European Union

South Korea has a new president after left-wing liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung defeated his conservative rival Kim Moon-soo in a snap election and immediately took office. After several months of political turmoil that culminated in the removal of Lee's predecessor Yoon Suk-yeol from office, European commentators hope for a fresh start.

In this Euractiv Thought Leadership Interview, journalist Dave Keating sits down with Javier Silva, Head of Sustainability and Community Relations at SQM, one of the world’s largest lithium producers. Javier discusses Chile's pivotal role in the global lithium supply, the unique challenges of operating in the Atacama Desert, and SQM’s evolving approach to sustainability and social responsibility.

Any attempt to marginalise a group, the opinion said, crosses “red lines” set by the EU’s values of equality, dignity and human rights.

Negotiations over raising NATO spending targets and eagerness to avoid clashes with Trump have crowded out other debates at the alliance.

Commission v Zippo Manufacturing and Others
External relations
2020 EU-US Tariff Dispute: Advocate General Ćapeta - the Commission did not violate Zippo’s right to be heard

Pumpyanskiy v Council
External relations
Freezing of funds: AG Medina considers the criterion for the inclusion of leading businesspersons on the restrictive measures lists, following the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, to be lawful

Commission v Hungary
Freedom of establishment
EU values: Advocate General Ćapeta considers that, by prohibiting or restricting access to LGBTI content, Hungary infringed EU law

Transformative Power of Investment: Unlocking Opportunities Across European Regions will focus on how strategic investment can serve as a catalyst for the economic and social revitalization of regions across Europe.

Commission v Greece
Environment and consumers
For the first time, the Court finds that Greece has failed to update the flood risk management plans for 14 river basin districts

Nurses, specialist doctors, operational assistants, and junior doctors accounted for almost 80% of overtime hours, government study showed.

Romania’s new president wants the intelligence service to help catch tax evaders, calling the country’s soaring deficit a national security threat.

In today’s edition of The Capitals, read about Merz's upcoming meeting with Trump, a controversial security decree passed by the Italian Senate, and so much more.

A court ruled that Germany's new border policy is effectively unlawful. It will hardly change the reality on the ground.

Meloni government enacts sweeping security law despite warnings it could criminalise civil disobedience and erode human rights protections.

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.