🇪🇺 EU

France and Germany Push EU to Repeal Supply Chain Sustainability Law
May 21 @ 2:01pm ET  
France and Germany urge the EU to repeal the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, citing economic burdens. This law, part of the 'European Green Deal,' mandates strict environmental and human rights checks starting in 2027.
Discovering Heritage Through Waltz in the Bavarian Alps
May 21 @ 11:38am ET  
At Schloss Elmau in the Bavarian Alps, a dance intensive turns the waltz into a bridge to family history. Participants uncover personal heritage through movement in a historic setting.
Hungary Votes to Exit ICC Amid Controversy Over Netanyahu Warrant
May 21 @ 6:27am ET  
Hungary's Parliament voted on May 20 to withdraw from the ICC, with 134 in favor and 37 against, following Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's criticism of the court as 'political.' This move, sparked by an ICC warrant for Israel's Netanyahu, marks a significant shift in Hungary's international stance.
EU's €2 Parcel Tax Targets Shein and Temu Shipments
May 20 @ 4:37pm ET  
The EU plans to impose a €2 fee on small parcels under €150, targeting e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu. This tax, affecting billions of shipments mostly from China, aims to level the market for local retailers and generate revenue.
Portugal's Democratic Alliance Secures Election Win Without Majority
May 20 @ 8:12am ET  
Portugal's Democratic Alliance, led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, won 32.1% of the vote in the May 18 election but fell short of a majority with 86 seats. The fragmented results signal tough coalition talks ahead amid a rising populist presence.
Lufthansa Flight Scare: Unconscious Co-Pilot Leaves Cockpit Unattended in 2024
May 19 @ 1:18pm ET  
A Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Seville faced a crisis on February 17, 2024, when the co-pilot collapsed, leaving the cockpit unattended for nearly 10 minutes. The incident, detailed in a May 17 report by Spain's CIAIAC, raises serious concerns about aviation safety protocols.
Greenland's Vast Mineral Resources Spark Hope for Independence
May 19 @ 6:10am ET  
Greenland's vast mineral resources could pave the way for economic independence from Denmark. With global interest in its rare earth elements, the nation faces both opportunity and environmental challenges.
Romania's Presidential Run-Off: Simion and Dan in Tight Race
May 16 @ 10:17am ET  
Romanians vote in a tight presidential run-off this weekend between nationalist George Simion and centrist Nicusor Dan. Polls show them tied at 48.2 percent, though Simion leads among the diaspora.
Poland's Presidential Election: A Pivotal Moment for Political Direction
May 16 @ 8:15am ET  
Poland's presidential election this Sunday is a critical test of the nation's political direction, pitting pro-EU forces against nationalist opposition. The outcome could shape Poland's future ties with Europe and its global stance.
UK and Germany Unite for Cutting-Edge Strike Weapon Development
May 15 @ 6:45pm ET  
The UK and Germany are collaborating on a new 'deep precision strike' weapon with a range over 1,200 miles, announced on May 15. This partnership, rooted in the Trinity House Agreement, aims to enhance NATO deterrence and boost European defense industries.
Extreme Winds Blamed for Sinking of Mike Lynch's Superyacht in Sicily
May 15 @ 4:45pm ET  
Extreme winds over 117 km/h likely sank Mike Lynch's superyacht Bayesian off Sicily on August 19, 2024, killing seven, including Lynch and his daughter. An interim UK report by the MAIB details the tragic event and ongoing investigation.
Germany Arrests Three in Russian Plot to Send Explosive Parcels
May 15 @ 12:45pm ET  
German authorities arrested three men in 2024 over a Russian plot to send exploding parcels to Ukraine. The incidents, involving explosions in Birmingham, Leipzig, and Warsaw, have heightened security concerns across NATO countries.
Gérard Depardieu Convicted of Sexual Assault in Paris Court
May 14 @ 4:36pm ET  
French actor Gérard Depardieu was convicted of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021, receiving an 18-month suspended sentence. The Paris court also ordered him to pay compensation and register as a sex offender.
Serbian President Remains Committed to Joining EU After Moscow Visit
May 14 @ 4:31pm ET  
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reaffirmed Serbia's commitment to joining the EU and aims to accelerate membership after a controversial Moscow visit on May 8 and 9, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Germany Bans Nationalist ‘Kingdom of Germany’ Group, Carries Out Raids
May 14 @ 12:54pm ET  
The German government has banned the 'Kingdom of Germany' group, arresting four leaders during raids by 800 police officers across several states. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized decisive action against those undermining democracy.
Germany's Bold $1.1 Trillion Spending Plan Faces EU Scrutiny
May 13 @ 12:45pm ET  
Germany's government is pursuing a $1.1 trillion public spending increase, despite potential conflicts with EU fiscal rules. Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil remains optimistic about negotiating with the European Commission.
Poland Closes Russian Consulate in Krakow After 2024 Mall Fire
May 13 @ 8:45am ET  
Poland has closed the Russian consulate in Krakow on May 12, citing evidence of Russian involvement in a 2024 Warsaw mall fire. The move, announced by Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, marks a strong response to alleged sabotage.
Germany's AfD Party Fights 'Extremist' Label in Legal Showdown
May 12 @ 4:45pm ET  
Germany's AfD party is in a legal battle over an 'extremist' label imposed by the BfV on May 2, now paused amid government transition. This fight raises questions about balancing democracy and political expression.
Massive Fire at Spanish Chemical Plant Forces Thousands to Shelter Indoors
May 12 @ 10:45am ET  
A massive fire at a chemical plant near Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain, on May 10 forced 150,000 residents to stay indoors for seven hours. The blaze, involving 70 tons of chlorine, led to health warnings and medical attention for four people with breathing issues.
Ukraine and Allies Urge Russia to Embrace US Peace Proposal
May 12 @ 6:45am ET  
Ukraine and its allies, including France, Germany, Poland, and the UK, urged Russia on May 10 to accept a U.S. proposal for a 30-day unconditional cease-fire. Leaders met with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv to push for peace talks amid ongoing conflict.
Friedrich Merz Advocates for Stronger European Ties in Paris Visit
May 9 @ 6:45pm ET  
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on his first trip to Paris on May 7, met with French President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen European unity. Their talks focused on security, defense spending, and addressing U.S. tariffs and the Ukraine war.
EU Plans to Halt Russian Gas Imports by 2027 Amid Energy Shift
May 9 @ 2:45pm ET  
The EU plans to end all Russian gas and LNG imports by 2027, with legal proposals set for June to ban existing contracts. This follows Russia's invasion of Ukraine, prompting a major shift in EU energy policy.
EU Negotiator Proposes LNG and Soya Bean Purchases to Bridge Trade Gap
May 9 @ 2:05pm ET  
The EU, led by negotiator Maros Sefcovic, is considering increased purchases of LNG and soya beans to address trade gaps. All 27 member states are ready to negotiate but prepared to retaliate if no deal is reached.