Browsing: European Commission

EU Commission Vice-President Dubravka Šuica will face scrutiny from member states at Monday’s Foreign Affairs Council regarding her attendance at Donald Trump’s Board of Peace inauguration, amid criticism of the Commission overstepping its foreign policy mandate.

The European Union’s proposal for a new sanctions package against Russia remains unresolved after ambassadors failed to agree on a maritime services ban for Russian oil tankers. High Representative Kaja Kallas emphasized the urgency as the 24 February deadline approaches.

The European Commission, led by Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, aims to revisit the WTO’s “Most Favoured Nation” principle due to the widening EU trade deficit with China, seeking to ensure equal market access amid persistent barriers faced by European firms in China.

The US Supreme Court ruling raises concerns about the EU-US trade deal established last summer, impacting past tariffs and future investment pledges, according to the European Commission, which is currently reviewing the ruling.

European steel shipments to the US fell by 30% from June to December 2025, as announced by Eurofer Director General Axel Eggert. The decline highlights the impact of the US’s 50% tariffs on EU steel, creating urgent discussions regarding trade negotiations.

UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese stated she will not resign despite calls from France and Germany following her comments on Israel. Albanese asserts she has the full backing of the UN Human Rights Council and aims to redirect focus to her findings on state support for Israel.

The European Commission has called an emergency Oil Coordination Group meeting following Hungary and Slovakia’s suspension of diesel supplies to Ukraine, intensifying tensions concerning the Russian Druzhba pipeline. This development is significant as it impacts energy security in the region.

The European Commission’s Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, has faced backlash from several EU member states, led by France, for attending the Board of Peace meeting in Washington without prior communication, raising concerns over foreign policy mandates and potential endorsement of the initiative.

The European Commission has unveiled a strategy to assist nine EU member states bordering Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, aiming to mobilise billions of euros to combat economic and demographic decline. This move addresses urgent regional challenges.

US Ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Munich Security Conference speech, calling it a positive step for the trans-Atlantic alliance. He noted significant European progress on migration policy alignment with the US, crucial amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.