Author: Olga Winter - EU Newsdesk

Cliff Notes – US halts all asylum decisions after DC shooting The United States has paused all asylum decisions following a shooting incident involving National Guard members near the White House, emphasising the need for heightened vetting. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated that the “safety of the American people always comes first,” as immigration policies are reviewed post-incident. In response to the shooting, authorities are reassessing green cards issued to individuals from 19 countries and…

TL;DR Two oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” caught fire in the Black Sea, prompting a large-scale rescue operation for their crews. The first tanker exploded due to an “external impact,” with authorities considering the possibility of naval mines or a targeted attack as causes. Both vessels, subject to international sanctions for their role in circumventing restrictions on Russian crude oil, raise environmental and shipping safety concerns in a war-affected region.…

Cliff Notes – Zelenskyy ally Andriy Yermak resigns amid corruption probe Andriy Yermak resigned from his position as chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following searches of his home amid a corruption investigation linked to a kickback scheme at Ukraine’s state-run energy firm, Energoatom. The resignation coincides with escalating scrutiny of high-level corruption in Ukraine, prompting public frustration and calls for accountability among senior officials, including some within Zelenskyy’s party. President Zelenskyy stated he…

Cliff Notes – US treating National Guard shooting as terrorism case The FBI is investigating the shooting of two National Guard members near the White House as a terrorism case, with the suspect having previously collaborated with US forces in Afghanistan. The victims, both in critical condition, are Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, and charges against the suspect may escalate depending on their recovery. The shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been living in…

TL;DR The new EU Pact on Asylum and Migration aims to restore public confidence in migration policies, focusing on secure borders and efficient asylum procedures. Dialogue with controversial regimes like the Taliban is deemed essential for the return of rejected asylum seekers, despite concerns over legitimising such governments. The concept of ‘return hubs’ has garnered support as an innovative solution for managing migrants with no right to remain in the EU. EU Migration Commissioner: ‘We…

TL;DR The European Parliament is grappling with the challenge of balancing economic growth and climate responsibility amidst a pivotal moment for climate action in Europe. MEPs from different political factions, including EPP’s Hildegard Bentele and Javi López from the Socialists & Democrats, are debating the EU’s unified stance on climate change. The discussion highlights the urgency for the EU to forge a cohesive strategy to address climate issues while maintaining economic stability. Is the Green…

TL;DR France and the UK are advocating for robust security guarantees for Ukraine, including a potential multinational military presence to deter future aggression from Russia. The “Coalition of the Willing,” comprising numerous countries, has met to finalise contributions and strategise security measures, despite differing views among Western allies regarding troop deployment. Following discussions between Ukraine and the US, key terms for a peace agreement are being revised, with calls for European involvement to ensure the…

Cliff Notes – Police arrest four more suspects Louvre heist French authorities have arrested four additional suspects linked to the €88 million Louvre jewel heist, including two men aged 38 and 39, and two women aged 31 and 40. The jewels, stolen on October 19, remain unaccounted for, with DNA evidence tying the prime suspect to the crime scene. French authorities on Tuesday arrested another four suspects in connection with last month’s jewel heist from…

Cliff Notes – Parts of Nigeria are in crisis The UN World Food Program warns that nearly 35 million people in Northern Nigeria could face severe food insecurity by 2026, exacerbated by militant attacks and economic instability. Ongoing funding shortages have led to cuts in nutrition programs, impacting over 300,000 children as nearly 6 million lack basic food supplies in affected states. Increasing jihadist violence, including mass abductions, is compounding the humanitarian crisis, with experts…

Cliff Notes – Israel says it targeted a Hezbollah commander in Beirut strike but killed families and children Israel broke the peace deal when it launched an airstrike in Beirut, killing top Hezbollah commander Haytham Ali Tabatabai amidst Netanyahu forced escalating tensions with Lebanese. The attack resulted in at least 29 fatalities and 28 injuries, prompting condemnation from Lebanon’s President, Joseph Aoun, who called for international intervention. Israel kills scores of civilians in Beirut strike…

TL;DR Approximately €300 billion in Russian Central Bank assets are frozen across G7 countries, with €185 billion held in Belgium’s Euroclear. The US proposes to unblock funds, allocating $100 billion for Ukraine’s reconstruction while retaining 50% of profits and creating a joint venture fund for Moscow. This plan risks diminishing Europe’s leverage, leaving Brussels without a say and facing a significant financial burden. Watch the video: Russian frozen assets — what’s next? . Published on…

TL;DR European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised that Ukraine must freely determine its own future, with the EU playing a central role in peace negotiations. Key conditions for a sustainable peace agreement include the need to halt hostilities, prevent forcible border changes, and ensure Ukraine’s military sovereignty. The EU, along with Ukraine and Canada, plans a summit to focus on the return of abducted Ukrainian children, underscoring their plight in any peace discussions.…

TL;DR European leaders have classified the US’s 28-point plan for Ukraine as a “draft” that requires modifications to ensure the protection of Ukrainian sovereignty and military strength. Concerns centre around proposals for Ukraine’s territorial concessions and military downsizing, which leaders insist must receive approval from EU and NATO members. An alternative plan is being discussed among supportive nations, focusing on the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukrainian reparations, while pressures on Ukraine to accept…

TL;DR Nathan Gill, a former European lawmaker, has been sentenced to 10.5 years in prison for accepting bribes to promote pro-Russian narratives during his tenure as an MEP. The bribery scheme was directed by Viktor Medvechuk, an oligarch with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising concerns about broader influence operations targeting EU politicians. Gill’s actions, along with recent events in Sochi involving multiple MEPs, highlight ongoing pro-Russian sentiments among some European lawmakers, even…

TL;DR High Representative Kaja Kallas accuses Russia of offering only “lip service” in a new peace plan for Ukraine, emphasising that any agreement must involve Ukrainian and European support. Reports reveal a US-Russia peace blueprint with unfavourable terms for Kyiv, prompting scepticism from European ministers who stress the necessity of Ukraine’s involvement in negotiations. Kallas advocates for using immobilised Russian assets to fund reparations for Ukraine, asserting this approach would counteract Russia’s efforts and support…

Cliff Notes – Will Serbia’s presidential election bring change in teh hostile region? Bosnia and Herzegovina is experiencing a political crisis, 30 years post-Dayton, with rising nationalism and discussions of territorial decentralisation. The upcoming election pits Milorad Dodik’s ally Sinisa Karan against Branko Blanusa; a tight race could lead to further destabilisation if the outcome incites conflict. Will the Republika Srpska presidential election bring change? Thirty years after the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement…

Cliff Notes – EU proposes softening AI and data privacy regulations The European Commission aims to ease AI and data privacy regulations to foster innovation and competitiveness within the EU, reacting to pressures from businesses and global tech competition. Proposed changes include delaying strict AI rules for high-risk areas until late 2027 and reducing cookie consent requirements under GDPR, potentially lowering compliance burdens for companies. Critics, including privacy advocates, accuse the Commission of undermining digital…

TL;DR France is experiencing a political crisis marked by the dissolution of Parliament and ongoing budgetary pressures, with rising public debt due to social spending. Ex-government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot and Communist senator Ian Brossat have opposing visions for a new political model to address the nation’s challenges. The current administration is faced with questions regarding its credibility in Europe and the potential need for a shift in France’s social model. The Ring in Paris: Thevenot…

TL;DR – German chancellor urges Ukraine to curb male refugee numbers German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to prevent an influx of young Ukrainian men to Germany, urging them to serve in Ukraine instead. The rising numbers of young Ukrainian men arriving in Germany, from 19 in mid-August to up to 1,800 by late October, has become a point of concern for the CDU and CSU, as well as an…

Cliff Notes – Cypriot president visits Berlin before Cyprus EU presidency Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss key issues for Cyprus’s EU presidency starting January 1, 2026, focusing on EU defence, border management, and enlargement. The meeting also addressed EU competitiveness, particularly in light of Chancellor Merz’s recent push for simplifying legal regulations among member states. The ongoing Cyprus problem and potential Turkish involvement in EU defence initiatives were significant…

Touts are finished! The UK government is set to ban the resale of tickets for concerts and sporting events at inflated prices, targeting ticket touts using automated technology. Music artists and bands are advocating for stronger measures against the secondary ticket market, which they argue undermines accessibility and fairness for fans. Critics, including resale platforms, argue that price caps could lead to increased illegal trading and fraud, suggesting a more competitive market instead. UK plans…

Cliff Notes – Scores killed in bus accident in Arequipa region A collision between a double-decker bus and a pickup truck in Arequipa resulted in at least 37 fatalities, marking one of Peru’s deadliest bus accidents. Approximately 60 passengers were on board; 36 died at the scene, while one succumbed to injuries later. The bus was en route from Chala to Arequipa when the crash occurred. Rescue efforts are complicated by the rocky terrain, and…

Cliff Notes – Trump signs spending bill, ending US government shutdown. The House of Representatives passed a spending bill, ending the longest government shutdown in US history, lasting 43 days. The bill, supported by 222 representatives, funds the government until January 2026 and provokes ongoing debate over healthcare subsidies. Key Democratic leaders vow to continue fighting for health insurance tax credits, despite some party members supporting the Republican deal. Trump signs spending bill, ending US…

Cliff Notes – 49 migrants feared dead as boat capsized near Libyan coast A rubber boat carrying 49 migrants capsized off the Libyan coast, with only seven survivors reported, while 42 others are missing and presumed dead. Among the missing, 29 are from Sudan, eight from Somalia, three from Cameroon, and two from Nigeria, with survivors having spent six days adrift. This incident coincides with another capsizing near Crete, where three people died and 56…

TL;DR The EU is undertaking its largest rearmament initiative since the 1950s, prompted by increased concerns over defence and security following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. A significant majority of Europeans (around 80%) express worry about the EU’s security in the next five years, raising questions about the financial commitment to defence. Key topics for discussion include the potential for an EU nuclear deterrent, the development of military capabilities, and the evolving nature of warfare with…