Labour MP Hamish Falconer has been appointed as the UK's new EU relations minister, taking over from Nick Thomas-Symonds. His role will be split between the Cabinet Office and FCDO, and he will lead negotiations with the bloc, with a key task being the rescheduling of a postponed UK-EU summit.
Nick Thomas-Symonds resigns as UK EU Relations Minister after Andy Burnham's reshuffle, expressing support for the new PM. His departure comes as a UK-EU summit, postponed due to Keir Starmer's resignation, is set to be rescheduled for later this year.
The UK's debate on rejoining the EU overlooks the bloc's significant transformation since Brexit. The EU now features common borrowing, assertive industrial policy, and a more geopolitical stance towards the US and China, diverging from traditional British preferences for open markets and transatlantic ties.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned, drawing praise from EU leaders like Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron for his role in strengthening European and Ukrainian security. His departure, which led to the postponement of an EU-UK summit, raises questions about the future of UK-EU relations and continued support for Ukraine, with potential successor Andy Burnham expected to largely maintain Starmer's pro-European stance.
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.
Former British ambassador to the EU, Ivan Rogers, criticizes Labour's approach to the UK's post-Brexit relationship with the EU, calling it unprepared and lacking a coherent vision. He argues their proposed solutions are technocratic and irrelevant to the EU's core concerns.
Switzerland is voting on a "sustainability initiative" that aims to cap the population at 10 million. Currently at 9.1 million, the initiative seeks to enshrine this limit in the constitution, potentially impacting the EU's free movement agreement and leading to stricter border controls.
Keir Starmer contemplates his legacy amid discussions on tech regulation, social media bans, resetting UK-EU relations, and defence, with speculation on Andy Burnham's role.
Post-Brexit, 25% of British musicians lost all EU work, 45% saw tour earnings drop by 45%, and 59% find EU touring no longer viable due to new restrictions and costs.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged full support for Hungary's new PM Peter Magyar, calling him a "great beacon of hope" and promising to help steer Hungary back toward Europe's mainstream. Magyar vowed to be an "honest and reliable partner" within the EU, signaling a shift from Viktor Orban's veto-heavy approach, though he maintained Hungary would not send weapons to Ukraine and would link EU accession talks to minority rights.
Norway is re-evaluating its relationship with the EU, having rejected membership twice before. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide cited a volatile global landscape, increased trade and security importance of the EU, and challenges from US trade policy and geopolitical tensions as reasons for the reconsideration.
The UK government proposed a single market for goods with the EU, but EU officials reportedly rejected it, suggesting a customs union or EEA instead. Labour's red lines prevent these alternatives. The UK hopes for agreements on food, emissions trading, and youth mobility at an upcoming summit.
A corruption scandal involving former Ukrainian official Andrey Yermak is complicating Ukraine's EU accession talks. European leaders have urged Zelensky to investigate thoroughly, with Yermak facing charges of money laundering and recently released on bail.
Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, Türkiye-AB ilişkileri ve bölgesel gelişmeler hakkında görüştü. Erdoğan, İsrail'in uluslararası hukuku ihlal ettiğini belirterek baskıların artırılmasını istedi ve Hürmüz'ün açılması gerektiğini vurguladı.
Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, AB Komisyonu Başkanı von der Leyen ile yaptığı telefon görüşmesinde Türkiye-AB ilişkileri, bölgesel çatışmalar, İsrail'in eylemleri ve ekonomik entegrasyon konularını ele aldı. Erdoğan, ateşkes ve barış çabalarını vurgulayarak İsrail'e yönelik baskı artışı çağrısında bulundu.
A year after promising a "reset" of UK-EU ties, Starmer's government has made limited progress. Key obstacles include "red lines" against rejoining the customs union, single market, or freedom of movement, while EU demands alignment with its rules. Public support for closer ties is high, but EU membership terms would likely be stricter.
The UK's relationship with the EU is emerging as a major issue in Labour politics, with Wes Streeting advocating for closer ties and potential rejoining, while Andy Burnham navigates the topic ahead of a by-election. The issue highlights divisions within the party and with voters.
Deal was expected by end of month but talks hit buffers over cap on number of people entering UK and tuition feesUK politics live – latest updatesEurope live – latest updatesSignificant gaps remain in negotiations on the reset in relations between the UK and the EU despite Keir Starmer’s latest pledge to put Britain “at the heart of Europe” after last week’s election drubbing.The UK wants to limit the number of young people from the EU who come into the country as part of a post-Brexit youth mobility scheme to below 50,000, it has emerged. Continue reading...
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said the US decision to partly withdraw troops from Germany represents a point of no return in relations between the United States and the European Union. Speaking to Vecernje Novosti, Vucic called it an important political statement indicating interests no longer coincide between the two largest Western powers. He warned that disagreements with Washington could adversely affect Serbia's economy, politics and business.
The damage to the economy dwarfs the upsides from the various non-EU trade deals the UK has struck since 2016Rachel Reeves joined EU finance ministers for dinner in Washington last week, on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund spring meetings – the first time a chancellor had done so since Brexit.It was the latest symbolic step in Labour’s marked shift towards prioritising closer EU relations. Continue reading...
The Tisza Party's landslide victory in Hungary, ending Viktor Orban's 16-year rule, is expected by Chinese experts to have minimal impact on Hungary's relationship with China or broader China-EU ties.
Sir Keir Starmer is pushing for a closer relationship with the EU, emphasizing economic benefits and partnership. This move faces strong opposition from Conservatives and Reform UK, who cite sovereignty concerns and the Brexit referendum outcome.
