EU plans own satellite network to rival Starlink
The European Union has taken a major step forward with its satellite project. The SpaceRISE consortium and the European Commission have signed an implementation agreement for IRIS².
Category Europe
European news on politics, society, security, economy and cross-border developments across the continent.
EU interior ministers discuss border protection after Ceuta crisis
Following the mass influx into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, EU interior ministers are holding a special session on border protection, Schengen, and migration policy. As ZDFheute reports, the situation on the ground has calmed down, but the political dispute has only just begun.
EU Parliament approves new passenger rights
The European Parliament has approved new air passenger rights. Parents will soon be able to reserve seats next to their children free of charge, and ticket prices must be clearly displayed.
Russian timber reaches Czech Republic despite EU sanctions
Russian wood products continue to enter the Czech market despite EU sanctions. According to Guild Hall, the goods are declared as imports from China using forged documents.
Germany demands €400 billion cut in EU budget planning
The German government is calling for a drastic reduction of around €400 billion in the EU's financial framework for 2028 to 2034.
EU agrees on tougher penalties for online child sexual abuse
EU member states have agreed on stricter rules against online child sexual abuse. Among other things, AI-generated abuse content and deepfakes will now be uniformly punished.
EU Parliament votes for US tariff deal with safety net
The European Parliament has approved the controversial tariff agreement with the US by a broad majority, but included a safety net that can suspend EU concessions if the US violates the terms.
EU Parliament: Lawmakers Chant ‘Send Them Back’ After Asylum Vote
After the EU Parliament voted on stricter asylum laws, several lawmakers chanted 'Send them back.' According to Spiegel, Swedish MEP Abir Al-Sahlani said she had never felt so unsafe in the chamber.
EU Summit in Brussels: Budget, Ukraine, Middle East and Competition
A two-day EU summit begins in Brussels today. According to Deutschlandfunk, the agenda includes budget, Ukraine, the Middle East and competitiveness.
ECJ strengthens states: Age verification on porn sites allowed
EU member states may require effective age controls from porn platforms, even if the providers are based in another EU country. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on Tuesday.
EU agrees on new air passenger rights: free seat reservations for families
The European Union has agreed on a reform of air passenger rights that includes free seat reservations for families and more transparent ticket pricing, as reported by Die Zeit.
EU starts accession negotiations with Ukraine in Luxembourg
The European Union officially opened accession negotiations with Ukraine on Tuesday evening in Luxembourg. The first negotiation cluster covers justice, fundamental values and security.
EU Reform: Airline Passenger Rights Preserved – Breakthrough Achieved
EU member states have dropped their demand to restrict airline passenger rights. According to Deutschlandfunk, compensation for delays of three hours or more remains in place.
EU Asylum System GEAS: No Complete Halt to Migration
The new Common European Asylum System (GEAS) takes effect this Friday. According to FAZ, it could reduce the number of irregular migrants but will not bring a complete halt.
ECJ: Right to basic bank account applies even under US sanctions
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that private individuals in the EU have a right to a basic bank account even if they are on a US sanctions list, as reported by Tagesschau.
EU Budget: Meloni Threatens Special Rules for Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has drawn red lines for the next multiannual financial framework ahead of the EU summit on June 18-19. According to Euronews, she rejects rebates for individual countries and demands equal special treatment for Italy if the practice continues.
EU states demand stricter visa rules for Russian tourists
A group of European countries is pushing the EU to tighten entry requirements for Russian tourists. According to the Kyiv Post, the states consider current rules too lax given Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Expert criticizes EU plans for deportation centers in third countries
The EU wants to set up deportation centers in third countries and send rejected asylum seekers there. Migration researcher Birgit Glorius considers this approach highly problematic, according to a report by Spiegel.
The EU’s Principle of Unanimity: Strength or Weakness?
Viktor Orbán has frequently blackmailed the EU with his veto, yet the principle of unanimity remains indispensable. According to Süddeutsche Zeitung, there are significant reasons not to abolish this construct.
EU plans unified ticket booking for cross-border train travel
The European Commission has introduced new rules aimed at enabling a unified ticket booking system for train travel across Europe by the end of the decade.
EU to Become Heavily Dependent on US Gas by 2028
European countries are expected to source 80 percent of their liquefied gas imports from the US by 2028, posing risks to energy supply in Europe.
EU agrees on measures against medication shortages
EU negotiators have reached a consensus on new rules to boost the production of essential medicines in Europe and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
EU plans to strengthen pharmaceutical production in Europe
The EU aims to expand drug production in Europe to avoid shortages and reduce dependencies.
EU plans talks with Taliban representatives in Brussels
The European Commission is set to hold discussions with representatives of the Taliban regime in Brussels, focusing on the deportation of migrants without residency status in the EU.
EU Pushes for Swift Accession Talks with Moldova
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visited Chisinau on May 8, emphasizing the need for rapid accession negotiations for Moldova. She stated that the breakaway region of Transnistria would not hinder Moldova's path to EU membership.
Hungary’s parliament in Budapest elects Magyar as prime minister
The newly elected Hungarian parliament met in Budapest for its inaugural session and chose Péter Magyar as prime minister, marking a swift political rise following his election victory over Viktor Orbán, according to reports.