- Marco Rubio accuses Zelenskyy of lying about US conditions for Ukraine
- House GOP rejects Senate DHS funding bill as shutdown enters new phase
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits France for G7 ministerial discussions
- FBI Director Kash Patel Targeted by Pro-Iranian Group, Personal Photos Leaked
- Rapporteurs agree on digital euro design amid EU-US economic tensions
- Lloyds Banking Group’s IT Glitch Disrupts Services for Nearly 500,000 Customers
- Afghan Asylum Seeker Sentenced to 15 Years for Raping 12-Year-Old Girl
- Kazakhstan begins construction of $800 million Alatau Iconic Complex by 2029
EU
Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of dishonesty regarding US demands, asserting Zelenskyy misrepresented discussions about territorial concessions related to security guarantees. Rubio also indicated potential shifts in American military support, citing future needs related to Iran.
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.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have called for the European Union to re-engage diplomatically with Russia to influence post-war security discussions. This push has intensified amid debates on appointing a special envoy to streamline communication with the Kremlin.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the proposed “European preference” aims to prioritise EU-made products in public procurement, essential for enhancing competitiveness and reducing dependency on foreign imports. Industry leaders warn of supply chain disruptions and increased costs.
EU officials have expressed concerns about Spain’s plan to regularise undocumented migrants, stating it could set a precedent for other member states. This development is significant as the EU seeks to manage migration effectively amidst ongoing challenges.
The European Court of Auditors (ECA) has raised concerns about a lack of clarity in tracking public funds in the EU’s proposed long-term agricultural budget for 2028-2034, warning it may create unpredictability for beneficiaries and hinder fund delivery.
Iranian chess grandmaster Mitra Hejazipour has urged international powers to intervene against the Iranian government’s crackdown on protests, claiming over 30,000 have died since demonstrations began in December. She criticizes negotiations and sees Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi as a leader for democratic transition.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, proposed that countries unable to reach consensus on economic policies should form smaller groups to advance initiatives, ahead of a pivotal summit aimed at strengthening Europe’s economy against US and China pressures.
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