EU

Maricarmen Abascal, an elderly woman whose eviction in Madrid ignited nationwide protests, has died following her hospitalisation. Her case, reflecting Spain’s housing crisis, led to mass demonstrations and ultimately prompted Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to call early elections amid ongoing civil unrest.

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Relations between Brussels and Beijing reach a pivotal moment, with the European Commission aiming for “tangible” results by October to address a record €1 billion daily trade deficit with China. Crucial discussions led by EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will occur in Beijing this week, shaping the future of EU-China trade policy.

A Canadian national of Chinese origin, accused of espionage, will remain in pre-trial detention in Belgium. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office extended her detention by one month after rejecting her appeal, following her arrest linked to NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe amid an ongoing investigation.

Romania is poised to forfeit €770 million in EU funds after failing to agree on a public-sector salary law by the 31 August deadline, jeopardising its post-pandemic recovery plan. The European Commission will assess the impact during the final payment request review due by the end of September.

Dominique de Villepin, a former French prime minister, is poised to enter the 2027 presidential race, confirming his candidacy “once the election campaign has begun.” He dismisses participating in a primary as “the latest gimmick for the desperate,” while Olivier Faure plans to announce his entry into the Socialist Party’s primary.

Iceland has voted against resuming European Union membership talks, with 52.8% rejecting the proposal. This decision reflects a mix of relief and disappointment among the populace, as Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir committed to respecting the result, highlighting the importance of the high voter turnout.

Partial results from Iceland’s EU referendum show ‘No’ leading with 59.8% of votes cast, as counting continues. Approximately 10,000 votes are scrutinised, reflecting regional sensibilities about EU membership. Voter turnout appears comparable to the 2024 parliamentary elections, reaching around 80%.

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