EU

Nearly a quarter of LGBTQ+ citizens in the EU have experienced conversion practices, with 38% of Greek respondents most affected, according to the ILGA Europe report. Helena Dalli, former European Commissioner for Equality, condemned these practices as harmful and grounded in falsehood during a recent Council of Europe debate.

European officials, including Latvia’s Prime Minister Evika Silina, have urged for accelerated negotiations on a free-trade agreement with Gulf nations to diversify trade amid US tariffs and increasing Chinese exports. Talks aim to enhance business ties and energy cooperation.

Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski stated that the outcome of Russia’s war against Ukraine will significantly affect global perceptions of Western resolve. He emphasised the need for a peace agreement reflecting Ukrainian priorities and warned against initiatives perceived as rewarding Russian aggression.

European Investment Bank President Nadia Calviño urged European Council President António Costa to prioritise the Savings and Investments Union, stressing the need for new frameworks to redirect savings into innovative businesses, aiming to enhance Europe’s competitiveness ahead of the informal European Council on 12 February.

Council of Europe chief Alain Berset urged European nations to provide budgetary support for a special tribunal to prosecute crimes of aggression in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for accountability amid ongoing peace talks and highlighting financial challenges in establishing the court.

The European Union is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with the United States and Japan to enhance critical minerals supply chain security within 30 days, according to Stéphane Séjourné, the EU’s industry chief. This partnership addresses urgent supply dependencies revealed in a recent EU audit.

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