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EU
EU POLICIES TODAY
This morning, the European Union highlights new tax proposals and discusses energy supply risks amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Key developments aim to enhance economic stability across member states.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to name a Special Operations Forces unit, Heroes of the UPA, has prompted significant backlash from Polish officials. President Karol Nawrocki expressed profound disappointment, labelling the move as detrimental to Polish-Ukrainian relations, and suggested revocation of Zelenskyy’s Order of the White Eagle.
France is launching an inquiry into the treatment of its nationals aboard the Gaza flotilla, as announced by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. Reports allege violations including humiliation and sexual violence during their detention, prompting Barrot to refer the case to the Public Prosecutor for further investigation.
US President Trump has intensified his criticism of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, urging him to focus on the Russia-Ukraine conflict rather than the Iran war. Trump’s remarks follow Merz’s assertion that the US is being “humiliated” by Iran, and highlight ongoing tensions over NATO troop presence in Europe.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič announced discussions with US counterparts about establishing a digital legislation forum, aiming to address concerns related to the EU’s Digital Services and Markets Acts. The US seeks to ease these regulations, linked to ongoing steel and aluminium tariff negotiations.
Belgium is negotiating with French energy group Engie to take control of its nuclear power plants, aiming to secure energy supplies. Prime Minister Bart de Wever confirmed plans to halt decommissioning operations while advocating for increased use of nuclear energy amid rising energy prices linked to global conflicts.
European defence spending surged by 14% in 2025, totalling €739 billion, with Germany becoming the largest investor after increasing its budget by 24% to €97 billion. This rise comes amid US pressure for NATO members to meet 5% GDP targets by 2035, marking the highest growth since the 1950s.
Hungarian Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar indicated that EU funds could soon be released to Hungary following productive talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Their discussions addressed unlocking billions in frozen funding, necessary for economic support, amid a looming August deadline.
As EU countries debate the European Commission’s proposal, China is urging national governments to abandon the planned law. Beijing has warned that failure to comply will lead to countermeasures, highlighting escalating tensions between the EU and China over regulatory standards.
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