European Union

New EU-wide rules set up a harmonised criminal law framework to prevent and fight corruption.

The Council extended the framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for actions aimed at destabilising, undermining or threatening the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova for another year, until 29 April 2027.

Council adopts new rules to improve the quality, availability and traceability of forest reproductive material (FRM) supporting EU seeds sector innovation and competitiveness.

Newsletter - 27-30 April 2026 - Strasbourg plenary session

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

After Ukraine announced that it had repaired the Druzhba pipeline, Hungary has lifted its months-long blockade of a 90-billion-euro loan for Kyiv. Ousted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán supported the EU decision. Brussels also gave the green light for a new sanctions package against Russia. Commentators examine motives and connections.

Just hours before his ultimatum expired, US President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran for an indefinite period. At Pakistan's request, Trump said that there would be no more attacks until the "seriously fractured" government in Tehran had put forward a "unified proposal" and talks had been concluded. Iran did not attend a round of talks announced by Washington.

The Estonian government is resisting the EU Pay Transparency Directive adopted in 2023, saying it does not want the bureaucratic burden. The directive aims to reduce the gender pay gap. Member states were given until June this year to implement it, with businesses required to ensure transparency and introduce measures to pay men and women equally.

Several members of the management team at the Russian publishing group Eksmo were arrested in Moscow on Tuesday. They are accused of 'extremist behaviour' and of 'disseminating LGBT literature among minors'. Since May 2025, a court case has been underway against three of the publisher's employees who are charged with disseminating youth literature featuring homosexual content.