Juncker defends EU enlargement freeze and calls for new approach

Brussels is contemplating using funds from an upcoming carbon tax on petrol and home heating to address a €30bn annual budget shortfall, despite strong opposition from member states like France and Poland. The tax, set to begin in 2027, could generate €705bn by 2035, but fears of rising costs may reignite public protests, complicating the EU's financial strategies. Need More Context? 🔎

The EU has decided against holding the EU-China High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue before the leaders' summit in July, citing unresolved trade disputes, including tariffs and market access issues. This decision highlights ongoing tensions, especially as China faces criticism for its export restrictions and the summit will be attended by Premier Li Qiang instead of President Xi Jinping, seen as a diplomatic snub. Need More Context? 🔎

Austria has suggested that the EU should consider resuming Russian gas imports if a peace deal is reached regarding the Ukraine conflict, marking a notable stance among member states. The European Commission plans to propose a ban on new and existing gas contracts with Russia, emphasizing that returning to Russian gas would financially support the Kremlin and undermine sanctions efforts. Need More Context? 🔎

Spotify founder Daniel Ek is spearheading a €600 million investment in the German defence tech start-up Helsing, raising its valuation to €12 billion amid increasing global military spending due to geopolitical tensions. Helsing, which is expanding from AI software to creating drones and submarines, has now raised a total of €1.37 billion and aims to go public in the future. Need More Context? 🔎

Former European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker criticized his successor Ursula von der Leyen for not personally addressing Donald Trump's trade war, emphasizing that active engagement is essential for a successful deal. He noted that while Trump's hostility is more pronounced now, effective strategies, such as targeted negotiations and respect, are crucial to manage the ongoing trade tensions, which have escalated with the threat of new tariffs on EU imports. More Context

The European Commission plans to propose an EU-wide ban on all new Russian gas contracts, circumventing potential vetoes from Hungary and Slovakia by using trade law, allowing the ban to pass with majority approval. Existing contracts will need to be phased out by 2026-2028, with Hungary and Slovakia receiving an exemption until 2027, while measures will require companies to prove gas imports do not originate from Russia. More Context