EU

French minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad expressed confidence that the electorate will reject extremism in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. His remarks follow a poll indicating far-right candidate Marine Le Pen could secure between 34% and 35.5% of the first-round votes, positioning her as a frontrunner.

Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Minister Kęstutis Budrys has warned that EU deterrence measures against Russia have failed, as exemplified by a recent drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport linked to Russian sabotage. He called for enhanced EU security capabilities and stricter visa restrictions for Russian nationals.

German MEP Engin Eroglu warned that restricting Chinese access to the EU market could destabilise China’s export-driven economy. With an unprecedented €1 billion deficit in 2026, the European Commission plans unilateral measures, including tariffs and quotas, to protect industries from the surge of low-cost imports.

The European Commission has submitted a list of EU products to the US, seeking exemptions from the 15 per cent tariffs established under the 2025 trade deal. Key items include Roquefort cheese, olive oil, and machinery, representing approximately €150 billion in exports.

Hungary’s parliament has approved a constitutional amendment to remove President Tamás Sulyok from office, amid allegations from Prime Minister Péter Magyar that Sulyok serves as a puppet for Viktor Orbán. Sulyok, however, claims the amendment is unconstitutional and remains firm in his position.

Leipzig start-up Urban Privacy is addressing AI surveillance with innovative fashion, including anti-tracking jackets designed to confuse AI cameras. Their products, like a smartphone pouch that blocks tracking, highlight the growing awareness of privacy issues amid increasing digital surveillance technologies.

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