Latest News
- Several relatives of Ilhan Omar receive subpoenas in immigration investigation
- World’s oldest shipwreck discovered off Kekova Island, Turkey
- Marine Le Pen plans to challenge EU authority if elected president
- Quebec publishing house supports author amid AI writing allegations
- Judge halts Trump’s White House ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico citing First Amendment rights
- Special constable dismissed for theft of £1.20 worth of carrier bags from Sainsbury’s
- Mother raises nearly £300,000 for son’s life-saving surgery in the US
- Natacha Polony announces candidacy for 2027 French presidential election
EU
Marine Le Pen, the leader of France’s National Rally, is poised to challenge the European Commission’s authority if elected president. She advocates capping France’s EU budget contributions at €5 billion and proposes a carbon border tax, while pledging to halt funding for Ukraine and push for sanctions relief for Russia.
Natacha Polony, a journalist and essayist, has announced her candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election, aiming to overhaul the political landscape. Advocating for economic sovereignty, she launched the movement “Nous sommes la France,” claiming 60,000 supporters concerned about France’s standing and decline.
A Russian ballistic missile hit Kyiv’s CHP-4 power plant, prompting President Zelensky to criticise Western allies for not providing advance warning. This strike occurred despite former President Trump’s assertion that an energy ceasefire was in effect.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič announced discussions with US counterparts about establishing a digital legislation forum, aiming to address concerns related to the EU’s Digital Services and Markets Acts. The US seeks to ease these regulations, linked to ongoing steel and aluminium tariff negotiations.
Belgium is negotiating with French energy group Engie to take control of its nuclear power plants, aiming to secure energy supplies. Prime Minister Bart de Wever confirmed plans to halt decommissioning operations while advocating for increased use of nuclear energy amid rising energy prices linked to global conflicts.
European defence spending surged by 14% in 2025, totalling €739 billion, with Germany becoming the largest investor after increasing its budget by 24% to €97 billion. This rise comes amid US pressure for NATO members to meet 5% GDP targets by 2035, marking the highest growth since the 1950s.
Hungarian Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar indicated that EU funds could soon be released to Hungary following productive talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Their discussions addressed unlocking billions in frozen funding, necessary for economic support, amid a looming August deadline.
As EU countries debate the European Commission’s proposal, China is urging national governments to abandon the planned law. Beijing has warned that failure to comply will lead to countermeasures, highlighting escalating tensions between the EU and China over regulatory standards.
EU FOCUS THIS MORNING
Europe addresses ongoing energy and security challenges
as imminent discussions on sanctions and reforms continue.
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