The European Union has lifted its negative travel advisory for Assam, excluding three districts under AFSPA. This follows a visit by EU diplomats and is seen as a vote of confidence, encouraging deeper engagement. Efforts are underway to persuade the US and Canada to lift similar restrictions.
Eight years after Brexit, the UK's departure serves as a cautionary tale for the EU, deterring other nations from leaving. Instead, countries like Moldova and Ukraine are seeking membership, driven by geopolitical shifts and threats. EU-UK relations are stabilizing, with a "reset" summit planned.
Ten years after the UK's Brexit vote, this report examines five key areas – Nissan Sunderland, the Thames flotilla, blue passports, care home workers, and the City of London – to assess the lasting impacts of leaving the EU on Britain's politics, economy, and international relations.
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized EU Council President Antonio Costa for attempting to establish contact with Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict, stating Costa lacks the authority to represent other nations on security guarantees. Macron believes European countries should join US-initiated negotiations.
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claims EU bureaucrats are deceiving Ukrainians about their chances of joining the EU, stating Ukraine has "zero chance" due to economic collapse, corruption, and conflict. The SVR also cited fears of strengthening right-wing radicals.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Russia is open to dialogue with Europe but not from a position of strength, calling such attempts a "dead-end." He also addressed ongoing drone attacks on Moscow, asserting that necessary measures are being taken and that Russia will continue striking targets in Ukraine.
As Europe's MiCA regulation deadline looms, major crypto firms like Binance and Tether face challenges securing licenses or complying with rules, potentially disrupting access for millions of users and reshaping the market towards regulated entities and a future digital euro.
The EU's executive branch will engage with China to address trade imbalances and develop new trade defense tools to counter Chinese industrial overcapacity and reduce overdependence on the Chinese economy.
Estonia's PM Kristen Michal warns EU Council President António Costa's diplomatic outreach to the Kremlin could undermine bloc support for Ukraine. Michal insists any peace talks must be led by Kyiv, not the EU, to avoid constraining pressure on Russia.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that negotiations with Russia over the past two decades have been a "diplomatic smokescreen" for the West's geopolitical expansion, particularly by NATO and the EU towards Russia's borders. His article, initially intended for Politico-Europe, was canceled by the outlet.
EU leaders met for a two-day summit focusing on Ukraine support, the EU's next long-term budget, and global economic challenges. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged fast-track EU membership. Bulgaria threatened to veto sanctions on Russia over Lukoil. Leaders expressed skepticism about immediate peace talks with Russia.
EU leaders met in Brussels to discuss support for Ukraine, including the opening of negotiation clusters for accession. They also addressed the EU's significant trade deficit with China and planned for the next long-term budget (2028-2034).
The European Union has initiated tentative diplomatic contacts with Russia to ensure Europe's involvement in potential peace talks for the Ukraine war, as Ukraine launches significant drone attacks on Russian targets.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the severing of all contact with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Saar accused Kallas of "acting obsessively and with blatant unfairness" after she reportedly compared Israel to South Africa's apartheid regime during a visit to Mexico. Diplomatic relations have been strained since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
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.
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.
China held a forum in Berlin to promote imports from the EU, aiming to ease trade tensions and address its growing trade surplus. The event, attended by officials and executives, sought to showcase China's market potential amid rising regulatory hurdles and geopolitical shifts in Europe.
Binance stated it believes it complies with EU's MiCA regulations, contradicting a Reuters report suggesting Greece's regulator will deny its license application. Losing the license could force Binance to cease operations across the EU.
The European Parliament approved cutting import duties on US industrial goods, fulfilling a trade deal and averting new tariffs threatened by Donald Trump. The EU aims to meet a July 4 deadline.
A former French diplomat, Vassy, warns the EU's economic share has fallen from 30% to 17% between 2008-2025, a decline three times faster than China's Qing dynasty. He urges the EU to embrace power politics over international law.
Chinese manufacturers exporting to the EU face new regulatory hurdles due to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The system requires detailed carbon intensity data, causing significant compliance challenges for companies like Neil Miao's, who struggle with understanding and providing the required information.
The EU has introduced new sanctions against Russia, blacklisting over eighty individuals and organizations. The sanctions target prominent figures like Prosecutor General Alexander Gutsan and former ombudsman Pavel Astakhov, as well as journalists and companies including Lukoil-West Siberia and Gazprom Shipping.
EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas confirmed reports that China's military has trained Russian personnel for Ukraine. The EU is assessing implications and agreed to sanction Chinese entities. Reports suggest drone training based on a July 2025 agreement, though China denies involvement.
