Browsing: EU politics

European leaders, including France’s Macron and the UK’s Keir Starmer, convened in Berlin for an E5 summit aimed at strengthening defence collaboration amid shifting US commitments. The summit addressed support for Ukraine and strategic military projects, coinciding with a key NATO summit in Ankara in July.

Giorgia Meloni criticises Donald Trump, refuting his claims of her begging for a photograph, while expressing disappointment in his treatment of allies.

France and Germany announced the abandonment of their Future Combat Air System (FCAS) joint fighter jet programme due to unresolved disagreements between companies involved. This setback hinders European defence cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions, although development of the Combat Cloud digital network will proceed.

Leaders from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have backed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s call for direct ceasefire talks with Russia, following discussions in London. They emphasised the necessity of a dialogue involving US and European participation to establish a ceasefire and facilitate negotiations.

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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the Russian deployment of the “Oreshnik” intermediate-range ballistic missile in Kyiv, following Moscow’s acknowledgment of a retaliatory launch. The missile’s use has drawn sharp condemnation from European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, who denounced the escalation.

The Spanish government is addressing allegations regarding the use of EU pandemic funds, firmly denying misuse of European Recovery and Resilience Facility money for pensions. Amidst ongoing political pressure, officials assert that Madrid has followed proper procedures, insisting that not a single euro has been misappropriated.

Slovenian anthropologist Nika Kovač and her institute, “8 March,” have initiated the European Citizens’ Initiative “My Voice, My Choice,” aiming to improve abortion access in Europe. Launched with over one million signatures, it has already prompted discussions in the European Parliament and measures from the European Commission.

President Donald Trump has withdrawn 5,000 US troops from Germany amid rising NATO tensions. This decision follows a dispute with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over Iran. European leaders, including Poland’s Donald Tusk, are now urging NATO members to strengthen their alliance.