Belgium’s political heart, a compact mix of governance and culture
President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on any country that implements a digital services tax on US tech companies, saying the levy would "supersede" trade deals and be applied immediately. European officials have warned they will respond to unilateral measures; legal and practical hurdles make the timetable for any US action unclear.
Iceland is set to vote on restarting EU membership talks in August. The decision hinges on balancing economic openness with fisheries sovereignty, amid a push for a more flexible enlargement model within the EU. A referendum would open talks toward joining the bloc, while concerns over the Common Fisheries Policy loom large.
On March 17, 2026, a Brussels court ordered 93-year-old Etienne Davignon, former European Commission vice president and junior diplomat in 1960, to face war crimes charges for his alleged role in the 1961 assassination of Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba. This marks the first prosecution of a Belgian official linked to Lumumba's murder, a pivotal event symbolizing colonial-era injustices.
The EU is implementing stricter migration and deportation measures, including offshore detention centers and faster removal processes, following political shifts and rising far-right influence. Human rights groups warn these policies threaten legal protections and could lead to increased rights violations.
On April 2, 2026, President Trump signed executive orders imposing up to 100% tariffs on foreign-made patented pharmaceuticals that do not meet pricing or US manufacturing conditions. Companies with pricing deals and US production face zero tariffs; others face escalating tariffs over four years. The orders also revise tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper products to be based on full US market value.
The UK government is monitoring ongoing discussions between European countries and the Taliban about deporting Afghan asylum seekers. While the UK does not recognize the Taliban government, officials are not ruling out future returns, despite concerns over Afghanistan's human rights record and the current humanitarian crisis.
The European Commission plans to invite Taliban officials to Brussels in the near future for talks on returning migrants to Afghanistan.
The incoming Hungarian prime minister has been engaging Brussels to unlock billions in EU Covid recovery funds, seeking to address rule-of-law concerns and resume disbursal. Meetings with EU leaders have signalled a push for quick reforms, with the clock ticking toward August milestones that could see funds released or permanently lost.
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney has attended the European Political Community summit in Yerevan as the first non‑European leader invited, argued that the postwar rules‑based order has ruptured and said it "will be rebuilt out of Europe," and has committed Canada to a $270m contribution for NATO‑coordinated U.S. weaponry deliveries to Ukraine.
Bulgaria has won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with Dara's 'Bangaranga' on 17 May; Israel's Noam Bettan has finished second with 'Michelle', taking 343 points to Bulgaria's 516. The final has followed weeks of protests, five broadcaster boycotts and tightened voting rules after concerns about disproportionate promotion.
EU foreign ministers are discussing the idea of engaging directly with Russia to end the Ukraine war, with Kyiv urging Europe to take a strong role. Names floated for a potential EU envoy include Angela Merkel, Mario Draghi, and Sauli Niinistö, though Brussels remains cautious about impartiality amid stalled US-led negotiations.
The EU has approved sanctions today targeting seven Israeli settlers or settler organisations and leaders accused of supporting violent colonisation of the West Bank, and has added sanctions on leading Hamas figures. The move has been enabled by Hungarys government change and stops short of trade curbs on settlement goods.
Former Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras has launched the Greek Left Alliance, signaling a bid to broaden opposition to the ruling conservatives as polls show Mitsotakis ahead. Tsipras has returned to active politics at 51, arguing rising living costs and inequality require new political vehicles.
A coalition of Europe’s largest economies has urged the European Commission to expand and sharpen EU trade defenses. The signatories want more frequent use of safeguard investigations, quicker WTO referrals, and a new resilience tool to protect strategic sectors and value chains. They also advocate allowing anti-subsidy duties to be applied directly to companies.
The United States has proposed tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from about 59–60 countries, citing failures to curb goods made with forced labour. The EU has negotiated a digital trade deal with South Korea and is preparing new industrial measures to reduce single‑supplier dependence. China has tightened controls on outbound investment and is hosting a steady stream of foreign leaders.
European leaders unveil a technology sovereignty package to boost domestic semiconductors, cloud capacity and data centers, aiming to reduce reliance on non‑European tech providers amid geopolitical tensions. The package faces Parliament and Council scrutiny and could reshape how public services rely on digital infrastructure.
Swiss voters have rejected the Swiss People’s Party initiative to cap the country’s population at 10 million by 2050, with roughly 55% voting against and 45% in favour. The measure would have forced stricter asylum and family-reunification rules once population hit 9.5 million and could have ended free movement with the EU if the 10 million limit were breached.
France and Germany have announced they will end plans to build a joint sixth-generation fighter jet, after industrial deadlock between Dassault and Airbus blocked progress. Leaders say work on associated drones and a shared combat data network will continue, but the core €100bn fighter programme has been abandoned this week.
Prosecutors say Patrick Bruel is in custody as investigations expand. Three women had previously accused him of sexual assault and attempted rape in the 1990s; new complaints involve allegations elsewhere. Bruel denies the accusations and has offered to cooperate with authorities.
The European Commission is insisting on interoperability under the DMA, directing Apple to allow competing AI assistants to access user data. Apple has argued this would jeopardize privacy and security, delaying the EU release of Siri AI while Mac users may still access it. Regulators say no exemptions are allowed, and the dispute continues.
Patrick Bruel has been placed under formal investigation on multiple counts of rape, sexual assault and harassment across allegations stretching from 1992 to 2019. Prosecutors say some allegations beyond the statute of limitations have been added to the file; he denies all charges and has been released on bail with restrictions.
EU member states have approved a migration pact that empowers deportation hubs in third countries and tighter border controls; critics warn this could undermine asylum rights while proponents say it will speed removals and deter irregular migration.
The United States has informed allies that it is shrinking its share of national military capabilities pledged to NATO in a crisis. Officials say this will require European allies and Canada to swiftly bolster aircraft and ships, as NATO faces unprecedented strain ahead of the Ankara summit.
The United States has signalled it will curb its military assets in Europe, prompting NATO allies to fill gaps in long‑range fires, aircraft, and naval support. NATO forces are adapting ahead of a July summit, with Kosovo’s KFOR also being adjusted. Leaders insist the shift does not mean a withdrawal, but a shift in how the alliance will deter potential threats.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar has unveiled "Operation Cleansing Fire," a package of constitutional, judicial and institutional reforms designed to remove Viktor Orbán’s allies, create a new anti‑corruption office and replace President Tamás Sulyok. Magyar is racing to meet EU rule‑of‑law milestones that would unlock €16.4bn in frozen funds and is preparing a September constitutional review and referendum.
Voters have rejected the Swiss People’s Party’s proposal to cap the population at 10 million by 2050. Preliminary results show about 54-55% against, with turnout above 57%. The government and EU ties face no immediate upheaval, but criticism warns of consequences for housing, healthcare, and the labor market.
A UK-based writer explains how side hustles—from Swagbucks to focus groups—have funded a first home. The piece outlines the daily methods, pay ranges, and practical notes on participation, highlighting how flexible gigs can supplement household finances.
EU leaders debate whether to appoint a mediator to Russia talks as Costa proposes a channel with Moscow. Some leaders back opening dialogue, others warn against rewarding Moscow’s intransigence. NATO and U.S. strategy frame the broader security balancing act.
The US defence secretary has announced a six-month Pentagon review of American force posture in Europe and warned that NATO members that fail defence‑spending targets will face reduced US contributions and access. He has criticised allies that limited basing or overflight during US strikes on Iran and said US dues will be contingent on allies meeting spending commitments.
European leaders are navigating a delicate balance as outreach to Moscow is discussed alongside unwavering support for Kyiv; diplomats say contacts have begun at diplomatic levels aimed at reopening channels, while consensus on substance remains elusive. Zelenskyy is pushing for closer ties with Kyiv at the Brussels summit.
The EU- Israel row has intensified after reports that EU foreign policy chief Kallas likened Gaza and West Bank policies to South Africa’s apartheid system. Sa’ar has severed contacts until a retracting statement is issued. The EU says dialogue remains open as divisions over settlements and sanctions persist.
EU leaders are pressing the European Commission to strengthen the trade defense toolbox and pursue dialogue with Beijing, as they confront a deepening trade imbalance and fears of supply shocks from China. Talks in Brussels have highlighted diverging views on how hard to push Beijing while avoiding a full-blown trade war.
The European Union has invited Taliban officials to Brussels for talks on irregular migration and readmission of Afghans without a right to stay. The meeting, coordinated by the European Commission with Sweden, is described as technical and not a recognition of the Taliban. Rights groups warn the engagement could legitimise a regime that has curtailed women’s rights and humanitarian conditions.
Afghan asylum seekers in the EU and the Taliban delegation in Brussels are at the center of renewed debate over deportations and migration rules. The meeting, while not recognizing the Taliban, aims to coordinate returns and tighten border controls amid human rights concerns in Afghanistan.
EU citizens have moved on from Brexit while the UK grapples with its legacy. Across Europe, people view Britain’s departure as a distant memory; in the UK, the economy and culture feel the aftershocks of the divorce, with debates about future ties intensifying.
Leaders gather as Donald Trump has intensified his critique of NATO, pressing allies on defense spending and military support amid ongoing tensions over Iran. Rutte is working to keep unity as Washington signals possible reductions in Europe-focused forces, with a July summit in Ankara on the horizon.
Germany is pursuing a four-track plan to build a scalable long-range arsenal, including U.S.-made Typhon launchers and European projects, as Berlin seeks to reduce reliance on U.S. stockpiles after political shifts and battles over Tomahawk deployments.
A European heatwave has intensified, with temperatures surpassing 30C in multiple countries. Scientists say human-caused climate change has made such heatwaves more likely and severe, while authorities report rising strain on hospitals, power grids, and transport. The heatwave is prompting new warnings and policy responses across the continent.
Israel has moved to recognise the Armenian genocide through a cabinet-backed proposal, signaling a shift amid tensions with Turkey. The measure awaits Knesset approval and follows a push by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Critics say the move risks escalating regional rifts as Ankara warns of consequences.
Aramco has resumed crude oil loadings at Ras Tanura after a four-month halt. Investigations are under way into a helicopter crash that killed 14 nationals. The company is cooperating with authorities amid a broader push to move cargoes ahead of a US-Iran crisis. The incident remains under investigation.