Jul 29, 2026
A group of 25 U.S. lawmakers has written to President Donald Trump calling for trade investigations into European Union digital policies, arguing that EU tech rules unfairly target American Big Tech companies. The push comes amid broader tensions over EU technology regulation and Trump administration efforts to challenge European enforcement actions.
The European Union has issued an ultimatum to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia, demanding they phase out their citizenship-by-investment programs by June 2028 or face the loss of visa-free travel to the Schengen zone.
The European Union has issued an ultimatum to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia, demanding they phase out their citizenship-by-investment programs by June 1, 2028, or face the loss of visa-free travel to the Schengen zone.
Armenians voted in parliamentary elections on June 7, 2026, with exit polls showing the pro-EU ruling party in the lead as Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government seeks to loosen ties with Moscow and deepen cooperation with the West despite mounting Russian pressure.
The British government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, proposed creating a single market for goods with the European Union as part of Brexit reset negotiations, but the EU rejected the idea. The proposal was made by Britain's chief negotiator Michael Ellam and would have represented a significant shift in post-Brexit relations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed President Trump's disappointment with NATO allies' refusal to join attacks on Iran, as the EU separately announced plans to sanction Iranian officials over the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The disputes are expected to dominate an upcoming NATO summit.
The UK government quietly relaxed sanctions on Russian jet fuel and diesel imports as energy prices surge following the Strait of Hormuz closure. The move has drawn criticism from EU allies and opposition parties, with Brussels complaining about the surprise decision.
The European Union signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine on May 20, 2026, conditioning portions of its €90 billion aid package on unpopular tax reforms demanded by the IMF. An initial €3.2 billion budgetary support payment is expected in mid-June pending Ukrainian parliamentary ratification, with €5.9 billion allocated for drone purchases.
Russia accused Latvia and other Baltic states of planning to host Ukrainian drone launches and warned of military retaliation, prompting Latvia to dismiss the claims as 'pure fiction.' The tensions coincided with Lithuania shutting down Vilnius airspace due to suspected drone incursions, with EU leaders vowing a response.
EU foreign ministers formally green-lighted sanctions targeting violent Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stating 'extremisms and violence carry consequences.' Israeli PM Netanyahu condemned the move as 'moral bankruptcy.'
EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels are set to approve sanctions on Israeli settlers, with the breakthrough coming after Hungary's new Prime Minister Péter Magyar replaced Viktor Orbán, who had previously blocked such measures.
The European Union has made progress on reshaping AI regulation that European tech companies including Siemens argued was putting them behind US and China rivals. The changes specifically target industrial AI applications.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former NATO Secretary General and Danish Prime Minister, called for creation of a new European defense alliance independent of the US, warning of NATO's potential disintegration. The statement reflects growing European concerns about US commitment to collective defense amid Trump's Iran war policies.
The European Union has agreed to amendments to the AI Act that restore the obligation for providers to register AI systems in the EU's high-risk systems database. The update also extends some regulatory exemptions previously provided to SMEs.
European Union negotiators reached an agreement to significantly delay and weaken AI regulations, marking the first major rollback of digital rules amid pressure from the United States and industry. The deal includes exemptions for industrial applications.
Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez called on the EU to activate its blocking statute against US sanctions, specifically targeting those imposed on officials defending international justice. The blocking law was previously applied against US sanctions during the Trump administration.
The European Union and Parliament failed to agree on proposed changes to the AI Act after 12 hours of talks, pushing any deal to next month. The negotiations involve the AI Act Omnibus reform, with concerns raised about potential weakening of Europe's regulatory framework.
Péter Magyar, Hungary's incoming prime minister, traveled to Brussels to meet with EU leaders in an effort to unlock billions of euros in frozen EU funds ahead of an August deadline. The visit marks a potential reset in Hungary-EU relations after years of tension under Viktor Orbán.
The European Union formally approved its 20th package of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine, targeting additional Russian banks, cryptocurrency operations, and trade restrictions. The package includes measures to cut sanctioned banks from SWIFT and further restrictions on financial services.
EU member states gave preliminary approval to unlock a €90 billion loan for Ukraine after Kyiv repaired the damaged Druzhba oil pipeline, resolving a dispute with Hungary that had blocked the funding. Formal procedures expected to conclude Thursday.
A joint EU-UN assessment found that more than $71 billion will be needed over the next decade for recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, with devastation affecting housing, health, education, commerce, and agriculture sectors.
China unveiled new regulations aimed at countering 'unjustified' extraterritorial use of foreign laws, threatening EU firms with reciprocal measures if the bloc targets Chinese companies under proposed cybersecurity regulations. The move is seen as reinforcing China's 'legal shield' against external pressure amid the Iran war and Panama port dispute.
The European Court of Justice found that Hungary's 2021 law restricting LGBTQ+ content is discriminatory and breaches Article 2 of the EU Treaty, which sets out the bloc's fundamental values. The ruling comes as an early test for Hungary's new Prime Minister Péter Magyar.
A French court found cement giant Lafarge guilty of paying protection money to ISIS and other jihadist groups to keep a plant operating in northern Syria during the civil war. The company was fined over $1.3 million and its former CEO sentenced to six years in prison.
Benin voters cast ballots for the country's next president Sunday, with current Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni expected to win handily over sole opposition candidate Paul Hounkpè as President Patrice Talon steps down after two terms.
The ECB endorsed the EU's proposal to centralize cryptocurrency supervision under the Paris-based ESMA watchdog, warning that ESMA must receive adequate staffing and funding with a phased transition to avoid disruption.
The UN General Assembly passed a landmark resolution declaring the transatlantic African slave trade the 'gravest crime against humanity' and calling for reparations, despite opposition from the United States and some European countries. The resolution calls for an apology and contributions to a reparations fund without specifying amounts.