How Spain’s vast rare earth supplies could be a game changer for the EU

Belgium is set to increase its defence budget to 2% of GDP in response to NATO's spending goals, but faces challenges in meeting a potential new target of over 3% amid concerns for its welfare system. Budget Minister Vincent Van Peteghem indicated that the government will utilize temporary funding measures and creative accounting, including classifying certain infrastructure investments as military spending, to reach this goal, while also planning to privatize state assets and implement spending...

The British and French governments are negotiating a migrant returns agreement, allowing for the deportation of one individual from the UK in exchange for France accepting another, aiming to deter human traffickers and irregular migration across the English Channel. This pilot scheme would involve returning a limited number of irregular migrants to France while accepting others for family reunification; however, extending this agreement to the broader EU faces challenges due to rising anti-immigration sentiment among...

SummaryThe US has not specified its demands for lifting trade tariffs during a recent meeting between EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, resulting in little progress. EU officials emphasized the need for clearer US positions in negotiations, with Šefčovič reiterating an offer to mutually eliminate tariffs on industrial goods. The EU has paused retaliatory tariffs until July 14 while continuing to prepare additional measures if no agreement is reached, highlighting...

The European Commission is exploring plans that would enable energy firms to declare force majeure, allowing them to terminate long-term Russian gas contracts without incurring penalties. According to the Financial Times, officials indicate that this option could help companies avoid paying penalties to Moscow for breaking these contracts. This potential move reflects ongoing efforts by the European Commission to address energy supply challenges amid geopolitical tensions. Full Article

Brussels is considering legal avenues for European firms to exit long-term Russian gas contracts without incurring penalties, as the EU aims to reduce reliance on Russian energy amid the Ukraine conflict. The European Commission is assessing the possibility of declaring force majeure to facilitate this exit, although challenges arise from member states like Hungary and Slovakia, which are resistant to sanctions. The Commission's roadmap to eliminate Russian fossil fuels by 2027 has faced delays, with...

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...