Thousands of migrants entered Spain's Ceuta enclave amid a humanitarian tragedy claiming 141 lives, exposing Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez's isolation within an increasingly right-wing EU, mounting Moroccan coercion, and intense pressure from the US and domestic opposition.
Twenty-two EU leaders, including German Chancellor Merz and Italian PM Meloni, criticized Spanish PM Sánchez's migration policies, particularly a regularization scheme, for undermining EU border security. Sánchez defended his policies, calling his counterparts' reactions "selfish" and "unlawful" amidst a migrant influx into Ceuta.
Andy Burnham is urged by Liberal Democrats to lobby EU leaders directly for the suspension of the new Entry-Exit System (EES) until at least September, as 2.2 million British holidaymakers begin their summer travels, facing potential delays and disruptions at EU borders.
New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, largely unknown in Brussels, prepares for an EU-UK summit. He inherits a "reset agenda" aiming to ease trade barriers, link emissions systems, and establish a youth exchange, while navigating familiar Brexit dilemmas and his stated desire to rejoin the EU in his lifetime.
Andy Burnham, Britain's new prime minister, is largely unknown in Brussels but is set to lead an EU-UK summit this autumn, inheriting Keir Starmer's reset agenda. Key issues include trade barriers, a youth exchange scheme, and defence cooperation, with his Brexit stance creating both hope and caution.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko resigned Sunday, with reports suggesting she will become Kyiv's ambassador to the US. President Zelenskyy announced broader changes in law enforcement and a "political strategy" shift. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone attack hit Russia's Syzran oil refinery, killing one, and Russia suspended shipping in the Sea of Azov due to drone activity.
Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Speaker of Russia's Federation Council, stated that the EU should not participate in negotiations regarding Ukraine, as it would "side" with Kiev and strengthen the opposing side. He suggested dialogue with individual EU leaders is possible but not as a formal negotiation process.
EU leaders confront urgent China policy challenges, highlighted by Volkswagen's reported 100,000 job cuts due to Chinese competition. EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic met Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao in Brussels to launch a new trade consultation platform amidst spiraling tensions.
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.
EU leaders are increasingly concerned about China's currency manipulation, estimating the yuan is undervalued by 20-25%. This contributes to Chinese products being 30-40% cheaper in the EU, exacerbating the bloc's record €1 billion daily deficit with Beijing. Dialogue and monitoring of export prices are suggested as potential EU responses.
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Brussels to promote the Middle Corridor, a vital trade route connecting China and Europe via Central Asia. The project aims to offer a faster, more reliable alternative to Russian routes, with significant infrastructure investments and digitalization efforts underway.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy gave Belarus one week to remove Russian military equipment used in attacks on Ukraine, threatening to do so himself. He also highlighted Belarus's role in supplying Russia's oil refining industry and the Russian army. Meanwhile, EU leaders discussed diplomatic channels with Russia, and Poland's president threatened to revoke an honor for Zelenskyy over renaming a military unit.
The European Council has not set timeframes for the next stages of Moldova's EU accession negotiations, which began on June 15. While the European Commission urged for talks on all clusters to start in July, a unanimous EU decision was not reached during the summit. The process is merit-based and typically takes over 10 years.
European Council President Antonio Costa defended diplomatic outreach to the Kremlin, stating direct communication with Russia is necessary to support Ukraine, though peace talks are not yet feasible. The initiative revealed divisions among EU leaders.
EU首脳会議で、中国からの安価な製品流入による欧州産業への脅威に対応するため、対策強化が協議された。貿易赤字の拡大や重要鉱物への依存が懸念されており、加盟国間では強硬策を求める声と報復を警戒する慎重論がある。
Hungary blocked an attempt to fast-track Ukraine's EU accession, with PM Peter Magyar stating a clause for accelerated entry was removed. The EU remains divided on reopening communication with Moscow, with France and Germany opposing efforts by European Council President Antonio Costa.
EU leaders have urged the European Commission to develop stronger measures against China's economic influence, seeking to "derisk" and protect European industries from subsidized, low-priced Chinese goods, particularly in high-end sectors like automotive.
EU leaders meet in Brussels for a two-day summit addressing competitiveness, trade, Ukraine, the Middle East, defense, and the bloc's next seven-year budget. The summit is the first since leadership changes in Hungary and Bulgaria.
EU leaders convene in Brussels to tackle a packed agenda including Ukraine, the Middle East, the bloc's budget, China's economic influence, migration, defense, and narcotics. Key discussions will focus on trade practices with China, revamping the single market, and the €2 trillion long-term budget amid internal disagreements.
EU leaders grapple with China's economic threat and a deep internal rift over the bloc's next seven-year budget. Northern/western nations seek modernization and defense spending, while southern/eastern countries prioritize cohesion and traditional sectors, creating a deadlock.
Four new prime ministers are set to join EU leaders in Brussels, altering the political dynamics of the bloc's decision-making body. The changes introduce fresh uncertainty as governments prepare for crucial debates on the EU budget, energy, and foreign policy, with a particular focus on who will fill the void left by Viktor Orbán's disruptive influence.
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.
An EU official revealed that a member of European Council President António Costa’s cabinet contacted the Kremlin to open a communication channel, a move that deviates from the EU's policy of limited direct engagement with Russia since the Ukraine invasion. The outreach was brief and not substantive, but aimed to defend EU interests.
