The EU is preparing to reopen its MiCA crypto rulebook, likely in 2027, to regulate non-EU stablecoin issuers and broaden its scope. This follows U.S. regulatory moves and concerns over dollar-backed stablecoins dominating the market, potentially impacting the euro's monetary sovereignty.
Pedro Lourtie, head of cabinet to European Council President António Costa, faces the challenge of brokering EU deals amidst diplomatic backchannels and internal rifts. His role involves balancing Brussels' priorities with the needs of 27 capitals, a task complicated by recent revelations of his direct contact with Moscow.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar cut contact with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas after she reportedly compared Israeli policy to apartheid, sparking outrage and deepening a crisis in Israel-EU relations amidst differing European views on dialogue with Israel.
The European Union has lifted its negative travel advisory for Assam, excluding three districts under AFSPA. This follows a visit by EU diplomats and is seen as a vote of confidence, encouraging deeper engagement. Efforts are underway to persuade the US and Canada to lift similar restrictions.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced he would cut contact with EU diplomat Kaja Kallas, accusing her of unfairness and a "blood libel" over alleged comparisons of Israel's treatment of Palestinians to apartheid. Kallas attempted to de-escalate, emphasizing dialogue and EU support for a two-state solution, but Sa'ar demanded a denial of the remarks.
Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow could revise its notification procedure for EU diplomats entering Russia if the EU stops discriminatory measures against Russian diplomatic staff. The new procedure, implemented on June 15, requires EU diplomats to submit advance written and electronic notification to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the severing of all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Saar accused Kallas of "acting obsessively and with blatant unfairness" after she reportedly compared Israel to South Africa's apartheid regime during a visit to Mexico. Diplomatic relations have been strained since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
European diplomats criticize EU foreign policy chief Kallas for concentrating powers and acting independently, potentially hindering reforms for the bloc's diplomatic service. The article highlights structural issues within the EU's diplomatic apparatus, including dual oversight and the need for unanimous consent on foreign policy decisions.
China's foreign ministry confirmed ongoing "communications on the relevant dialogue" with the EU. EU sources indicated meetings were postponed, not as retaliation by Beijing, amid Chinese academic Guo Mingxu's criticism of Brussels blaming China for its own failures.
France and Germany are in talks to reform the EU's 15-year-old diplomatic service, aiming to bolster its response to geopolitical crises. Discussions include potentially reallocating powers from the EU's chief diplomat and the External Action Service back to the European Commission and member states.
EU and China trade tensions rise as EU policymakers consider a tougher stance on trade despite pressure from Beijing
The EU-UK summit to reset their relationship, initially planned for July, may be postponed to autumn due to stalled negotiations over a youth mobility scheme, with disagreements over tuition fees and participant caps.
France and Germany propose gradual integration for EU candidate countries, offering partial single market access and observer status to maintain motivation amid slow accession processes, especially for Western Balkan nations.
La Chine renforce son influence diplomatique en accueillant les dirigeants des membres permanents du Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU. Pékin se positionne comme un pôle de stabilité face à l'instabilité américaine, tout en jouant un rôle discret mais stratégique dans les conflits mondiaux.
EU diplomats and Chinese speakers clashed at an event Tuesday, with accusations of "bullying" and "protectionism" from the Chinese side. Business figures expressed frustration over perceived trade imbalances, while a researcher criticized EU decoupling policies.
EU diplomats and officials are negotiating precise legal definitions for a proposed ban on AI-powered nudification technology, debating what constitutes 'intimate parts' in legislation. The discussions follow controversy over Elon Musk's Grok AI tool, which reportedly generated an estimated 3 million non-consensual sexual images in 11 days. Final negotiations are scheduled for April 28.
From aid for Ukraine to sanctions against Russia and Israel, EU diplomats say the bloc is now poised to make changes.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas hosts back-to-back events promoting a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, positioning the EU as an authority on Gaza's future against Trump's approach. Meanwhile, EU leaders gather in Cyprus to discuss tourism industry challenges, while debate continues over the correct date for EU birthday celebrations.
