Consequences of Iran war ‘may echo for months or years to come,’ EU chief warns – Europe live

Ursula von der Leyen later due to meet new Hungarian leader who is seeking to unlock EU funds in return for reforms Von der Leyen says that “every member state has a different energy mix,” so no blanket EU solution would work. But she calls for more coordination not just on common procurement, but also on fuel reserves, “especially jet fuel and diesel, where markets are tightening.” “ Let us use this to make the switch to electricity – not just in transport, but also in industry and heating. ...

By Jakub Krupa

Von der Leyen confirms Ukraine will receive €6bn from EU for drones in Q2 2026

The first defence package from the EU’s €90 billion loan for Ukraine will amount to around €6 billion and is expected to be disbursed in the current quarter, with a focus on Ukrainian-made drones.

By Tetyana Vysotska,STANISLAV POHORILOV

Hungary's Magyar meets EU's von der Leyen in high-stakes Brussels visit

Even before Peter Magyar takes office as Hungary's prime minister, he is looking to unlock €10 billion in EU funding ahead of an August deadline. Talks with Ursula von der Leyen come as part of a post-Orban EU reset.

EU chief warns billions could be wasted if energy aid is not well targeted as the Iran war bites

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is warning EU countries to focus their energy aid on vulnerable households and industries

By Lorne Cook

People linked to top Orban aide were blocked trying to send funds abroad, Hungary's Magyar says

Peter Magyar is due to be sworn in as Orban's successor on May 9.

Von der Leyen takes EU mutual defence clause from Cyprus to Berlin

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told German Christian Democrat lawmakers on Monday that activating the EU’s mutual defence clause is no longer a question of whether it should happen, but of how to make it work — carrying forward a debate that Cyprus opened at last week’s informal European Council in Ayia Napa. […]

By Andreas Bimbishis

Von der Leyen confirms first EUR 6 billion tranche for Ukraine to procure drones

Ukraine will receive EUR 6 billion by the end of the second quarter 2026 to purchase domestically produced drones for its Defense Forces as part of a €90 billion loan.