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.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed appointing a single negotiator to engage with Russia on Ukraine during the G7 summit. She plans to raise the issue again at the upcoming EU summit, suggesting the negotiator should hail from a "medium-sized" European nation.
Poland's deputy defense minister stated the US has shown interest in establishing a permanent military base in Poland. This follows Poland's government approving steps to facilitate such a base, which would be financed jointly. Currently, around 10,000 US troops are stationed in Poland, mostly rotationally.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia must continue informing the international community about "atrocities" committed by the Kiev regime, despite expected disregard from European capitals regarding the Ukrainian attack on a bus carrying children in Russia's Bryansk Region.
Sir Ed Davey calls for Britain to rejoin the EU single market, arguing Brexit has failed and the world has changed since 2016. Public opinion has shifted, with polls showing a majority would reverse the outcome. The Lib Dem leader's stance faces political hurdles, particularly anti-immigration sentiment, but highlights a growing debate on reconnecting with Europe.
Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser has called a reported European Parliament inquiry into his contacts with Russian officials "surreal," arguing the EU is targeting dialogue while seeking a role in future Ukraine peace efforts. The inquiry stems from his visit to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
EU countries are converging on the need for urgent action to prevent Chinese-driven deindustrialization, supporting a new trade strategy with new instruments and strategic use of existing ones ahead of a key summit.
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.
President Lee Jae Myung concluded his first European tour, attending the G7 summit in France and holding bilateral talks in Belgium and Italy to strengthen ties and seek support for his peace policy.
The European Parliament has urged Albania to suspend construction in protected areas, specifically targeting a proposed luxury resort linked to Jared Kushner. This follows 18 days of protests in Albania and diaspora demonstrations abroad, with calls for the project's halt and Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation.
NATO chief Mark Rutte stated that European allies and Canada are committed to replacing most U.S. military assets being withdrawn from the alliance's pool. The U.S. decision, effective immediately, means these capabilities will no longer be part of NATO war plans.
Alibaba Cloud has launched its first data centers in France, expanding its European presence to meet growing demand and support data sovereignty initiatives. This move positions the company to offer AI services across the region.
La presidente della BCE, Christine Lagarde, ha avvertito sui rischi dell'IA per il sistema finanziario, citando attacchi cyber e vulnerabilità strategiche dell'Europa. Ha chiesto un'azione europea per creare un quadro normativo prima che sia troppo tardi.
The European Commission is struggling to implement its ambitious plan to slash red tape and save the EU economy billions, facing significant pushback from EU governments and lawmakers who are diluting proposals. Commissioners expressed frustration over the rollback of simplification efforts, particularly concerning chemicals, digital, environmental, and pesticides rules, as negotiations become tense over balancing competitiveness with environmental and health safeguards.
The Russia-Ukraine war, now exceeding WWI's duration, is fundamentally altering global order. It has triggered NATO expansion, a new arms race in Europe, and revolutionized drone warfare. Russia faces dependency on China, while North Korea and Iran benefit as arms suppliers. The conflict offers lessons for China, challenges India's balancing act, and highlights limits of US diplomatic efforts.
Christian Noyer, former ECB vice-president, urges Europe to stay open to Chinese investment while developing its own AI and tech infrastructure to reduce dependence on America.
European gas storage facilities are 45.03% full, the lowest for this date in five years, holding 49.2 bln cubic meters. Injections are down 16% year-on-year, and competition with Asia for LNG amid Middle East conflict escalation is driving higher fuel prices.
Spain midfielder Mikel Merino reflects on the team's 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their World Cup opener, likening the disappointment to a 'mourning' and emphasizing unity and swift recovery.
A group of former European leaders urges EU leaders to support a robust Global Europe budget, emphasizing that external investments bolster Europe's security, economic competitiveness, and resilience against global shocks.
Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent, is hosting the fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum, attracting foreign leaders, investors, and business executives. Discussions cover investment, infrastructure, AI, and access to capital, with a focus on economic diplomacy and bilateral meetings.
Austin MacPhee, Aston Villa's set-piece coach, is gaining recognition for his integral role in the team's success. His unconventional career path, from Scottish amateur football to coaching Portugal and scouting for Mexico, highlights his unique journey.
For the first time, all EU NATO members met the 2% defence spending target in 2025. However, figures reveal a divide: front-line states like Poland are significantly exceeding the target, while many others do the bare minimum. Around 40% of defence equipment spending goes to non-EU suppliers.
G7 leaders aim to prioritize the Ukraine war, with Donald Trump suggesting the US may soon reinstate sanctions on Russian oil. Meanwhile, Ukraine reports a bomber crash and Russian strikes kill at least eight people across multiple regions. A Russian artist critical of Putin was killed in Poland.
Crimea has banned nighttime rides on mopeds, quad bikes, and motorcycles, citing their noise resemblance to drone attacks and alleging children are deliberately involved. Ukraine has intensified drone attacks on the peninsula, impacting supply routes and fuel availability. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone hit a Moscow refinery, halting operations, and Russia's strikes killed at least eight people across Ukraine.
