The European Commission’s Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, has faced backlash from several EU member states, led by France, for attending the Board of Peace meeting in Washington without prior communication, raising concerns over foreign policy mandates and potential endorsement of the initiative.

EU member states will extend the carbon market regulation to prevent price spikes post-2030, according to Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth. This decision aims to ensure stable energy costs as the new emissions trading system launches in 2028.

António José Seguro, newly elected President of Portugal, won approximately two-thirds of the vote against André Ventura, marking a significant defeat for the far right. This result is crucial amid rising populism and ongoing tensions in Portuguese society.

The European Parliament and member states have drafted a procedure to select the hosting country for the future European Customs Authority, with formal approval anticipated shortly. This development is significant as it shapes the future of customs regulation in the EU.

The European Commission has unveiled a strategy to assist nine EU member states bordering Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, aiming to mobilise billions of euros to combat economic and demographic decline. This move addresses urgent regional challenges.

US Ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Munich Security Conference speech, calling it a positive step for the trans-Atlantic alliance. He noted significant European progress on migration policy alignment with the US, crucial amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.