EUROPE UPDATE

This morning, Europe focuses on energy policies and economic recovery amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

A member of Vice President JD Vance’s Secret Service detail is under investigation for leaking sensitive information, confirmed Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications. The inquiry, which could escalate to a criminal investigation, centres on allegations of compromising operational and information security, potentially threatening the safety of protectees.

Vance Boelter has been sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years for the 2025 shooting of Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman and their spouses. Judge John R. Tunheim described the sentence as the longest he has imposed, with no possibility of parole.

Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, has referred former special counsel Jack Smith to the Justice Department for potential criminal charges, alleging he lied to Congress. Smith’s lawyers have called these allegations “spurious” and defended the accuracy of his testimony regarding the investigation into Trump.

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have formalised a commercial nuclear deal, enabling the kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear programme with American cooperation, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed the agreement, which includes safeguards for nonproliferation.

The House passed the Stop Insider Trading Act on Wednesday, aiming to limit stock trading by Congress members. The bill, which requires disclosures of stock sales, received bipartisan support but drew criticism for not imposing stricter limits. A voter ID provision complicated its backing among Democrats.