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Merz pitches three-year plan for most Syrians in Germany to return home
11 days ago•Source: france24.com
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Private Intel Firm Accused of Meddling in Slovenia Vote
Investigative reporting links the Israeli private intelligence firm Black Cube, with former Mossad figures on its advisory board, to covert operations in Slovenia intended to influence the national elections and undermine the government, prompting scrutiny from Slovenia and the EU over foreign interference and hybrid threats to democracy.
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Denmark votes in tight race shadowed by Greenland tensions
France 24•18 days ago
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Belgium bolsters security for Jewish sites with troop deployment
The Jerusalem Post•18 days ago
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EU seeks clarifications from Hungary over alleged Russia-leak briefings by its foreign minister
The European Commission urged Hungary to clarify reports that Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó routinely briefed Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on closed EU Council discussions, a claim that raises concerns about trust and confidentiality as Hungary faces elections and maintains Kremlin ties; Budapest denies the allegations, while the Council assesses potential rule breaches.
EU keeps Aspides scope narrow, rejects Hormuz extension amid oil-security pressure
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says there is no appetite among member states to extend the Aspides naval mission to the Strait of Hormuz, preferring to strengthen it within its current area; several ministers voiced reluctance to commit to a Hormuz mandate despite US pressure as Europe weighs protecting global oil supplies and security in a tense region.
Europe Braces for Fresh Energy Shock as Iran Crisis Intensifies
Europe is confronting a renewed energy crisis as the Iran conflict pushes oil and gas prices higher, threatening already fragile growth and rekindling inflation. Brussels faces limited options to curb the fallout, complicating competitiveness amid US tariffs and Chinese competition, making this crisis feel existential for many European economies.
France's local polls test far-right momentum before presidential race
Voters in roughly 35,000 municipalities elect mayors in a ballot seen as a test of far-right momentum and the resilience of mainstream parties ahead of next year’s presidential election, with security a top priority and a second round set for March 22 in cities where no list wins outright.
Poland’s Nawrocki veto blocks €44bn EU defence loan package
Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki vetoed legislation that would have allowed Warsaw to access about €44 billion in EU defence loans from the SAFE programme, fueling a clash with Prime Minister Donald Tusk over how to finance defence spending. The loans would have accelerated military modernization, border security and domestic arms production, but Nawrocki argued they would increase Poland’s dependence on Brussels and urged funding from domestic resources, including central bank reserves; Tusk promised a Plan B and said the veto squandered a patriotic opportunity, while other officials warned blocking SAFE funds could weaken Poland’s defence capabilities.
Ukraine says Bryansk 'key' missile plant hit with Storm Shadow missiles
Ukraine claims it struck the Bryansk microelectronics plant Kremniy El with Storm Shadow missiles, saying the facility makes electronics for Russian missiles and describing the strike as a justified response; Russia says six civilians were killed and dozens wounded in the attack.
EU rebukes Zelensky over Orban remarks amid Hungary-Ukraine oil dispute
EU leaders and Hungary’s opposition blasted Zelensky’s comments toward Viktor Orban as “not acceptable” amid tensions over Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline and Hungary’s blocking of sanctions and a 90‑billion‑euro Ukrainian loan. Brussels urged de‑escalation, with EU Council President Costa working to move the loan forward and Commission officials echoing the call for calmer rhetoric. The row was compounded by Hungary detaining seven Ukrainian bank staff over money‑laundering suspicions and expelling them, which Kyiv condemned as state terrorism; Zelensky’s suggested language‑based communication with Orban drew the backlash.
EU presses green-energy pivot as prices spike amid Middle East tensions
Amid soaring energy bills and volatile markets driven by Middle East conflict and disruptions to Russian supplies, the EU held an emergency meeting to defend its plan to replace imported fossil fuels with homegrown green energy, while also signaling short-term measures to cut bills and improve supply using existing rules, amid political pressure from national leaders and populist opposition.
Zelenskyy invites Slovak PM to Kyiv amid Druzhba oil dispute
President Zelenskyy invited Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to Kyiv to discuss all issues after a week of tensions over the Druzhba pipeline, which has been out of operation for about a month. Hungary and Slovakia want access to inspect the pipeline; Fico argues EU exemptions cover the deliveries and Slovakia has halted some energy shipments to Ukraine in retaliation. The leaders also agreed to form a joint investigative team to assess the pipeline’s condition following a phone call.
Italy urges pause on EU carbon market amid competitiveness fears
Italy's Industry Minister Adolfo Urso asked the EU to suspend the Emissions Trading System until a comprehensive reform is unveiled later this summer, arguing the ETS acts as a tax on energy-intensive firms and harms European competitiveness, while Nordic industry groups stress the ETS as a key, reformable tool.