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- Maricarmen Abascal’s eviction in Madrid sparks nationwide protests
- Student protests escalate across France amid government’s suspension of stun grenades
- Eritrean troops sighted in northern Ethiopia amid escalating tensions
- Ontario COVID-19 vaccine rollout experiences delays in some regions
- Vance eases U.S. stance on Iranian nuclear enrichment demands
- Reform UK finds no electoral law breach in foreign donations discussion
- Israel marks third anniversary of October 7 attacks amid protests
- France suspends stun grenades at high school protests after serious injury
EU
Maricarmen Abascal, an elderly woman whose eviction in Madrid ignited nationwide protests, has died following her hospitalisation. Her case, reflecting Spain’s housing crisis, led to mass demonstrations and ultimately prompted Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to call early elections amid ongoing civil unrest.
Swedish police have shot and wounded an armed man outside the royal palace in central Stockholm. The incident occurred in the city’s centre, and the man has since been transported to a hospital for treatment. Further details regarding the circumstances are pending.
Relations between Brussels and Beijing reach a pivotal moment, with the European Commission aiming for “tangible” results by October to address a record €1 billion daily trade deficit with China. Crucial discussions led by EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will occur in Beijing this week, shaping the future of EU-China trade policy.
Negotiations on the EU-US trade deal remain stalled, as the European Commission reported “progress” after late-night talks with MEPs and member state officials. Despite this, divisions persist over tariff safeguards, with further discussions scheduled for 19 May amid renewed US tariff threats.
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.
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