European Union

Anti-migrant unrest and record asylum numbers put migration back on Spain’s political agenda

Remaining open to Chinese FDI makes strategic sense for the EU. But openness without conditions is a vulnerability.

For 20 years, the Brussels bubble has been convinced that Turkey would comply with international law and democratise internally. Instead, Erdoğan made himself indispensable by doubling down on power politics.

European Council President António Costa took part in to the 30th EU–Japan summit 2025. In his press statement following the plenary session, he emphasised the importance of strengthening EU-Japan relations, in particular in security and defence, multilateralism, and in trade and economic security.

The President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, representing the EU, met Japanese Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba at the 30th EU-Japan summit in Tokyo, Japan. The summit provided an opportunity to show the closeness of the EU-Japan partnership, ever more important in the current turbulent geopolitical context.

“I believe, 7 days before the end of the negotiations, one should also show what one can do,” said a senior German government official

The Belgian government approved a draft law that requires companies to inform consumers about upcoming charges at least 15 days before the cancellation deadline

The study’s participants recommended pharma companies should reinvest 50% of their profits into R&D.

Washington held firm despite proposals to donate materials to countries in need.

The decision is adding scrutiny to von der Leyen’s management style and the outsized role of her inner circle, particularly her head of cabinet Björn Seibert

Written by Györgyi Mácsai and Stéphanie Pradier.

The Council of the European Union – often referred to as the Council of Ministers, or simply the Council – forms one part of the legislature and the budgetary authority of the Union. The Council and European Parliament together adopt much of the EU’s legislation and the Union’s annual budget, on the basis of proposals put forward by the executive, the European Commission. The Council also takes decisions on specific areas of EU action, in particular in common foreign and security policy (CFSP), where it seeks to coordinate Member States’ positions, and concludes – subject to the consent of the Parliament – international agreements, usually negotiated by the Commission on the basis of a mandate from the Council. The Council of the EU is distinct from the European Council, which is a separate institution made up of the Heads of State or Government of the Member States. The European Council is responsible for defining the general political directions and priorities for the Union, but does not have formal legislative functions.

Read the complete briefing on ‘Council of the European Union: Facts and Figures‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Brussels said the move will make its countermeasures on American exports "clearer, simpler, and stronger".

"Defending the Ukrainian state requires a strong enough law enforcement system – one that ensures a real sense of justice," he said.

Tusk's cabinet shake-up won't help, according to 40% of Poles who doubt the government's direction

German court ruled comedian's comments on X were protected under free speech laws

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of widespread starvation in the Gaza Strip. According to the organisation, the lack of aid deliveries and violence and chaos during food distribution are leading to an increasing number of deaths. The dire situation was also sharply criticised in a statement published on Tuesday in which 30 countries now call on Israel to put an immediate end to the war. Commentators ask if circumstances warrant more than appeals to Israel.