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- Iran agrees in principle to dispose of highly enriched uranium, says US official
- Russia uses hypersonic Oreshnik missile in attack on Kyiv, killing two
- Global Sumud Flotilla activists clash with police at Bilbao airport
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- Reform UK proposes tax-free overtime pay with £5 billion cost to government
- Billionaire donor Christopher Harborne acquires luxury Kamalaya resort in Thailand
- Russia deploys “Oreshnik” missile in Kyiv as part of retaliatory strikes
- US plans new military strikes against Iran amid ongoing diplomatic talks
EU
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the Russian deployment of the “Oreshnik” intermediate-range ballistic missile in Kyiv, following Moscow’s acknowledgment of a retaliatory launch. The missile’s use has drawn sharp condemnation from European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, who denounced the escalation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed Ukraine’s demand for full EU membership, countering German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s proposal for “associate membership” during accession talks. Zelenskyy emphasised Ukraine’s vital role in defending Europe and urged swift progress in its membership negotiations.
Mohamed Bakkali, involved in the November 2015 Paris attacks, has received approval for temporary prison leaves, igniting backlash in Belgium and France. Sentenced to 30 years in France and another 25 in Belgium, his potential parole raises concerns among victims’ advocates and lawmakers regarding justice.
Catalan Minister Jaume Duch praised Madrid’s diplomatic stance, asserting Spain’s early criticism of US actions, particularly regarding Iran, demonstrates its leadership within Europe. Duch emphasised the necessity for closer ties between regional governments and EU institutions to address local challenges more effectively, supporting greater autonomy for Catalonia.
Trade tensions between China and the European Union are escalating, as Beijing urges EU states to reconsider the “Made in Europe” legislation. This proposal aims to restrict foreign access to EU public procurement, drawing sharp criticism from China, which threatens countermeasures if deemed discriminatory.
European Commission Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu announced a new anti-poverty strategy aimed at eradicating extreme poverty and social exclusion in the EU by 2050. The initiative seeks to address the plight of 92.7 million people currently at risk, despite lacking a dedicated budget for implementation.
Hungary has returned $40 million and 9kg of gold to Ukraine’s Oschadbank, seized during a March raid amid diplomatic tensions. President Zelenskyy lauded this as a crucial step in improving relations, following Hungary’s lift of a veto that previously stalled EU financial support for Ukraine.
EU STRATEGY UPDATE
This morning, Europe prepares for key discussions on energy policy and security reforms.
Urgent measures reflect ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Donald Trump has announced a tariff increase on European cars to 25%, prompting potential retaliatory measures from the EU. This development marks a significant escalation in trade tensions between the US and Europe, with implications for both economies.
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