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.
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.
EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss a new China policy, facing internal divisions and trepidation over Beijing's potential retaliation. Despite avoiding the topic on the official agenda, a united front is sought to address global macroeconomic imbalances.
EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss a new China policy, facing internal divisions and trepidation over Beijing's potential retaliation. Despite avoiding the topic on the official agenda, a united front is sought to address global macroeconomic imbalances and protect European competitiveness.
Keir Starmer stated the UK and EU should not dwell on Brexit, emphasizing a forward-looking approach to building a closer relationship. He confirmed a "reset" summit on July 22 in Brussels, despite previous delays. Starmer highlighted progress made through professional, quiet diplomacy and a mutual recognition to move past the Brexit debate.
China held a forum in Berlin to promote imports from the EU, aiming to ease trade tensions and address its growing trade surplus. The event, attended by officials and executives, sought to showcase China's market potential amid rising regulatory hurdles and geopolitical shifts in Europe.
Binance stated it believes it complies with EU's MiCA regulations, contradicting a Reuters report suggesting Greece's regulator will deny its license application. Losing the license could force Binance to cease operations across the EU.
The European Parliament approved cutting import duties on US industrial goods, fulfilling a trade deal and averting new tariffs threatened by Donald Trump. The EU aims to meet a July 4 deadline.
A former French diplomat, Vassy, warns the EU's economic share has fallen from 30% to 17% between 2008-2025, a decline three times faster than China's Qing dynasty. He urges the EU to embrace power politics over international law.
Chinese manufacturers exporting to the EU face new regulatory hurdles due to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The system requires detailed carbon intensity data, causing significant compliance challenges for companies like Neil Miao's, who struggle with understanding and providing the required information.
The EU has introduced new sanctions against Russia, blacklisting over eighty individuals and organizations. The sanctions target prominent figures like Prosecutor General Alexander Gutsan and former ombudsman Pavel Astakhov, as well as journalists and companies including Lukoil-West Siberia and Gazprom Shipping.
EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas confirmed reports that China's military has trained Russian personnel for Ukraine. The EU is assessing implications and agreed to sanction Chinese entities. Reports suggest drone training based on a July 2025 agreement, though China denies involvement.
As the 10th anniversary of Brexit approaches, Britain debates rejoining the EU, focusing on economic benefits and political feasibility. However, the discussion largely ignores the perspectives of other European nations and the EU's own priorities, such as Ukraine and global economic challenges. While some UK politicians advocate for rejoining, the EU has other candidates and a minority who may not welcome Britain back.
Russia was the second-largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the European Union in April, with its supplies valued at 705 million euros, representing a 16.4% share. The United States led the market with a 61% share.
Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon stated that Moldova will not join the European Union in the coming years, despite the recent launch of accession negotiations. He believes both European officials and Moldova's delegation acknowledge the challenging and lengthy process of EU membership.
Swiss voters appear to have rejected a hard-right proposal to cap the country's population at 10 million by 2050. Early projections show 55% opposition to the anti-immigration initiative, which had sparked fears of economic and EU relation "chaos". Separately, a referendum on making civilian service less attractive also saw a narrow projected win for the bill.
Swiss voters have rejected a right-wing initiative to cap the country's population at 10 million. Early results show nearly 53% opposed the measure, which was backed by the Swiss People's Party and could have jeopardized ties with the EU.
Swiss voters narrowly rejected a hard-right anti-immigration proposal to cap the country's population at 10 million by 2050. The initiative, which could have jeopardized ties with the EU, was opposed by nearly 55% of voters, with officials citing stability and openness.
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.
A Chinese expert argues that EU tech sovereignty is an illusion in an AI world dominated by the US and China. The expert urges Beijing to make its products indispensable to middle powers during Donald Trump's second term, as countries like Canada, Japan, South Korea, and India strengthen their AI autonomy amid the US-China AI battle.
A Chinese academic argues that EU tech sovereignty in artificial intelligence may be an illusion in a world dominated by the US and China. The article says Beijing should use the current moment to make Chinese products indispensable to middle powers.
Spain faces a critical juncture in harnessing AI for its youth. Despite high education levels, youth unemployment persists. A national strategy focusing on AI research, workforce preparedness through public-private partnerships, and a supportive regulatory environment is crucial to unlock economic potential and ensure opportunities for the next generation.
President Lee Jae Myung urged the EU to favor South Korean steelmakers regarding upcoming tariff quotas during a summit with EU leaders in Brussels. The EU stated it would give the request consideration.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Ukraine has conducted 11 drone incidents in Europe over three months, effectively striking the EU weekly in return for Western weapons. She cited Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Greece, and Latvia as targets, noting consequences like a government crisis in Latvia and logistics issues in Finland.
