Explore

AP News AP News
Armenia hosts a historic European Union summit as the country charts a course away from Russia

Armenia hosts a historic European Union summit as the country charts a course away from Russia

Armenia is hosting the first European Union summit in Yerevan
AP News AP News
Armenia hosts a historic EU summit as it charts a course away from Russia

Armenia hosts a historic EU summit as it charts a course away from Russia

Armenia hosts the first European Union summit in Yerevan on Tuesday, marking a deepening of ties that's been years in the making
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Armenia Hosts EU Summit, Signaling Shift Away from Russia

Armenia Hosts EU Summit, Signaling Shift Away from Russia

Armenia recently hosted its first bilateral summit with the European Union in Yerevan, marking a significant diplomatic shift as the country seeks to strengthen ties with the EU and reduce its reliance on Russia. The summit followed the European Political Community gathering, which addressed European defense issues. During the bilateral meeting, Armenia and the EU signed a connectivity partnership to enhance economic and security cooperation. This move comes amid strained relations between Armenia and Russia, particularly after Azerbaijan's reclaiming of the Karabakh region. Armenian authorities have accused Russian peacekeepers of failing to prevent Azerbaijan's actions, while Russia, preoccupied with the Ukraine conflict, denied these claims. The summit highlighted Armenia's intention to pivot towards the West, with EU investments in Armenia expected to reach 2.5 billion euros under the global gateway infrastructure program.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Sweden Detains Tanker in Baltic Sea for Sanctions Evasion

Sweden Detains Tanker in Baltic Sea for Sanctions Evasion

Sweden's coast guard has detained a tanker in the Baltic Sea, suspected of being part of a Russian shadow fleet evading Western sanctions. The vessel, Jin Hui, is believed to be falsely flagged and lacks proper seaworthiness and insurance. It is included on sanctions lists from the EU, UK, and Ukraine. The tanker has a history of port state control issues and has been involved in extensive trading across various jurisdictions, indicating potential violations of international sanctions. This action is part of a broader effort by Nordic and European countries to disrupt the operations of tankers that operate outside international regulatory frameworks.
AP News AP News
Macron says US and EU are wasting time on tariff threats as Trump fumes over Germany

Macron says US and EU are wasting time on tariff threats as Trump fumes over Germany

French President Emmanuel Macron says Europe and the U.S. have more important things to do than waste time on tariff threats
Rapid Read Rapid Read
European Leaders Respond to President Trump's Troop Withdrawal from Germany, Emphasizing NATO's Future

European Leaders Respond to President Trump's Troop Withdrawal from Germany, Emphasizing NATO's Future

European leaders have expressed concern over President Trump's decision to withdraw thousands of U.S. troops from Germany, viewing it as a signal for Europe to take more responsibility for its own security. The Pentagon announced the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops, with President Trump indicating plans for further reductions. This move has surprised NATO allies and comes amid tensions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the U.S.'s handling of the conflict with Iran. European leaders, meeting at a summit in Yerevan, Armenia, are downplaying the immediate impact but acknowledge the need for a stronger European role within NATO. The decision has sparked discussions on the continent's defense capabilities and the future of transatlantic relations.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Swedish Coast Guard Seizes Russian Shadow Tanker in Baltic Sea

Swedish Coast Guard Seizes Russian Shadow Tanker in Baltic Sea

The Swedish Coast Guard has seized a tanker in the Baltic Sea suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet, which is used to fund its war against Ukraine. The Syrian-flagged vessel, Jin Hui, was boarded in Swedish territorial waters, and a preliminary investigation into its seaworthiness has begun. The ship is suspected of sailing under a false flag and is listed on several sanctions lists, including those of the EU and Britain. This action is part of a broader effort by European nations to disrupt Russia's shadow fleet, which has been condemned by Moscow as hostile.
Reuters Reuters
Germany's Merz marks a year in office facing deep transatlantic crisis

Germany's Merz marks a year in office facing deep transatlantic crisis

By James Mackenzie BERLIN, May 4 (Reuters) - Chancellor Friedrich Merz marks a year in office this week facing the biggest crisis with Washington in decades, after President Donald Trump said he would hit European auto imports with 25% tariffs and pull thousands of troops out of Germany.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
EU Strengthens Ties with Armenia to Counter Russian Influence

EU Strengthens Ties with Armenia to Counter Russian Influence

The European Union is enhancing its relationship with Armenia by sending a team of experts to combat Russian propaganda and interference. This move comes as Armenia seeks to align more closely with the EU, following disillusionment with Russia's lack of support during recent conflicts. The EU leaders are set to hold their first summit with Armenia, where they will discuss energy, transport, and economic support. The EU is establishing a mission of civilian experts in Armenia to address Russian cyber-attacks and information manipulation. This mission is expected to commence after Armenia's parliamentary elections in June, which are seen as pivotal for the country's pro-western trajectory.