Author: Iris East

The death of French far-right activist Quentin Deranque has prompted the Patriots for Europe group to request a minute of silence at the European Parliament’s next plenary session, following his fatal assault during protests in Lyon.

The French Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson demands an explanation from European Commissioner Marija Šuica following the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace on Thursday, underscoring the importance of clarity in EU diplomatic engagements.

Homeownership rates are declining across Europe, with the Re/Max Europe annual European Housing Trend report revealing a 2% drop in the UK, France, Germany, Romania, and the Czech Republic. This shift reflects changing lifestyle preferences and financial barriers in today’s economy.

Georgian President Salomé Zourabichvili stated in an interview with Euronews that Russian President Vladimir Putin “has to be brought to peace by constraint,” emphasizing the urgency of addressing ongoing regional tensions.

Spain’s government is set to legalise around 500,000 undocumented migrants, prompting various inaccurate claims regarding their rights, as stated by officials during the announcement. This development matters now amid ongoing discussions on immigration policy in Europe.

The European Commission’s Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, has faced backlash from several EU member states, led by France, for attending the Board of Peace meeting in Washington without prior communication, raising concerns over foreign policy mandates and potential endorsement of the initiative.

EU member states will extend the carbon market regulation to prevent price spikes post-2030, according to Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth. This decision aims to ensure stable energy costs as the new emissions trading system launches in 2028.

António José Seguro, newly elected President of Portugal, won approximately two-thirds of the vote against André Ventura, marking a significant defeat for the far right. This result is crucial amid rising populism and ongoing tensions in Portuguese society.

The European Parliament and member states have drafted a procedure to select the hosting country for the future European Customs Authority, with formal approval anticipated shortly. This development is significant as it shapes the future of customs regulation in the EU.

The European Commission has unveiled a strategy to assist nine EU member states bordering Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, aiming to mobilise billions of euros to combat economic and demographic decline. This move addresses urgent regional challenges.