German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the European Commission's proposed long-term budget (2028-2034) as "far too high" and called for a new proposal. EU leaders in Brussels also discussed support for Ukraine, including military aid and fast-track membership, and global economic challenges, agreeing to extend sanctions on Russia for 12 months.
G7 leaders pledged to intensify economic pressure on Russia through strengthened sanctions, particularly on oil and gas. They also committed to increasing air defense and long-range capabilities for Ukraine, signaling a united front to support Kyiv and accelerate peace efforts.
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.
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.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. They discussed advancing bilateral relations in areas like economy, industry, science, technology, security, and defense industry cooperation, and exchanged views on global conflicts.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France. Lee called for advancing bilateral relations to an unprecedented level, while Merz described current cooperation as "pretty good" and expressed anticipation for his upcoming visit to South Korea.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday during the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. The discussions focused on global challenges including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, financial instability, and AI risks.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's foreign policy partnerships with Trump, Macron, Meloni, and Starmer show varied dynamics. While cooperation with Italy and the UK is pragmatic, German-French defense ties have faltered, and relations with Trump have faced strain.
AfD co-chairman Tino Chrupalla stated that German business representatives at SPIEF defended the interests of German companies operating in Russia, emphasizing the need for dialogue and the economic importance of these firms for Germany.
German Chancellor satisfied with "constructive" talks with social partners on economic reforms. Unions praise respect, while employers and opposition urge faster action and express disappointment with the government's engagement.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated on Thursday that the EU should defend itself against unfair trade practices, showing increased willingness to support European Commission proposals for a firmer stance on China. Merz highlighted concerns over China's subsidized exports and industrial overcapacity, which he stated are harming European industries and leading to job losses in Germany.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine's proposed associate membership in the EU would grant Kyiv participation in Council of EU and Council of Ministers meetings, along with a non-voting European Commissioner status. Germany seeks a lasting peace for Ukraine, considering its own security interests.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will deliver a government statement to parliament on reforms and the upcoming EU summit. Talks with unions and employers on labor market, social security, and bureaucracy reforms were constructive but yielded no decisions. The EU summit will focus on Ukraine and the bloc's long-term budget.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Downing Street to discuss support for Ukraine amid heightened hostilities with Russia.
EU leaders gather in Montenegro to accelerate Western Balkans enlargement, citing geopolitical imperatives amid Russian and Chinese influence, with Montenegro leading candidate nations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has again proposed former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder as a potential negotiator for peace in Ukraine. German government sources dismissed the offer as part of Russia's "hybrid strategy."
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš proposed that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz should lead EU negotiations with Russia to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. Babiš stated that Trump has distanced himself from the conflict, focusing on the Middle East.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that President Vladimir Putin was briefed on a bus attack in Yenakiyevo, DPR, calling it a crime targeting civilians. Peskov also affirmed that threats from Ukrainian drones would not disrupt the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), which is proceeding as planned.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's attempts to convince Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar to support Kyiv were unsuccessful, according to Cypriot journalist Alex Christoforou. Magyar reportedly maintained his stance, despite Scholz's persistent arguments.
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.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that military support for Ukraine and anti-Russian sanctions are the most effective methods to hasten the end of the conflict. He emphasized that these efforts are having a tangible impact.
Slovak PM Robert Fico stated Ukraine could become an EU associate member if it takes steps toward peace. He emphasized that Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro should be admitted first. President Peter Pellegrini agreed that any expedited EU associate status for Ukraine must have conditions, warning against sending a negative signal to Western Balkan nations.
Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev stated that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is following his recommendations on re-emigration by considering an increase in payments for Syrian refugees returning home to 8,000 euros. Dmitriev also suggested Merz follow his advice on energy and peace.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President's Special Representative, stated that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz could achieve success by adhering to his political recommendations, particularly regarding increased payments of 8,000 euros for Syrian refugees to leave Germany, which Dmitriev considers a re-emigration strategy.
