British Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a meeting of European leaders at Blenheim Palace, aiming to revitalize the UK’s relationship with the EU and showcase a more active role on the world stage. The summit focused on shared concerns like migration, energy security, and the threat from Russia, with Starmer emphasizing the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and collaborating with European partners.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled a comprehensive agenda for her second term, focusing on strengthening European defence, boosting economic competitiveness, tackling climate change, managing migration, and promoting affordable housing. Her plans include the creation of a European Defence Union, a European Savings and Investments Union, a Clean Deal Industrial Deal, a legally-binding emissions reduction target, and a new approach to migration management.
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held talks with his counterparts from the EU and UK on the sidelines of the G7 Trade Ministers meeting in Italy, focusing on deeper economic ties and free trade agreements. Discussions also centered on strengthening global supply chains, with Goyal advocating for collaboration among trusted partners and public-private partnerships in critical areas like critical minerals, semiconductors, and green energy.
A new study reveals that 12 EU countries are on track to miss their climate targets under the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR), which sets binding emissions reduction goals for member states. The report warns that these countries could face significant financial penalties, potentially reaching billions of euros, if they don’t implement new policies to reach their targets. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential for a bidding war over scarce emission credits, driving up prices and further increasing financial burdens.
EU energy ministers will meet next week in Budapest to discuss financing geothermal energy as a key strategy to achieve the bloc’s 2030 climate targets. The meeting will explore new ways to make geothermal investments more commercially viable, including incentives and cross-border cooperation. This debate marks the first step towards a European geothermal strategy.
The European Union has introduced a new law requiring all bottled beverages to have attached caps, a change that has sparked anger and frustration among many consumers. While the EU emphasizes the environmental benefits, critics argue the new regulation is pointless and inconvenient.
The European Union, despite its vast marine territories, lacks a comprehensive approach to ocean protection. Urgent action is needed to safeguard this vital ecosystem and its contribution to climate regulation, food security, and economic prosperity. The EU must adopt an ‘Ocean Deal’ that prioritizes a healthy ocean for future generations.
British travellers are being advised to thoroughly check their passports before heading to the airport, ensuring they’re valid and undamaged. A seemingly small issue can cause delays or even prevent travel, turning your dream vacation into a nightmare. This article provides tips on passport renewal and travel advice to ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, drawing criticism from the European Union for potentially undermining the bloc’s stance on the Ukraine conflict. Orban’s visit comes as Hungary holds the rotating EU presidency, leading to concerns that he may be acting independently of the bloc’s policies. The EU has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and imposed numerous sanctions, while Ukrainian officials expressed their displeasure with the meeting.
The European Union is increasingly deporting non-EU citizens, with a growing proportion being returned to countries outside the bloc. This trend reflects a hardening stance on irregular migration, driven by concerns over rising arrivals and pressure from nationalist parties. The number of deportation orders and successful deportations has risen significantly, with France and Germany leading the way.
