Browsing: featured-eu

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.

The EU will urge Israel to reconsider legislation permitting the execution of Palestinians convicted of nationalistic killings, expressing significant concern over its discriminatory nature. The bloc, opposing capital punishment, emphasises that such measures violate the right to life and risk irreversible judicial errors.

European Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has called on EU capitals to implement measures reducing oil and gas consumption in transport, warning of potential supply disruptions due to the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. An emergency session on global energy shortages is scheduled for today.

European drivers face soaring fuel prices as the Iran war disrupts oil markets, leading EU states to implement measures including fuel tax cuts, price caps, and stricter regulations. These actions aim to alleviate the financial burden on consumers amid escalating costs.

Bulgarian writer Irina Papancheva’s latest work, Brussels Naked, explores the unpredictable nature of Brussels through the eyes of a young journalist. The novel features twelve interconnected stories, revealing varied experiences within the EU’s capital, showcasing both its enchantment and cruelties.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced the discovery of explosives near the Balkan Stream gas pipeline that supplies Serbia and Hungary. Found in backpacks in Kanjiza, the explosives prompted Hungary’s Orbán to convene an extraordinary defence council. No motives for the placement have been disclosed.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned that the protracted conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran might divert Washington’s focus from Ukraine, jeopardising essential supplies of Patriot air defence systems. Zelenskyy stressed Ukraine’s urgent need for these systems to counter Russia’s ongoing attacks on urban centres and infrastructure.

Lebanon’s Justice Minister Adel Nassar has urged the international community to condemn Israel’s occupation of Lebanese territory, amid escalating tensions following Israeli military operations. Nassar described the situation as “dramatic”, calling for urgent diplomatic efforts to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty and civilian population from further conflict.

Damage to the Druzhba pipeline has halted oil deliveries from Russia to Hungary and jeopardised a billion-dollar loan to Ukraine. Hungary accuses Kyiv of sabotage, while the European Commission has proposed a formal inspection into the incident, raising questions about Budapest’s reliance on Russian energy.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó was recorded discussing strategies to circumvent EU sanctions with his Russian counterpart, raising concerns about Hungary’s compliance with European Union regulations. This revelation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Hungary’s diplomatic ties with Russia.