French liberal MEP Christophe Grudler, set to lead negotiations on the “Made in Europe” law, has expressed concerns about the European Commission’s proposed strategy, stating it unfairly includes too many non-EU countries in its scope to counter foreign competition within the EU market.

MEPs Dirk Gotink and Maria Ohisalo confronted each other in The Ring, broadcast from the European Parliament in Brussels, discussing the escalating housing crisis in Europe. Their debate addressed critical policy implications and potential solutions to the pressing issue affecting citizens across the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly rejected the notion of partial EU membership during discussions at an informal summit in Cyprus, asserting that Ukraine deserves full membership. Following the unblocking of a €90 billion loan and new sanctions against Russia, focus shifts to Hungary’s ongoing veto of Ukraine’s EU accession.

Scandinavian Airlines has cancelled around 1,000 flights, while Lufthansa has eliminated 20,000 routes amid soaring jet fuel prices, attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The European Commission contends these cancellations stem from airline profitability issues, not fuel shortages.

EU DEVELOPMENTS

This morning, Europe addresses economic strategies amid rising geopolitical tensions

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has unveiled a new military strategy for the Bundeswehr aimed at enhancing operational readiness in response to evolving threats, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Key elements include a focus on capabilities over numbers and increased emphasis on “deep strike” capabilities, such as long-range precision weapons.