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- Germany prepares armed forces for potential Strait of Hormuz mission
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- Iran warns of ‘harsh response’ as Israel violates ceasefire 84 times in Lebanon
Germany
The German government is preparing for its armed forces to potentially safeguard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. A draft mandate for the Bundestag has been created, although Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed that no final decision has been made regarding deployment, pending legal clarifications.
During the EU-Western Balkans summit, momentum for EU enlargement was underscored by Hungary’s decision to lift its veto on Ukraine’s accession negotiations. António Costa noted that upcoming talks will showcase renewed European unity, particularly ahead of the June summit, despite ongoing challenges in the accession process.
Péter Magyar, Hungary’s Prime Minister, will meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday and French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday. This tour focuses on restoring Hungary’s relations with the EU, following a political agreement to unlock €16.4 billion in blocked EU funds.
The European Commission is shifting towards a firmer stance on China, spurred by China’s threat of retaliation against the EU’s Made in Europe legislation. On 29 May, EU Commissioners will debate a new strategy amid rising pressures from industry and economic threats perceived from Beijing, signalling potential changes in trade policy.
The alleged perpetrator, whose identity remains confidential under German privacy laws, has been detained by police following a reported incident. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the case and further details are expected as the inquiry progresses.
Germany’s far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party, led by Ulrich Siegmund, is advocating for consistent deportations and free Russian lessons in Saxony-Anhalt. The party’s manifesto, ahead of September elections, emphasises a significant shift in migration policy and calls for lifting sanctions against Russia.
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.
The US and Israel intensified military actions against Iran following President Trump’s ultimatum to “completely obliterate” Iranian energy sites unless the Strait of Hormuz reopens to international shipping. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Justice Minister described the escalating Israeli ground incursions as an “occupation,” amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.
EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU party lost the Baden-Württemberg state election yesterday, with the Green party leading at 30.2%. This morning, polling indicates a decline in Merz’s popularity amid broader trends in European leadership.
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