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EU
The EU is revising the Tobacco Taxation Directive, proposing a 139 per cent increase in minimum excise duties on cigarettes. This overhaul also aims to establish EU-wide minimum taxes on vapes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, marking the most significant change in tobacco taxes in over a decade.
Wildfires are raging across Belgium, Germany, France, Croatia, Spain, and Greece amid extreme heat and dry conditions. In Belgium, a major blaze has consumed 3,000 hectares in the High Fens reserve, prompting the deployment of over 250 firefighters and international aid through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Two Spanish F-18 fighter jets intercepted and destroyed an unidentified drone in Romanian airspace early on Sunday, 24 kilometres north of Galati. Defence Minister Miruta confirmed the incident, highlighting Romania’s role in the European Union’s defence and the importance of vigilance amid ongoing tensions with Russia and Ukraine.
The Secretary-General of the UN’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) stated that shipping must not be treated as “collateral” in conflicts, underscoring the vital role of maritime security in global trade and navigation. The comments highlight the need for protective measures amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
EUMorning BRIEFING
This morning, EU leaders prepare strategies for economic resilience
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have agreed to enhance defence cooperation, focusing on drone production after discussions in Rome. No specific details were released; however, both leaders expressed commitment to strengthening joint initiatives in defence amidst ongoing Russian strikes on Ukraine.
In a recent edition of The Ring, MEPs Daniel Freund (Greens) and Sander Smit (ECR) discussed the implications of Hungary’s election results. The debate, held in the European Parliament in Brussels, focused on the potential effects on European governance and policies.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will remain in office until newly elected Péter Magyar is sworn in this May, following Magyar’s victory in the recent parliamentary elections. The transition marks a significant political development for Hungary’s governance structure.
Oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline could prompt Viktor Orbán to lift his “technical veto” on the €90 billion loan for Ukraine, according to Péter Magyar. Meanwhile, Brussels is preparing for the initial loan payment, signalling progress in financial support for Ukraine.
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