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- Greek parliament lifts immunity of Dimitris Avramopoulos for investigation
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- Former Arizona Senator Jon Kyl dies at the age of 84
- 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial mound vandalised in Somerset
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- European leaders address rising oil prices amid Saudi supply disruptions
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EU
The Greek parliament has voted overwhelmingly to lift the parliamentary immunity of former European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos, facilitating the ongoing Belgian investigation into the Qatargate scandal. Avramopoulos, who denies any wrongdoing, requested the immunity’s removal to cooperate fully with authorities.
European leaders are responding to rising oil prices as Saudi cargo deliveries face disruptions from Middle Eastern conflicts. The closure of the East-West oil pipeline threatens up to 4% of global supply, prompting urgent measures, including France’s push for alternative routes and Italy’s abolition of car taxes to alleviate costs.
Residents of Piddington, a village near Oxford, have voted overwhelmingly in a symbolic referendum to “secede” from the UK, protesting plans to convert a former military site into an asylum seeker accommodation. With 285 of 312 ballots supporting self-determination, villagers celebrated by declaring the area the “Principality of Piddington.”
Rumen Radev has been appointed Bulgaria’s new prime minister following last month’s parliamentary elections, where he won decisively. Radev, who aims to combat corruption and re-engage with Russia, faces pressing challenges, including budget drafting and judicial reforms, to secure nearly €400 million in EU funds.
US President Donald Trump has set a 4 July deadline for the European Union to implement its trade deal, warning of “much higher tariffs” if not met. This ultimatum follows a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, amid ongoing negotiations and rising tensions over trade commitments.
EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has stated that the European Union must accelerate its shift to alternative energy sources amid escalating energy crises. He emphasised the need for increased electrification, renewables, and interconnectors to reduce dependence on external energy supplies and prepare for future geopolitical challenges.
Trade relations between the US and China have deteriorated as Beijing criticises the EU’s strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese goods, services, and resources. This escalation highlights ongoing tensions between the economic superpowers regarding supply chain security and market access.
EU negotiators are under pressure as they enter critical trade talks with the US, amidst heightened tariff threats from President Donald Trump. German MEP Bernd Lange and the Cypriot EU presidency strive to finalise a summer deal, yet internal divisions complicate the process, raising uncertainties for European businesses.
Catalan Minister Jaume Duch praised Madrid’s diplomatic stance, asserting Spain’s early criticism of US actions, particularly regarding Iran, demonstrates its leadership within Europe. Duch emphasised the necessity for closer ties between regional governments and EU institutions to address local challenges more effectively, supporting greater autonomy for Catalonia.
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