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- Donald Trump Jr’s wedding reportedly funded by Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev
- Former Moroccan agent offers intel on intelligence services to Spain
- Supreme Court blocks Trump’s mail-in ballot restrictions for midterm elections
- Bell AI data centre in Saskatchewan to expand with over $50 billion investment
- Senate returns from recess to tackle legislative priorities before midterms
- US pilot rescued in 21-aircraft operation after being shot down over Iran
- Finland joins France’s nuclear initiative to enhance European security
- Sudan’s aid network faces collapse without immediate funding, warns UN agency
EU
Finland and France announced a strengthened defence partnership, with Finland joining a French initiative focused on enhancing European security through nuclear deterrence. A “Nuclear Steering Group” will be established to implement this cooperation, while Finland maintains its commitment to NATO amid ongoing regional discussions.
The European Parliament is advocating for stricter EU-wide deadlines and automatic approvals to expedite energy infrastructure development. This initiative seeks to address significant delays in renewable energy projects, with Parliament proposing quicker approval timelines than the Commission and Council, potentially igniting tensions with member states.
Marine Le Pen will deliver her first campaign speech on Sunday in Hénin-Beaumont as she relaunches her bid for the 2027 presidential election. Currently leading the polls with 34% support, Le Pen faces internal party tensions and controversies, including criticism over aid to Ukraine and a scandal involving racist comments by a police officer associated with the National Rally.
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.
Trade tensions between China and the European Union are escalating, as Beijing urges EU states to reconsider the “Made in Europe” legislation. This proposal aims to restrict foreign access to EU public procurement, drawing sharp criticism from China, which threatens countermeasures if deemed discriminatory.
European Commission Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu announced a new anti-poverty strategy aimed at eradicating extreme poverty and social exclusion in the EU by 2050. The initiative seeks to address the plight of 92.7 million people currently at risk, despite lacking a dedicated budget for implementation.
Hungary has returned $40 million and 9kg of gold to Ukraine’s Oschadbank, seized during a March raid amid diplomatic tensions. President Zelenskyy lauded this as a crucial step in improving relations, following Hungary’s lift of a veto that previously stalled EU financial support for Ukraine.
EU STRATEGY UPDATE
This morning, Europe prepares for key discussions on energy policy and security reforms.
Urgent measures reflect ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Donald Trump has announced a tariff increase on European cars to 25%, prompting potential retaliatory measures from the EU. This development marks a significant escalation in trade tensions between the US and Europe, with implications for both economies.
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