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The European Parliament’s rapporteurs have reached an agreement on the digital euro’s design, facilitating both online and offline payments. This development addresses growing economic tensions with the US and aims to reduce dependence on American payment systems, advancing the legislative process following months of impasse.
The EU has enacted a comprehensive customs reform to manage increasing trade volumes and streamline standards enforcement. The agreement, deemed the most significant since 1968, introduces a customs data hub for efficient monitoring and simplified procedures for compliant traders, while enhancing controls on non-compliant goods.
Valérie Hayer, MEP and President of Renew Europe, discussed key policy directions and strategies for enhancing the bloc’s economic resilience. She emphasised the importance of innovation and collaboration among EU member states to address current challenges and strengthen economic stability across Europe.
Hungary’s main opposition leader Péter Magyar accused the government of blackmail using a secretly recorded sex tape to discredit him. He called for respect for privacy and urged voters to mark the upcoming elections, where his Tisza Party leads opinion polls.
Kaja Kallas, Estonia’s Prime Minister, rejected US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s claims of Europe’s civilisational decline at the Munich Security Conference, asserting that the EU remains an attractive political project amid criticism over migration and climate policies.
European Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef expressed respect for the International Olympic Committee’s decision to disqualify Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych over his helmet depicting fallen athletes, stating he was saddened the issue could not be amicably resolved ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor, declared at the Munich Security Conference that the longstanding global order “no longer exists,” warning the US against isolation in current power politics. He emphasised the urgency for democratic countries to rethink security strategies amid rising threats.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Europe to collaborate with the US in a “civilisational quest” to address the West’s challenges at the Munich Security Conference. He urged shared principles to strengthen historical ties amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, challenged NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Munich Security Conference, urging EU leaders to activate the mutual defence clause amid growing security concerns in Europe, particularly due to the Ukraine conflict.
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