EU's collective leadership defining priorities
EU leaders are advancing talks with six Western Balkan states at a Montenegro summit to demonstrate real progress toward possible EU membership, with Montenegro and Albania leading the way while Ukraine and Moldova push for steps like associate membership. The talks come amid debate over how to handle enlargement and security implications in the region.
The European Union has proposed a broad new sanctions package targeting Russia’s economy, including a visa ban for ex-combatants, a price cap on oil, and restrictions on banks, crypto platforms and third-country traders. The measures, announced by Ursula von der Leyen, aim to choke Moscow’s war economy while extending pressure on energy revenues and military supply chains.
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.
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.
Britain’s path with Europe has evolved a decade after the referendum. EU leaders say re-entry could happen, but only with exemptions and no four freedoms compromise; UK public opinion shows shifting, while the bloc signals a cautious, conditional path back.
NATO leaders have met in Ankara after months of U.S. threats to scale back forces in Europe and repeated U.S. demands that allies raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Tensions over the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and U.S. troop reviews have strained transatlantic ties, while European governments are increasing procurement and planning to assume more conventional defence responsibilities.
NATO leaders at the Ankara summit have received engraved revolvers with six live rounds and a note waiving export controls. The gifts, intended to showcase Turkey’s defence industry, are being handled under strict decommissioning and security protocols as leaders decide how to manage the firearms.
Since 1949, unmarried mothers were pressured into giving up babies; leaders have apologized and survivors demand meaningful reparations, mental health support, and access to records as the policy legacy endures.
EU discussions on curbing trade with Israeli settlements face deep division over ban, tariffs, or licensing. Several member states have already imposed or considered unilateral measures amid rising settlement activity and calls for accountability under international law. The debate follows new data on settlement expansion and international rulings.
The Scotsman reports that a mother alleges repeated failures in her son James's care, culminating in his death after multiple placements and limited contact with family. The Guardian covers survivors of forced adoption and their calls for redress, with personal testimonies about loss and ongoing trauma. Letters reflect continued debate over adoption policies.
EU debates options to curb trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Golan Heights as member states remain split. Belgium has moved to ban, while others weigh licensing, tariffs or a full ban amid rising settlement activity and international legal concerns. Ministers have yet to decide on concrete measures.
France has moved to allow temporary exemptions for acetamiprid and flupyradifurone to help struggling farmers, triggering resignations and heated debate. Barbut has warned this marks an environmental setback as the government faces pushback from ministers, courts, and scientists.
Hundreds of thousands have crossed Ceuta’s border with Morocco in a mass surge over several days. Most have returned to Morocco within 48 hours; authorities are installing a floating barrier and tightening border measures as EU members call for an emergency response.