EU

Romania is poised to forfeit €770 million in EU funds after failing to agree on a public-sector salary law by the 31 August deadline, jeopardising its post-pandemic recovery plan. The European Commission will assess the impact during the final payment request review due by the end of September.

Dominique de Villepin, a former French prime minister, is poised to enter the 2027 presidential race, confirming his candidacy “once the election campaign has begun.” He dismisses participating in a primary as “the latest gimmick for the desperate,” while Olivier Faure plans to announce his entry into the Socialist Party’s primary.

Montenegro’s EU accession process advanced this week as EU ambassadors agreed to establish a working party for drafting an accession treaty. European Council President António Costa called it a significant milestone. Minister Maida Gorčević highlighted it as the final phase of negotiations, aiming for membership by 2028.

The European Union and United States firmed their collaboration on critical minerals, signing a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance supply chain diversity and bolster national security. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised the importance of a broadening mineral base to mitigate risks associated with over-concentration in specific regions.

EU leaders have committed to enhancing security and economic ties with Middle East partners while advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the Iran war. Talks in Cyprus included discussions on rising energy prices due to the conflict and the potential formation of a multinational force to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

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