The European Union has imposed sanctions on Russian energy holding Inter RAO, citing its significant role in Russia's economy and its large consumer base of approximately 19 million consumers.
As trade tensions with China escalate, EU officials are engaging Beijing to de-escalate while simultaneously preparing for a potential trade war to protect its industries from deindustrialisation. Brussels aims to acquire retaliatory tools to counter coercive trade practices.
EU officials are reportedly planning to revise the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, potentially in 2027, in response to the US GENIUS Act on stablecoins. The revisions may broaden MiCA's scope to include non-EU companies issuing stablecoins and tokenized payments/deposits.
The EU has rejected demands from airports and airlines to suspend its new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES), despite acknowledging "20 difficult spots" causing queue chaos. Officials deem a full suspension "not needed" and "not possible," citing security benefits and operational improvements, while delaying the separate Etias visa system.
A European Commission document confirms a Hungarian spy ring operated from its Brussels embassy, intensifying activities in 2015 and targeting Hungarian EU officials for information. The probe found no serious security breaches or individual responsibility.
A Taliban delegation met with EU staff in Brussels for closed-door talks focusing on diplomatic services and the "dignified returns" of Afghans. The meeting, the first of its kind, comes as EU nations seek to increase deportations of rejected asylum seekers and those who commit crimes.
A Taliban delegation met with EU officials in Brussels for the first time to discuss diplomatic services and Afghan returns. The meeting, criticized by rights activists, focused on deporting asylum seekers deemed dangerous or criminal, while the EU has not recognized the Taliban government since 2021.
EU officials are criticized for planning to host a Taliban delegation in Brussels to discuss migrant deportations, with rights groups warning it normalizes a regime accused of human rights abuses and crimes against humanity.
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claims EU bureaucrats are deceiving Ukrainians about their chances of joining the EU, stating Ukraine has "zero chance" due to economic collapse, corruption, and conflict. The SVR also cited fears of strengthening right-wing radicals.
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claims EU officials, in informal talks, state Ukraine's accession is impossible in the medium term due to economic collapse, corruption, and ongoing conflict. They also fear Ukraine's integration could empower right-wing radicals in Europe.
The European Union has initiated tentative diplomatic contacts with Russia to ensure Europe's involvement in potential peace talks for the Ukraine war, as Ukraine launches significant drone attacks on Russian targets.
Senior EU officials, including António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, welcomed a US-Iran deal to end a war, emphasizing the need for lasting peace in the Middle East and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. France announced a military mission is ready to deploy to secure the strait.
Ukraine and Moldova officially begin the first phase of EU membership negotiations in Luxembourg, a symbolic step following their 2022 candidate status. This move, initially blocked by Hungary, signifies progress on rule of law and democracy reforms.
Ukraine and Moldova officially start the first phase of EU membership negotiations in Luxembourg. This symbolic step follows their candidate status granted in 2022 and overcomes previous blockages, marking a significant moment amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
An EU-China meeting planned for June 23 in Beijing has been postponed indefinitely. Olof Skoog, deputy secretary general of the EU's External Action Service, was scheduled to visit Beijing to prepare for a potential visit by Kaja Kallas. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian confirmed communication channels remain open.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused French President Macron and EU representatives of "agenda manipulation" regarding the Ukraine crisis, noting their simultaneous calls for de-escalation and support for continued conflict.
The European Parliament will replace Google with French search engine Qwant as its default search tool on in-house computers starting Thursday, June 4. This move aligns with the Parliament's commitment to digital sovereignty and user data protection, and comes as the EU pushes for greater tech sovereignty.
EU officials propose expanding the use of the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) sector-wide and streamlining safeguard measures to counter competitive pressures from subsidized Chinese firms, fearing Europe's industrial base could be severely impacted.
Ukrainian drones struck the Syzran oil refinery in Russia, over 800km inside the country, causing a fire and killing two people. President Zelenskyy stated this is part of a broader plan targeting Russian oil revenues amid escalating attacks.
Major European media companies are urging EU officials to reconsider a new law. They fear the Digital Fairness Act, aimed at online consumer protection, could unintentionally damage their businesses. The companies argue that existing regulations already cover their operations. They want the focus to be on large tech firms where responsibility gaps exist, not on established media sectors.
A senior EU official has warned that territorial integrity is the 'red line' the bloc will defend, after President Trump ruled out the use of force to acquire Greenland. EU sources revealed the bloc had prepared tariffs and was ready to trigger its anti-coercion instrument – the 'trade bazooka' – had Trump not backed down.
