Lithuania's national security adviser, Deividas Matulionis, stated that the country perceives no direct threat from Russia, though he expressed concern about growing "isolated malicious acts." This contrasts with broader EU accusations against Russia, which Russia denies.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President's special envoy and RDIF CEO, stated that the EU's economic crisis is rooted in anti-Russian sanctions and uncontrolled immigration, claiming sanctions have cost EU countries over €3 trillion.
A group of EU countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain, are pushing the European Commission to propose limiting trade with illegal Israeli settlements. This move faces opposition from the Commission and countries like Germany, creating a standoff over EU Middle East policy.
Former Italian PM Giuseppe Conte urged the EU to immediately appoint a special representative for negotiations with Russia, criticizing the ongoing "mad arms race" and "anti-Russian hysteria." He argued diplomacy is more effective than rearmament for peace and security, highlighting economic damage to EU countries and rising energy prices as real citizen concerns. Conte also stated conditions are not right for Ukraine's EU accession and opposed sending weapons to Kyiv.
Sette paesi UE (Spagna, Danimarca, Finlandia, Lussemburgo, Paesi Bassi, Portogallo e Svezia) chiedono di rafforzare il sistema ETS, considerandolo la pietra angolare per una transizione efficiente verso la neutralità climatica.
The EU Parliament is set to re-vote on a bill allowing tech companies to scan services for child sexual abuse material (CSAM). While proponents argue it's critical to combat online pedophilia, privacy groups warn of mass surveillance. The bill faces a new vote under rules favoring its passage, despite previous legislative stalemates.
The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, announced plans to sanction Russian military producers following a deadly missile and drone attack on Kyiv. The proposed measures aim to increase costs for Russia, which launched 74 missiles and over 490 drones, killing at least 18 people.
The European Commission proposes changes to temporary protection status for Ukrainians, potentially excluding males aged 23-60 due to military obligations, while existing protections for those already in the EU remain unchanged.
Binance is suspending crypto services in several EU countries from next week after failing to secure regulatory authorization. The exchange withdrew its Greek license application and plans to reapply elsewhere, assuring users their funds remain safe.
EU countries voted to prolong the suspension of retaliatory tariffs against the US, affecting $4 billion in goods, in the long-running Airbus-Boeing dispute. This move aims to avoid reigniting a transatlantic trade war, as the 2021 truce was set to expire on July 11, with new suspension duration under negotiation.
Several EU nations are considering sending rejected asylum seekers to Rwanda and Uzbekistan for processing, marking a potential shift in the bloc's migrant returns system beyond its borders. The move follows the approval of a law allowing EU capitals to establish 'return hubs' in non-EU countries, provided human rights are upheld.
EU countries are converging on the need for urgent action to prevent Chinese-driven deindustrialization, supporting a new trade strategy with new instruments and strategic use of existing ones ahead of a key summit.
Ireland takes over the EU Council presidency with the difficult task of negotiating the bloc's next seven-year budget. Wealthier nations rejected a recent proposal for modest cuts, increasing pressure on Ireland to broker a deal amid competing demands from member states.
EU countries have approved a compromise deal to overhaul air passenger rights, affecting flight compensation, seating, and baggage rules. The new rules, expected in late 2027, aim to simplify claims and ensure parents can sit with children for free, but airlines express concerns about increased costs.
The WHO urged football fans to travel normally for the World Cup, stating the Ebola risk in Europe is low and there's no reason to change plans. This follows US pressure on European nations to implement travel bans on individuals from affected Central African countries, a move the WHO opposes.
Nine EU nations and two non-EU countries, including Iceland and Norway, have requested the EU to tighten visa policies for Russian citizens, citing current circumstances and calling to prevent Russians from vacationing on European beaches. This move highlights potential divisions within the EU, as popular tourist destinations like Spain and Greece did not sign the letter.
UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle will meet EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to discuss planned EU tariff-free import reductions for British steel. The EU's proposed 47% cut from July 1st, alongside the UK's 60% reduction, sparks fears of collateral damage and retaliatory measures, impacting industries on both sides.
UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle will meet EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to discuss planned EU cuts to tariff-free steel imports. The UK industry fears "devastating" consequences from the EU's 47% reduction, while EU leaders worry about UK retaliation. Both sides are introducing safeguards against Chinese competition, but fears grow of collateral damage.
EU nations are split over France's proposal to expand its nuclear deterrence, with nine countries showing interest but others, like Italy and Baltic states, remaining hesitant due to unclear benefits beyond the US nuclear umbrella.
Russia's UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya stated that EU countries are deliberately overlooking the "crimes" of the Zelensky regime, specifically mentioning strikes on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). He accused the regime of shelling the plant and implied Western complicity.
France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Lithuania are calling on the EU to use more tariffs and defensive trade measures against countries like China. They want more frequent probes into unfair trade practices and new tools to protect strategic industries.
The EU's green economy is expanding, with renewables meeting nearly 50% of energy needs and waste management leading in profitability and employment. Despite political shifts, the sector shows steady growth, though some policies face challenges.
Ten EU countries have urged the European Commission to allow cormorants to be hunted, arguing the birds decimate fish stocks and cause €350M in annual damage to fisheries and aquaculture. Ministers want the species added to the EU's Birds Directive and easier access to shooting them outside hunting season.
Russia is considering denying natural gas to EU countries that publicly reject Russian gas but secretly attempt to purchase it. Moscow will evaluate such cases individually, as reported by Novosti, citing a diplomat.
