EU

In Madrid, the recent eviction of 67-year-old pensioner Mariano Ordaz highlights the severe strain on the city’s housing market. Evicted on the fifth attempt, Ordaz faces homelessness as Spain sees a surge in rents, fuelling concerns of up to 60,000 evictions nationwide amid the lapse of an anti-eviction moratorium.

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A farmer in Raddusch, Brandenburg, reported the theft of 48 cattle valued at €75,000, following a similar incident involving 74 cattle near Herzberg. Police suspect organised crime is behind the rise in livestock thefts across eastern Germany, highlighting escalating rural crime challenges for farmers.

Fake job ads are increasingly prevalent, with Europol and national governments warning job seekers to remain vigilant. Research shows nearly one in three recruiters in the UK and Germany has been targeted by identity theft linked to scams that exploit urgency and financial pressure among candidates, particularly Gen Z.

Rumen Radev has been appointed Bulgaria’s new prime minister following last month’s parliamentary elections, where he won decisively. Radev, who aims to combat corruption and re-engage with Russia, faces pressing challenges, including budget drafting and judicial reforms, to secure nearly €400 million in EU funds.

US President Donald Trump has set a 4 July deadline for the European Union to implement its trade deal, warning of “much higher tariffs” if not met. This ultimatum follows a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, amid ongoing negotiations and rising tensions over trade commitments.

EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has stated that the European Union must accelerate its shift to alternative energy sources amid escalating energy crises. He emphasised the need for increased electrification, renewables, and interconnectors to reduce dependence on external energy supplies and prepare for future geopolitical challenges.

Trade relations between the US and China have deteriorated as Beijing criticises the EU’s strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese goods, services, and resources. This escalation highlights ongoing tensions between the economic superpowers regarding supply chain security and market access.

EU negotiators are under pressure as they enter critical trade talks with the US, amidst heightened tariff threats from President Donald Trump. German MEP Bernd Lange and the Cypriot EU presidency strive to finalise a summer deal, yet internal divisions complicate the process, raising uncertainties for European businesses.

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.

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