Europe

This article discusses the EU's efforts to help companies terminate long-term Russian gas contracts and its warnings to Serbia regarding President Aleksandar Vučić's planned attendance at Putin's May 9 military parade, which could jeopardize Serbia's EU accession bid. Additionally, the EU is contemplating revisions to its 2040 climate target, potentially allowing carbon credits to count towards emissions goals, amid concerns that this could undermine genuine emission reductions. The article also highlights the recent success of the Europe Express newsletter, which won an award for being the best European newsletter. Full Article

NGOs are warning of challenging years ahead as humanitarian needs grow while financial support declines, with significant cuts from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and reductions in European aid budgets exacerbating the situation. Isabella Lövin, a deputy chair of the European parliament’s development committee, noted the "very dramatic consequences" of USAID cuts and criticized EU member states for their aid budget reductions, calling them "very regrettable" and "wrong," emphasizing that the EU cannot fill the resulting gaps in support. The combination of these factors threatens assistance for the world's most vulnerable populations in fragile states. Full Article

The recent agreement between the centre-right CDU and centre-left SPD marks a significant shift towards increased investment in Germany, the largest economy in Europe. The previous fiscal conservatism, epitomized by Wolfgang Schäuble's "black zero" policy advocating a balanced budget, is being abandoned under the incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, allowing for substantial spending on defense and economic revitalization. This transition reflects a response to a rapidly changing global landscape, indicating a departure from stringent public debt restrictions. Full Article

The European Commission is taking precautionary measures by issuing burner phones and basic laptops to US-bound staff to mitigate espionage risks, traditionally reserved for trips to China. This decision reflects deteriorating relations due to Donald Trump's accusations against the EU and his administration's actions, such as tariffs and overtures to Russia. Officials are advised to turn off devices at the border and ensure their visas are in diplomatic documents, given the potential for US border staff to seize and inspect electronic devices, leading to entry denials for some individuals. Full Article

The article discusses the potential impact of Donald Trump's proposed 20% tariffs on EU goods, particularly concerning Italian food exports to the US. Italian agribusiness lobby Coldiretti warns that these tariffs could lead American consumers to substitute authentic Italian products with inferior, locally made alternatives, which they label as "counterfeit." Despite concerns from Italian exporters, the article suggests that many American consumers, particularly Trump's base, may not recognize the difference between genuine Italian products and cheaper imitations. Full Article

SummaryBritish lenders are responding to concerns from the Bank of England (BoE) regarding liquidity risks in the growing market for synthetic risk transfers (SRTs), where investors assume credit risk from banks for regular payments. The BoE has expressed worries about banks misclassifying financing tied to credit-linked notes, leading to potential undercapitalization of risks. With a June 11 deadline for responses, the BoE's intervention may affect financing costs and capital requirements for all banks involved in risk-transfer transactions. Full Article

The global turmoil stemming from the Trump administration is strengthening the EU's commitment to sign a defence and security pact with the UK, enabling British arms companies to engage in joint procurement. This agreement, set to be finalized at a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, aims to enhance European defence capabilities amidst rising tensions and re-armament discussions following Trump's NATO threats and Russian overtures. While addressing broader geopolitical issues, the pact's success hinges on resolving contentious topics like fishing rights, which some EU states see as a potential obstacle to vital security collaborations. Full Article

This article discusses the EU's upcoming foreign ministers' meeting addressing Ukraine, the Middle East, and relations with African states and the Western Balkans, followed by the first EU-Palestine high-level dialogue. The EU plans to unveil a €1.6bn financial support package for Palestine, though concerns exist about how much will reach Palestinians amid ongoing conflicts, with conditions set for fiscal reforms. Additionally, the European services workers union urges the EU to implement a digital services tax targeting major US tech firms, responding to potential US tariffs. Full Article

SummaryArctic sea ice has reached record lows for the fourth consecutive month, with the lowest maximum extent recorded at 14.4 million square kilometers on March 20, 2025, according to Copernicus. The Arctic is warming at a rate up to four times that of the rest of the planet, prompting increased military and commercial vessel activity, particularly from Russia, as some regions may become ice-free by the summer within a decade. This decline in sea ice could make northern sea routes economically viable for longer periods, raising strategic interest, especially regarding Greenland's resources. Full Article

Sinéad Burke, a top graduate in primary school teaching, now leads Tilting the Lens, an accessibility consultancy, after facing challenges in a non-inclusive classroom due to her achondroplasia. In Ireland, only 41% of disabled individuals are employed, highlighting a significant gap compared to the general population, with a lack of ambition and representation cited as contributing factors. Despite government initiatives to promote disability employment, barriers like loss of benefits and inadequate support hinder progress, further exacerbated by stalled advancements in the EU since the pandemic. Full Article