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- At least two dead as magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes off Indonesia’s Flores Island
- Israel rejects US-led Gaza peace plan endorsed by Hamas amid election pressures
- Rights groups accuse Israel of war crimes in attack on journalist in April
- Israeli settlers intensify violence against Palestinian village of Qusra
- Alberta mayors support increased funding for local housing infrastructure
- Army suspends Apache helicopter training flights following Texas crash that killed two soldiers
- Superyacht sinks off Sardinia just days after delivery to owner
- EU rejects US trade pressure over Chinese tariff evasion concerns
EU
The EU has rejected US trade pressure over claims it facilitates Chinese tariff evasion, with Washington’s ambassador urging alignment of new environmental laws with a prior trade deal. The EU maintained its regulatory framework is non-negotiable, despite ongoing discussions on trade issues.
A drone crashed in Romania on Friday after flying undetected in the country’s airspace, as reported by local authorities. The incident occurred near Luncavița, approximately five kilometres from the Ukrainian border, amid increasing drone incursions across NATO’s eastern flank. No casualties have been reported.
Millions across Europe, particularly in France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, faced extreme heat as temperatures exceeded 35C on Thursday. With parts of France reaching 42C and the UK recording the year’s highest day, concerns grow over climate change’s role in escalating heatwaves and their impacts on health and wildfires.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy granted approval for Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May, citing humanitarian reasons after US-brokered negotiations. Concurrently, US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire beginning Saturday, including a significant prisoner swap between both countries.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Italian leaders Giorgia Meloni and Antonio Tajani in Rome to discuss international security. Tajani expressed Italy’s commitment to a post-war mission to Hormuz. Blinken highlighted ongoing negotiations with Iran and the challenges of unreliable allies.
The European Commission cleared Hungarian Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi of allegations related to a spying network targeting Commission staff, concluding its investigation without evidence of wrongdoing. This decision ensures Várhelyi’s position as EU Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare ahead of Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s inauguration.
The European Union’s sanctions on Russia, intended to undermine its war efforts in Ukraine, are showing signs of impact. Russia’s economy contracted by 0.3% early this year, with a ballooning public deficit and rising inflation, prompting officials, including President Putin, to seek measures for economic recovery.
EU MONITORING
EU ministers to address increasing border checks this morning.
Concerns raised over impacts on Schengen free movement.
Negotiations on the EU-US trade deal remain stalled, as the European Commission reported “progress” after late-night talks with MEPs and member state officials. Despite this, divisions persist over tariff safeguards, with further discussions scheduled for 19 May amid renewed US tariff threats.
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