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EU pushes Ukraine membership bid forward despite Hungary's objections

EU pushes Ukraine membership bid forward despite Hungary's objections

The European Union has handed Ukraine a list of reforms needed to join the bloc

EU Considers Maritime Services Ban on Russian Oil, Cyprus and Malta Warn of Impact on Legitimate Shipping

EU Considers Maritime Services Ban on Russian Oil, Cyprus and Malta Warn of Impact on Legitimate Shipping

The European Union and the Group of Seven (G7) countries are in discussions to replace the current price cap on Russian oil exports with a comprehensive ban on maritime services. This move aims to reduce the oil revenue that supports Russia's military activities in Ukraine. Cyprus and Malta, key EU shipping nations, have expressed concerns that such a ban could negatively impact legitimate maritime businesses. They argue that the ban should not push maritime services to non-EU jurisdictions, which would reduce EU oversight and leverage. The proposed ban is part of the EU's next package of sanctions against Russia, expected in early 2026.

French lawmakers narrowly approve health care budget, suspending Macron's flagship pension reform

French lawmakers narrowly approve health care budget, suspending Macron's flagship pension reform

France’s lower house of parliament has narrowly approved a key health care budget bill, offering the minority government some relief from political turmoil

EU Implements Technical Workaround to Bypass Hungary's Veto on Ukraine's EU Membership Talks

EU Implements Technical Workaround to Bypass Hungary's Veto on Ukraine's EU Membership Talks

The European Union has devised a new technical negotiation format to advance Ukraine's EU membership talks, circumventing Hungary's veto. This development was announced at an informal meeting of the EU General Affairs Council by Danish Minister for EU Affairs, Marri Bjerre, and EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. The approach, known as 'frontloading,' allows the EU to continue its engagement with Ukraine on reforms without the risk of a Hungarian veto. Despite the inability to officially open Cluster 1 of the negotiations, the EU has agreed on a technical process that ensures Ukraine's reform process can proceed. Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka, expressed satisfaction with the EU's decision, which maintains the momentum of Ukraine's EU accession process.

President Trump Sets Conditions for Potential Meeting with Zelenskyy Amid Ukraine Peace Process

President Trump Sets Conditions for Potential Meeting with Zelenskyy Amid Ukraine Peace Process

President Trump has indicated that he may meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the weekend in Europe, contingent on certain conditions being met. During a roundtable discussion in Washington DC, Trump mentioned having 'pretty strong words' with European leaders regarding Ukraine. He emphasized the need for clarity before proceeding with any meeting, stating, 'We don't want to waste our time.' Trump also highlighted the Ukrainian public's desire for a settlement, referencing a poll suggesting that 82% of Ukrainians want the conflict to end. The discussion comes amid ongoing tensions and military engagements between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides targeting each other's energy infrastructure.

Protesting Greek farmers swarm onto airport tarmac in Crete, forcing halt to flights

Protesting Greek farmers swarm onto airport tarmac in Crete, forcing halt to flights

Angry farmers protesting delays in the payment of subsidies have swarmed onto an airport tarmac on the southern Greek island of Crete

Protesting Greek farmers swarm onto aircraft parking area of an international airport on Crete

Protesting Greek farmers swarm onto aircraft parking area of an international airport on Crete

Angry farmers protesting delays in the payment of subsidies have swarmed onto the aircraft parkin area of the international airport on the southern Greek island of Crete

European Union Advances Migration Policy Overhaul Amidst Internal Opposition

European Union Advances Migration Policy Overhaul Amidst Internal Opposition

The European Union is moving forward with significant changes to its migration system, aiming to streamline deportations and increase detentions. This overhaul includes the establishment of a 'solidarity pool' to distribute the financial burden of hosting refugees among member states, particularly those facing high migratory pressure like Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Spain. Hungary and Poland have expressed opposition to mandatory hosting or financial contributions for migrants. The EU's new approach also involves a 'safe third country' concept, allowing for the denial of residency to migrants from designated safe countries. This policy shift comes amid a decade-long debate on migration, influenced by a surge in asylum-seekers and the rise of far-right political parties. The European Council will negotiate with the European Parliament to finalize these changes.

Hamas wants more pressure on Israel before ceasefire's next phase

Hamas wants more pressure on Israel before ceasefire's next phase

A Hamas leader has threatened to not move forward with the Gaza ceasefire's next phase unless Israel is pressured to open a key border crossing, cease deadly strikes and allow more aid

Israeli Police Raid UNRWA Compound in East Jerusalem, Raising Tensions

Israeli Police Raid UNRWA Compound in East Jerusalem, Raising Tensions

Israeli police conducted a raid on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) compound in East Jerusalem, raising an Israeli flag and seizing equipment. This action was part of what authorities described as a debt-collection operation. UNRWA condemned the raid, stating it violated international law and the agency's immunity. The raid is seen as part of Israel's ongoing campaign against UNRWA, which has been banned from operating in Israeli territory. The agency provides aid to millions of Palestinian refugees across the region. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the raid and urged Israel to respect UN premises under international law.

EU leader warns of US interference in Europe's affairs as Russia praises Trump's security vision

EU leader warns of US interference in Europe's affairs as Russia praises Trump's security vision

A top European Union official has warned the United States against interfering in European affairs

Israeli Police Raid UNRWA Compound in East Jerusalem Amid Ongoing Tensions

Israeli Police Raid UNRWA Compound in East Jerusalem Amid Ongoing Tensions

Israeli police forcibly entered the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) compound in East Jerusalem, escalating tensions between Israel and the UN agency. The raid involved a significant number of Israeli forces, including police on motorcycles and trucks, who entered the compound in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. The Israeli authorities described the action as a debt-collection procedure initiated by Jerusalem's municipal government. UNRWA condemned the raid as a violation of international law and UN immunity, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres urging Israel to respect UN premises. This incident is part of a broader Israeli campaign against UNRWA, which has been banned from operating in Israeli territory since January. The agency provides aid to millions of Palestinian refugees across the region.