EU

During the EU-Western Balkans summit, momentum for EU enlargement was underscored by Hungary’s decision to lift its veto on Ukraine’s accession negotiations. António Costa noted that upcoming talks will showcase renewed European unity, particularly ahead of the June summit, despite ongoing challenges in the accession process.

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US Ambassador to the EU Andrew Pudzer has stated that President Trump remains deeply dissatisfied with European nations over their refusal to assist during the Iran conflict. The US expects European allies to permit access to military bases, prompting questions about transatlantic reliability and damaging relations further.

EU institutional leaders and approximately 30 European heads of state will meet with six Western Balkan leaders today in Montenegro. This bi-annual summit aims to expedite the countries’ EU accession bids, highlighting Montenegro and Albania as potential frontrunners for membership.

News that the US president has allowed Ukraine to use American missiles in Russia for the first time is picked up by many European newspapers and websites this morning with many looking at the consequences of such a move. 

Domestic news also features across the splashes with reports on Spanish, French and German politics and a look ahead to this week’s G20 summit. 

Most of the major European sports pages cover the latest from the Nations League as France beat Italy and Belgium shockingly lost to Israel.

Hundreds protested near the Stade de France on Thursday as France hosted Israel in a UEFA Nations League match. The game, held under tight security, came amid heightened tensions following recent clashes in Amsterdam between Israeli football fans and pro-Palestinian demonstrators. 

European news is dominated by politics this morning with the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell suggesting suspending EU-Israel political talks as a recent report alleged Israel has violated human rights and international law in the Gaza Strip.

European leaders are preparing to boost support for Kyiv in preparation for Donald Trump as the incoming president has threatened to cut the US’ contributions.

Prosecutors in France are seeking jail time and an election ban for Marine Le Pen. If she is found guilty of misusing public funds she could be ruled out of the 2027 presidential election.

All eyes will be on the France-Israel football match amid fears of violence between clashing groups of pro-Palestine and pro-Israeli supporters attending the match. French authorities have ramped up security ahead of the game.

Germany – Europe’s largest economy – is facing political turmoil of its own following the collapse of its coalition government. The election campaigning has well and truly begun as leaders make their pitches for the snap election in February.

Elsewhere, Spain is preparing for more floods as severe weather warnings are issued.

Heavy rains and flooding have forced thousands of people to leave their homes in Málaga and the surrounding Costa del Sol region of southern Spain. Aemet has issued the highest-level weather alerts for Málaga and Catalonia, warning that extreme conditions could last until Friday.

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