The European Union is enhancing its preparedness for future quarantine measures, recognising the need for improved strategies since previous crises. Although a unified playbook remains absent, recent steps aim to bolster the EU’s response capabilities moving forward.

A conservative win in Andalusia’s recent regional election highlights Spain’s rightward shift, as the Socialist Party loses ground. This trend underscores a growing divide between Pedro Sánchez’s progressive image abroad and his waning local support amidst increasing challenges for his administration.

The European Commission is intensifying efforts to protect EU industries amid a surge in Chinese imports, which have caused the trade deficit with China to reach €359.9 billion in 2025. Upcoming discussions on 29 May will address strategies to mitigate overreliance on Chinese production.

Hungary has signalled readiness to engage with Ukraine under new Prime Minister Péter Magyar, aiming to resolve issues concerning the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia. Discussions may pave the way for lifting Budapest’s veto on Ukraine’s EU accession, contingent on guarantees for minority rights.

EU governments and the European Parliament will revisit the EU-US trade deal discussions, following threats of higher tariffs from Trump. The urgency intensifies as the 4 July deadline approaches, marking a critical opportunity for finalisation before potential trade disruptions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a European tour, having recently met Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson and European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen in Gothenburg. Discussions included advances on the EU-India trade agreement, which aims to significantly enhance investment and economic ties between India and Europe.