germany on Schengen.
The US is involved in various international matters, including a trade probe into Vietnam's intellectual property, considering missile sales to Malaysia, and calling for the release of an Indigenous leader in Nicaragua. Domestically, the country is dealing with a 'vomit bug' outbreak and a former mayor pleading guilty to acting as a Chinese agent.
Russia claims that the number of drone attacks originating from the direction of European Union states is on the rise.
EU states have summoned Russian envoys in response to threats against Kyiv, with Russian President Putin reportedly accepting the idea of a ceasefire mediation by Brussels.
The Hague is planning an asylum summit to discuss third-country solutions for rejected asylum seekers, a policy supported by Germany and four other EU states. The Netherlands is outlining its plan for deporting these individuals to third countries.
Austria, along with Czechia, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia, is advocating for a gradual accession process for Western Balkan countries into the EU, proposing access to specific areas of the single market upon completion of negotiation chapters.
A majority of Austrians are against a permanent US military presence in their country, placing Austria second among EU states in opposition, with only Sweden showing greater disapproval.
The Polish Prime Minister has apologized to same-sex couples and pledged to recognize their marriages conducted in other EU states, with the mayor of Warsaw also announcing the city would begin recognizing such unions.
Iran has announced a new system for maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, with its Revolutionary Guard directly threatening ships that do not comply with their instructions. This development comes amid ongoing tensions and US claims of a ceasefire holding despite past attacks.
New figures reveal that Austria paid 340 million Euros in family benefits to parents working in the country but whose children reside in other EU states. This follows a 2022 European Court of Justice ruling that mandated equal benefits regardless of the children's residence within the EU.
Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs stated there is a "substantial shift" among EU member states regarding Israel, adding that the government is making progress on the Occupied Territories Bill.
Poland is embroiled in a debate over EU defense credits after President Nawrocki vetoed a plan for the country to receive approximately 44 billion euros from the EU credit program for defense, a decision with implications for all EU states.
The Romanian and Bulgarian services of Radio Free Europe are set to cease operations at the end of March, marking the end of an era and a further setback for the already fragile media landscapes in both Southeast European EU states.
EU states send solidarity message to Kurdistan Region after deadly Peshmerga attack rudaw.net
European Union states have adopted various measures, including tax and excise duty reductions, to combat rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict, though the Romanian government has excluded capping fuel prices, citing a lack of funds for universal reductions.
Negotiators from EU states and the EU Parliament failed to reach an agreement on voluntary 'chat control' measures aimed at protecting against child abuse, meaning the current regulation will expire in early April.
Lithuania rejects proposals to ease sanctions on Russia's energy sector, as stated by Remigijus Motuzas, chairman of the Seimas Foreign Affairs Committee. This comes after the Hungarian Prime Minister urged EU states to lift sanctions.
Since the introduction of mandatory travel notification in January, fewer than ten Russian diplomats accredited in other EU member states have announced their travel to the Czech Republic, according to Foreign Minister Petr Macinka.
Representatives from EU member states and the European Parliament have reached an agreement on a proposal that would ban product names like 'vegetarian steak' if approved. The regulation aims to prevent misleading consumers.
Austria proposes establishing return centers with four other EU states, while Greece's Minister of Migration and Asylum expresses full support for Cyprus at an EU Internal Affairs Council meeting, likely discussing migration policies.
The European Commission has decided against creating a new funding facility to help women travel for safe abortions, instead advising EU states to utilize existing funds following a citizens' petition.
EU member states have threatened to initiate legal proceedings over the extent of powers being granted to the European Parliament, according to a letter obtained by Politico, indicating escalating rivalry.
Romania and other European Union states are set to sign a joint declaration with the United States to enhance the security of natural gas supply.
Balkan and Turkish leaders lauded the Board of Peace at its Washington launch, though the participation of an EU Commissioner from Croatia drew criticism from some EU states.
Nineteen European Union member states, including the Czech Republic, have signed a letter to the President of the European Council and the head of the European Commission, stating that the EU's migration policy must deliver results that impact the lives of people in the EU.
EU states are seeking to define their role in resolving the Iran conflict, with the shadow of Trump's policies looming over the G-7 and EU summits. There is hope for a new initiative for Ukraine ceasefire talks.
EU member states and Members of the European Parliament have reached an agreement on the reform of the ETS 2 emissions allowance system. The agreement includes a price cap for the allowances, aiming to regulate carbon emissions more effectively.
European Council President Antonio Costa visited Skopje, stating that constitutional amendments are the only way for North Macedonia to formally begin EU accession negotiations. This sentiment was echoed by other EU officials, highlighting the importance of these reforms for the country's future in the bloc.
The Employee Insurance Agency UWV suggests that Dutch employers can resolve staff shortages by recruiting workers from other EU states, as they are currently overlooking a large potential workforce.
The prohibition of a US corporation's takeover of a Dutch IT company signals a growing awareness among EU states regarding the need to defend technological sovereignty.
Three Croatian trade union federations have sent an urgent letter to the government, raising alarm over the "EU Inc." corporate legal framework regulation, which would allow companies to register in other EU states.
Romania has initiated a joint declaration, signed by 16 EU member states, outlining their vision and demands for the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. The declaration addresses desired measures and allocations for the upcoming EU budget.
Five EU member states are warning that green energy transition could be delayed, become more expensive, and less secure if the European Commission's plans for a centralized electricity grid proceed, opposing Brussels' full control.
The Romanian gay rights association ACCEPT is advocating for the recognition of same-sex couples who have legally married in other European Union member states.
A report by Human Rights Watch urges the EU Commission to strengthen due diligence and transparency rules after finding that surveillance technology produced by EU companies is being exported to states with poor human rights records, with Bulgaria and Poland among those accused.
A significant majority of EU member states are pushing to alter regulations concerning unemployed cross-border commuters, a move that would likely result in Switzerland bearing increased costs. The timing of this decision is politically inconvenient for Switzerland.
At an EU summit, presidents from Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Gulf states were invited for the first time to discuss peace solutions, aiming for networked crisis diplomacy across the Middle East.
Austria, along with Ireland, Poland, Greece, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, is pushing for simplified EU environmental regulations to facilitate the expansion of critical infrastructure.
Kosovo faces a potentially more hostile international environment as far-right parties gain influence in key EU states like France and Germany, coupled with US indifference towards the Balkans under the current administration.
A report by Liberties (Union for Civil Liberties for Europe) has identified several European Union member states, including Croatia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, and Romania, as actively undermining the rule of law and democracy in Central and Southeast Europe, citing issues like judicial independence and political influence. The report also noted worsening democracy standards in six other countries.
Andrius Kubilius, EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, is continuing his "missile tour" across EU states, including Sweden, France, and Norway, in an urgent bid to secure air defence missiles for Ukraine.
A growing group of EU countries, including Romania, are advocating for a review of Green Deal climate targets, citing the impact of the Iran war on energy prices and infrastructure in the Persian Gulf.
Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands are urging for significant progress on a 'Savings and Investment Union' to foster greater capital market integration within the European Union.
US President Donald Trump has defended his decision to ease oil sanctions against Russia, while EU states have agreed to extend their own sanctions against Russia after weeks of discussions.
The European Court of Justice has ruled that EU member states must adapt gender entries in identification documents to reflect the rights of transgender individuals, making everyday activities like travel and package collection less uncomfortable.
Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Greece have agreed on a roadmap to establish controversial 'Return Hubs' in third countries for migrants.
The European Commission is moving forward with the provisional application of the trade agreement between the 27 EU states and Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia), concluding 25 years of negotiations.
The European Commission stops short of creating a new funding facility to enable women to travel for safe abortions.
EU states have threatened to initiate legal proceedings over the amount of powers granted to the European Parliament, according to a letter obtained by Politico.
EU Leaders Furious At Hungary's Double Veto Defeat Of Anti-Russia Measures Hungary strikes again... As the European Union confirms no agreement Monday on a proposed 20th package of sanctions against Russia, EU leaders are furious at Budapest. The majority of EU states were hoping to unveil their next round of punitive sanctions in time for the four year anniversary of the grinding war, on Tuesday. But instead Hungary came in with a resounding veto, and not just one - but two. vi...
Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated that Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funding is a crucial issue for many EU member states as leaders prepare to discuss the next seven-year budget at an EU summit in Brussels.
Sweden is urging other European Union member states to take action against Russian oil tankers operating in their territorial waters.
After two decades of sluggish progress, EU states finally want to speed up the rapprochement of the Western Balkan states.
France is reportedly planning to deploy Rafale jets equipped with tactical nuclear bombs to Poland and other EU states. This move is intended as "forward deterrence" against Russia, raising concerns about the risk of nuclear war.
EU foreign ministers debated Europe's potential role in future peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, with the bloc declaring it would not act as a 'neutral mediator' amid stalled US-led peace efforts.
Economist Gunther Schnabl warns that citizens will no longer tolerate the increasing indebtedness of EU states, predicting that the USA will defend its status as the leading economic power against China. He praises the US government while criticizing the EU's planned economy and failed climate policy.
Spain is pushing for individual EU member states to retain the authority to bar foreign telecommunications providers, emphasizing national security concerns.
Five European Union member states have proposed a plan for the gradual integration of the Western Balkans into the EU's single market. This initiative aims to foster closer ties and economic alignment with the region.
In seven EU member states, including Portugal, more than half of online users detected hostile messages related to racial and ethnic origins, sexual orientation, or beliefs in 2025.
Wealthier northern European states are demanding that strict rule-of-law conditions be attached to the allocation of funds in the upcoming EU budget.
Former Foreign Minister Cristian Diaconescu commented on the upcoming B9 summit in Bucharest, explaining the stakes of the event where personalities from EU states are expected.
According to Eurostat, all but five EU countries (Cyprus, Denmark, Ireland, Greece, and Portugal) spent more money than they earned, indicating a breach of EU budget rules.
Bulgaria's public debt has increased in recent years, leading the country to no longer be among the EU states with the lowest government debt. This development is a frequent topic for politicians amidst ongoing political instability.
European Union member states will conduct a joint military exercise in May to test the bloc's provisions for assisting a member state under armed attack, in response to repeated comments from the White House.
Italy is moving to extend its universal single allowance (Assegno unico e universale) to include EU workers not residing in Italy and their dependent children living in other EU states.
A leading European civil liberties organization has warned that governments in five EU member states, including Croatia, are 'consistently and deliberately' undermining the rule of law, with democratic standards deteriorating in six other countries.
Poland's Supreme Administrative Court has ruled that same-sex marriages concluded in other European Union member states will be recognized in Poland, a decision announced on March 20.
Cuba is attempting to restore power across the island following a nationwide blackout, occurring just as US President Donald Trump declared his intention to 'take' the communist-run nation.
UN Executive Secretary for Climate Simon Stiell stated that Europe's dependence on fossil fuels threatens its security, calling supply disruptions from the war in Iran a 'lesson in humility' for the EU, which imports over 90% of its fossil fuels.
AI-generated videos and images, including a Lego propaganda video from Iran trolling Donald Trump, are widely spreading on social media, contributing to disinformation surrounding the conflict in Iran. These fake depictions of explosions, missiles, and troops highlight the growing challenge of identifying AI-generated content.
A new 'E6' format, comprising the six largest EU economies, promises to accelerate the catching up with the US and China. However, its 70% share of European wealth raises existential fears among smaller states that decisions about the common market will soon be made without them.
Germany, along with four other European Union member states, has officially confirmed plans to begin constructing deportation centers in third countries.
Germany's Bundestag is set to pass two laws today to implement new EU asylum rules, aiming to standardize asylum systems across EU states and reduce the number of asylum seekers remaining in Europe.
Also in this newsletter: Steel industry furious at being left out of ‘Made in Europe’ rules
European Union states are expressing a desire to strengthen their relations with Switzerland.
Ahead of the EU states' deliberations on an important loan for Ukraine, Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto reaffirmed his country's veto. The 20th sanctions package against Russia also...