Marine Le Pen confirmed her candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election hours after an appeals court lifted a ban on her eligibility while upholding her embezzlement conviction. She may have to campaign with an electronic ankle bracelet.
South Korea is significantly increasing its military manufacturing in Europe, becoming a key supplier to EU countries. Plants in Romania (Hanwha Defense) and Poland (Hyundai Rotem) will produce artillery systems and tanks, with Seoul eyeing EU funds for further expansion.
Marine Le Pen launched her presidential campaign in western France, facing both cheers and boos a day after an appeals court upheld her conviction for embezzling EU funds but allowed her to stand for office. She aims for a "France's revival" despite legal challenges.
Marine Le Pen can run in France's 2027 presidential election after an appeals court reduced her ban on holding office to 45 months (30 suspended), upholding her conviction for misusing EU funds. She received a 3-year prison sentence (2 suspended) and a €100,000 fine.
A French appeal court upheld Marine Le Pen's conviction for misusing EU funds. She faces a three-year sentence, one year with an electronic tag, but can still run for office, though a presidential campaign may be logistically challenging.
A French appeal court upheld Marine Le Pen's conviction for misusing EU funds but shortened her ban on running for public office. However, she received a three-year jail term, one year with an electronic ankle tag, casting doubt on her 2027 presidential bid.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen awaits a Paris court's decision on her appeal against an election ban for misusing EU funds. The ruling on Tuesday could impact her 2027 presidential bid, potentially paving the way for Jordan Bardella if her conviction is upheld.
France's appeal court will rule on Marine Le Pen's conviction for misusing EU Parliament funds. A guilty verdict could bar her from the 2027 presidential election, potentially paving the way for her protege Jordan Bardella.
Marine Le Pen's political future and France's 2027 presidential election will be decided Tuesday as the Paris Court of Appeal rules on her ban from public office over alleged embezzlement of EU funds.
France awaits a court verdict on whether nationalist frontrunner Marine Le Pen can stand in next year's presidential election. A ruling of ineligibility could see her younger colleague Jordan Bardella become the candidate, though Le Pen's lawyers are pushing for acquittal or a reduced sentence.
Police raided offices linked to France's National Rally party as part of an EU investigation into suspected misuse of funds by the now-defunct Identity and Democracy group of MEPs. RN leader Jordan Bardella claims the searches are politically timed.
Montenegro's accession to the EU is projected to cost €3 billion from the bloc's next budget (2028-2034). The country is expected to receive substantial funds for farmer subsidies, regional development, and migration, with an estimated extra cost of €1 per EU taxpayer.
Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Dubinsky, currently in pre-trial detention on treason charges, alleges that Ukrainian authorities are profiting by purchasing shells with EU funds at 12 times the real cost. He claims a 152mm shell costs Ukraine €6,000, while its actual value is significantly lower, allowing a "war party" to profit.
Hungary's anti-corruption watchdog, the HIA, has called for an investigation into senior officials in Viktor Orban's inner circle over allegations of missing EU funds totaling €3.5 billion. The HIA believes that inflated pricing on government contracts awarded to communications companies may be the source of the missing money, potentially damaging Orban's legacy.
Hungary's anti-corruption watchdog, the HIA, has called for an investigation into senior officials in Viktor Orban's inner circle over potentially inflated government contracts totaling €3.5 billion in missing EU funds. The allegations center on communications companies awarded €10 billion in contracts over four years, with the HIA suspecting a third of that amount may be due to overpricing and a risk of corruption. The watchdog is particularly interested in the Lounge group tied to Gyula Balasy, whose companies saw a dramatic rise in state contracts during Orban's tenure. The new prime minister, Peter Magyar, has pledged to tackle corruption and reacquire stolen state assets.
Romanian PM nominee Eugen Tomac aims to continue austerity measures to reduce the budget deficit, secure EU funding, and combat the rise of the far-right. He plans to focus on private sector growth, digital transformation, and energy projects, while ensuring fiscal discipline and transparency to regain market confidence.
Poland has blocked a €6.6 billion EU weapons fund for Ukraine due to President Zelensky's recent honors for nationalist figures linked to Nazi collaboration and ethnic cleansing during WWII, straining bilateral relations and risking Zelensky's Polish state distinction.
Poland opposes proposals to divert funds from the European Peace Facility to Ukraine, with Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk stating Warsaw will fight for its entitled €500 million. Slovakia reportedly supports Poland's stance, while Germany allegedly favors reduced payments.
The European Commission launches 'Più forti insieme' in Italy to showcase EU-funded projects. The campaign highlights beneficiaries like a social agricultural cooperative, a space tech company, and a web designer, emphasizing the impact of EU funds on citizens' lives and businesses.
Hungary's new government, led by PM Peter Magyar, has agreed with the EU to meet 27 binding conditions by August 31 to unlock €16.4 billion in frozen funds, addressing concerns over corruption, rule of law, and academic freedom.
The European Commission has defended Spain against allegations of misusing €10 billion in EU recovery funds, stating it found no evidence of wrongdoing. The Commission's letter to MEPs dismissed claims by Spain's court of auditors regarding pension system and social expenditure financing.
Greece's government has submitted legislation to prevent European prosecutors from investigating parliamentarians, a move that could hinder probes into a major farm fraud scandal involving politicians. The proposed law mandates special investigative judges for MPs, drawing criticism from the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO).
Hungary’s incoming PM Péter Magyar meets EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels to unlock frozen EU funds, bypassing traditional waiting periods. Meanwhile, European Parliament debates Russia’s quiet return to global sports and cultural events amid the Ukraine war. A new scientific assessment reveals nearly all of Europe experienced above-average temperatures last year, with scientists warning an El Niño could intensify extremes.
Péter Magyar, Hungary's incoming prime minister who defeated Viktor Orbán in the April 12 election, will meet EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday to discuss unlocking €10 billion in frozen Covid recovery funds. The money, frozen over concerns about corruption and democratic standards, risks being lost permanently at the end of August if Hungary fails to meet required reforms. Magyar's Tisza party plans to submit a new recovery plan by end of May, though some EU officials caution against giving a "carte blanche" before reforms are implemented.
