European Union

Germany's leader will be in Washington today for his first meeting with the US president.

The proposal is the latest example of the European Commission seeking to channel funds originally intended for civilian use towards defence.

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe issued a statement on today’s positive assessment of Bulgaria’s fulfilment of the criteria for joining the euro in the Convergence Reports published by the European Commission and the European Central Bank.

The Council has agreed its position on new rules that will make the EU’s pharmaceutical sector fairer and more competitive.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/966 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/963 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/960 of 20  May 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2018/1544 concerning restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/957 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/936 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/931 of 20 May 2025 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.

Written by Sebastian Clapp.

Military drones have become a defining feature of modern warfare, as seen in Ukraine where they have caused more casualties than any other weapon. Their widespread use spans reconnaissance, strikes, logistics and naval operations, with both state and non-state players increasingly relying on unmanned systems.

The European Union (EU) has prioritised drone development and countermeasures, funding and coordinating research and capability development through the European Defence Fund and Permanent Structured Cooperation. EU leaders have committed to strengthening the defence industry and made major investments in drone production, innovation, and interoperability. The EU is also fostering synergies between the civilian and the defence sectors, addressing strategic dependencies and collaborating with NATO. Furthermore, the European Defence Agency is advancing unmanned aerial system technology through joint projects and its innovation hub.

Meanwhile, drone regulation remains fragmented: civilian drones are subject to comprehensive EU rules, while military drone use falls under international law. Legal concerns persist, especially regarding proportionality, accountability and lethal autonomous weapons (LAWS). The European Parliament has called for transparency, adherence to international law and a ban on LAWS, while supporting defence innovation and proposing an EU drone package to stimulate joint procurement and industry participation, particularly from Ukraine. EU lawmakers continue to stress the need for ethical guardrails, robust export controls and a coherent regulatory framework that balances innovation with international legal obligations. The Parliament also emphasises the importance of meaningful human control over all lethal decisions and insists that military artificial intelligence include strong accountability mechanisms.

Read the complete briefing on ‘Military drone systems in the EU and global context: Types, capabilities and regulatory frameworks‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Poland's government is trying to win back the hearts of farmers by claiming that their lobbying has "stopped the inflow of Ukrainian agricultural products”. But their overtures have fallen on deaf ears.

"See you soon, when you agree to respect the laws of the Republic!", posted French Digital Minister Clara Chappaz on X.

Poland ranks second in the Visegrad region for access to new treatments, yet patients still endure long waits and restrictions, especially for chronic diseases.

"We are being flooded by cheap foreign steel," EUROFER said in a statement.

Le Pen’s council seat loss casts doubt over who will lead the party ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

The announcement comes as Sweden struggles to handle an influx of new inmates arising from a wave of gang crime.

The extension will provide “legal certainty for EU member states, reassurance for Ukrainians, and avoid burdening national asylum systems,” Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner said.

Swedish parliamentarians are demanding the formalisation of regional healthcare norms to reduce health inequalities. Services targeted include breast cancer, and the number of hospital beds per capita.