European Union

Donald Trump has cancelled plans to meet with Vladimir Putin, saying that although he has good conversations with the Russian president they don't go anywhere. The US has also upped the pressure on Russia and imposed new sanctions that affect Russia's two largest oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft, for the first time since Trump's second presidency began. What does Europe's press have to say about the summit's cancellation?

Romania's Constitutional Court on Monday rejected a law that would have abolished major pension privileges for judges and public prosecutors. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan had made his staying in office contingent on the reform going through, but since the rejection was not in principle but on technical grounds he has said he will present a new version of the law instead. The government needs to act quickly as judicial reform is a requirement for Romania to access EU funds.

This year's Sakharov Prize awarded by the European Parliament has gone to Andrzej Poczobut and Mzia Amaglobeli, two journalists imprisoned in Belarus and Georgia, respectively. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said their courageous work makes them symbols of peace and democracy and called for their release. Commentators praise the jury's decision.

Eighteen months after the assassination attempt on Robert Fico, a court has found the defendant guilty of shooting and seriously injuring the Slovak prime minister in May 2024, and sentenced him to 21 years in prison for terrorism. The 72-year-old pensioner confessed to the shooting and cited hatred of Fico and his government's policies as his motive. What conclusions can be drawn from the case?

The draft also seeks more clarity on medicine stockpiling

Europe’s competitiveness depends less on research spending and more on skills. The EIT Education and Skills Days highlight how linking education, research and business can turn ideas into innovation, expand talent pools, and equip people to drive the green and digital transitions.