EU

French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney underscored their commitment to strengthening ties during a summit in Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The leaders discussed cooperation in fisheries, regional security, and energy, amidst heightened tensions with the United States and a proposed “associate member” status for Canada in the European Union.

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Germans will vote on Sunday in two pivotal state elections that could impact Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s leadership. In Berlin, the Christian Democratic Union faces off against Die Linke amid concerns over housing, while the Social Democratic Party confronts the far-right Alternative for Germany in Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania.

Berlin voters will head to the polls on Sunday to elect a new state parliament, the Abgeordnetenhaus. Current polls show a competitive race with the Left party and CDU at approximately 20-23%, while the AfD and Greens follow closely. The SPD faces significant challenges, polling between 10-12%.

Ireland’s Minister for International Development Neale Richmond and Sinn Féin MP Rose Conway-Walsh debate Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency, focusing on military neutrality and defence strategy. Richmond emphasizes Ireland’s historical influence, while Conway-Walsh stresses the need to uphold core national values amid growing pressures on military policy.

A wildfire in Cotignac has destroyed nearly 60 homes and extensively damaged five communes in Provence, injuring four people. Rapidly spreading from a nearby field, the blaze led to the evacuation of roughly 500 residents, while the historic Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Grâces narrowly escaped destruction.

The European Commission is poised to announce a substantial fine against Google, potentially exceeding one billion euros, under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This decision follows investigations into allegations of market power abuse, including the promotion of its own services and restrictions on app developers outside its platform.

Montenegro’s EU accession process could establish a significant precedent for financing future enlargements, with the European Commission proposing a financial package of €3.2 billion. This amount underscores complex budget discussions as member states debate the implications for the EU’s long-term budget negotiations.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged political stability and support for Ukraine in his inaugural speech outside Downing Street, emphasising a plan to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. He aims for national renewal, with an immediate focus on ending rough sleeping across the country.

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