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EU
The European Union will attempt to sanction Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church, following Hungary’s previous veto in 2022. His inclusion in a new sanctions package was confirmed by diplomats, marking a renewed effort to address his controversial role in justifying the invasion of Ukraine.
A series of false claims surrounding the controversial Albanian property development linked to Jared Kushner has emerged, including misleading allegations of ties to Israel and fabricated protest videos. Amidst this misinformation, Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutor has launched an investigation into dubious regulatory approvals in ecologically sensitive areas.
France and Germany announced the abandonment of their Future Combat Air System (FCAS) joint fighter jet programme due to unresolved disagreements between companies involved. This setback hinders European defence cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions, although development of the Combat Cloud digital network will proceed.
The European Commission is sending a high-level delegation to Budapest next week to assess Hungary’s progress in unlocking €10 billion in EU recovery funds. Following a change in government, Budapest faces a tight deadline to meet conditions related to rule of law and anti-corruption reforms by August.
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasised the need for accountability in the EU’s €90 billion loan to Ukraine, amidst an investigation into graft allegations involving a former Zelenskyy aide. Pevkur highlighted that Ukraine must demonstrate responsible fund usage to secure ongoing support from both Ukrainians and Europeans.
Between 40,000 and 70,000 people marched in Brussels on 12 May, protesting against the Belgian government’s “anti-social” reforms. Organised by three major trade unions, demonstrators highlighted issues of pensions, purchasing power, and wage indexation amid rising energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict.
Fourteen EU member states have condemned the reopening of the Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale, igniting a significant controversy in Italy, while Brussels has urged for the suspension of funding related to the event.
The European Union plans to implement a ban on certain agricultural imports, just two weeks after the EU-Mercosur trade deal provisionally entered into force, liberalising agricultural trade despite strong opposition from farmers. This decision signifies ongoing tensions in global trade policies.
Austria has expelled three Russian diplomats following accusations of espionage linked to extensive antenna systems on Russian diplomatic buildings in Vienna. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger characterised the situation as a significant security issue, asserting that diplomatic immunity should not facilitate intelligence activities.
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