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- China urges EU to amend ‘Made in Europe’ proposal amid trade tensions
- German court rules in favour of tourist over sunbed reservation issues
- European Commission unveils anti-poverty strategy targeting EU exclusion
- London’s tallest pool may offer 580ft panoramic vistas | News UK
- US Navy conducts successful test flight of autonomous MQ-25A Stingray drone
- Hungary returns seized cash and gold to Ukraine’s Oschadbank, says Zelenskyy
- Trump-endorsed candidates oust incumbent Republicans in Indiana primaries
- EU admits to loss of control over migration as crackdown efforts intensify
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Trade tensions between China and the European Union are escalating, as Beijing urges EU states to reconsider the “Made in Europe” legislation. This proposal aims to restrict foreign access to EU public procurement, drawing sharp criticism from China, which threatens countermeasures if deemed discriminatory.
European Commission Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu announced a new anti-poverty strategy aimed at eradicating extreme poverty and social exclusion in the EU by 2050. The initiative seeks to address the plight of 92.7 million people currently at risk, despite lacking a dedicated budget for implementation.
Hungary has returned $40 million and 9kg of gold to Ukraine’s Oschadbank, seized during a March raid amid diplomatic tensions. President Zelenskyy lauded this as a crucial step in improving relations, following Hungary’s lift of a veto that previously stalled EU financial support for Ukraine.
The United States and Iran have reached a two-week ceasefire agreement, announced shortly before a military escalation deadline set by President Trump. The accord includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, allowing tolls on transiting vessels, with further negotiations expected in Pakistan on Friday.
The European Union has urged US President Donald Trump to avoid bombing civilian infrastructure in Iran, warning it could be classified as a war crime. The EU emphasised the need for “maximum restraint” and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful resolution amid rising tensions related to the Strait of Hormuz.
US Vice-President JD Vance accused the European Union of interference in Hungary’s electoral process during his Budapest visit ahead of Sunday’s pivotal vote. Criticising EU digital rules and suggesting foreign influence on the election, Vance expressed support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as a leadership model for Europe.
European governments are significantly increasing investments in military space capabilities, responding to heightened security concerns following the cyberattack on the KA-SAT satellite network in February 2022. By 2030, investments are projected to exceed €95 billion, driven by commitments from Germany and France, as Europe seeks greater space autonomy.
The European Union has proposed the AGILE funding programme to enhance the speed of defence technology deployment. Aimed at startups and SMEs, AGILE seeks to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world military applications, addressing the growing challenges of modern warfare and innovation pace.
EU member states’ defence research and development reached €13 billion in 2024, growing by €4 billion in 2025, per European Defence Agency estimates. The AGILE programme allocates €115 million to support rapid innovation, aiming to enhance defence technology deployment within three years.
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