Author: Iris East

Renew Europe’s President Valérie Hayer, speaking from Helsinki, stated, “Ukraine is not a bargaining chip,” in response to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s comments linking US involvement in Iran with support for Ukraine. Hayer emphasised that European focus must remain on defending Ukraine against Russian aggression.

The British Parliament’s House of Lords has voted to decriminalise abortion, ensuring women who terminate pregnancies can no longer face criminal liability. This move follows concerns over the prosecution of over 100 women under the 1861 Offences Against the Person Act, pending final parliamentary approval.

Road fatalities in the EU saw a modest decline of 2% in 2024, but challenges remain significant. Rural roads accounted for over half of the 20,000 deaths, highlighting persistent safety imbalances. Disparities across Member States also persist, with some countries exhibiting up to four times higher fatality rates.

Luís Montenegro announced new economic measures for Portugal following a Council of Ministers meeting, targeting professional sectors in crisis, including fuel and housing. The initiatives, costing approximately €150 million monthly, aim to alleviate pressures while maintaining fiscal stability and include support for agriculture and exemptions on capital gains tax for rental properties.

Cinco Jotas, a prestigious producer of “Pata Negra” ham in Seville, continues to thrive, employing around 700 workers during peak seasons. Their 100% Iberian pigs, fed on acorns, contribute to the iconic delicacy, with exports reaching 35% of production, valued at €130 million last year.

EU officials warn that rising energy prices could mirror the 2022 crisis, driven by geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions. Despite improvements in clean energy production and infrastructure, uncertainty remains high as the conflict’s duration impacts market stability. Coordinated EU measures are underway to mitigate risks.

The European Commission has finalised trade agreements with Australia, India, and Mercosur, facing farmer discontent over the latter due to concerns about beef imports. While Australia secured 30,600 tonnes of annual beef access with conditions, tensions remain regarding competitive pressures on EU agriculture.

Häkkänen stated Helsinki will ensure the US honours contracts with NATO nations supplying weapons for Ukraine amid concerns of potential diversion of military equipment to Iran. He emphasised Finland’s focus on maintaining readiness given its extensive border with Russia, rejecting involvement in the Iran conflict.

Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven have made securing the Strait of Hormuz conditional on the cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, emphasising the need for stability in a region critical to global energy supply and maritime security.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of dishonesty regarding US demands, asserting Zelenskyy misrepresented discussions about territorial concessions related to security guarantees. Rubio also indicated potential shifts in American military support, citing future needs related to Iran.