EU foreign ministers view China's economic and technological dominance, coupled with its use of leverage and deepening ties with Russia, as a "critical long-term strategic challenge" for the bloc, impacting its security and competitiveness.
A group of EU countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain, are pushing the European Commission to propose limiting trade with illegal Israeli settlements. This move faces opposition from the Commission and countries like Germany, creating a standoff over EU Middle East policy.
EU foreign ministers will meet on May 27-28 in Cyprus to discuss candidates for mediating negotiations with Russia. Former Italian PM Mario Draghi and ex-German Chancellor Angela Merkel are considered, though Merkel has expressed doubts about mediation feasibility.
From aid for Ukraine to sanctions against Russia and Israel, EU diplomats say the bloc is now poised to make changes.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said there is a new momentum
EU foreign ministers gather in Luxembourg without Hungary, potentially enabling movement on Ukraine aid and Israeli settler sanctions. The discussion also covers Bulgarian President Rumen Radev's election victory, with Brussels diplomats questioning whether he represents another Orbán-style leader, while MEPs face scrutiny over Strasbourg travel costs.
EU ambassadors in Brussels aim to unlock 90 billion euros in budgetary and military financing for Ukraine for 2026-2027 on Wednesday. The issue will also be discussed at EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg on Tuesday. Hungary and Slovakia must lift their veto for funds to be approved, with Budapest linking the unlock to resumption of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has urged the EU to terminate its association agreement with Israel, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government of committing genocide in Gaza and violating international law. Spain will formally propose the termination at Tuesday's EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg, requiring unanimity from all 27 member states. The proposal follows a letter from Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia accusing Israel of breaching the agreement through approval of the death penalty and settler violence in the West Bank.
