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Montenegro’s EU accession process advanced this week as EU ambassadors agreed to establish a working party for drafting an accession treaty. European Council President António Costa called it a significant milestone. Minister Maida Gorčević highlighted it as the final phase of negotiations, aiming for membership by 2028.
The European Union and United States firmed their collaboration on critical minerals, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance supply chain diversity and bolster national security. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised the importance of a broadening mineral base to mitigate risks associated with over-concentration in specific regions.
EU leaders have committed to enhancing security and economic ties with Middle East partners while advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the Iran war. Talks in Cyprus included discussions on rising energy prices due to the conflict and the potential formation of a multinational force to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
The leader of the exiled Iranian Kurdish opposition party has condemned Iran’s leaders as “butchers” and described current attempts at military weakening of the regime as supportive. Mohtadi emphasised that any regime change should come from the Iranian people themselves, criticising Europe’s “policy of appeasement” towards Tehran.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas indicated that using Russia’s frozen assets to finance Ukraine is still possible if Viktor Orbán maintains his veto on the €90 billion loan. Orbán blocked this financial support due to a dispute over the Druzhba oil pipeline, impacting Ukraine’s funding amid ongoing conflict.
Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has urged EU countries to implement coordinated measures to reduce oil and gas consumption amid rising prices due to the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure. He warned against fragmented responses, stressing the need for a unified approach to ensure supply stability.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is impacting global markets, leading to a spike in energy prices and heightened concerns over potential supply shortages. This critical maritime passage is vital for oil transport, intensifying anxieties about the stability of fuel supplies worldwide.
Investigative journalists have released a recording of Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó offering to assist in lifting EU sanctions on a Russian oligarch’s sister during a call with Sergey Lavrov. This revelation poses challenges for Hungary ahead of the 12 April parliamentary elections, amid scrutiny over its ties to Moscow.
EU NEWS BRIEFING
Today, the European Union addresses critical energy security challenges
including member states’ responses to energy supply concerns.
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