
EU Shelves Defence Panel After German and Italian Resistance
Kaja Kallas cancelled an EU defence expert group after German and Italian resistance, exposing deeper disputes over Europe’s defence economy.

Kaja Kallas cancelled an EU defence expert group after German and Italian resistance, exposing deeper disputes over Europe’s defence economy.

Latvia says a suspect in the Leipzig sabotage case had been living in Russia, deepening scrutiny of Europe’s logistics, visa and sanctions systems.

Russia reportedly recruits criminal groups to sabotage European defense plants, challenging NATO’s unity and testing alliance response thresholds.

Spain's enclave Ceuta faced a sudden migrant influx, exposing economic, political, and border security challenges for Spain and the EU's Schengen framework.

NATO considers deploying additional tactical nuclear weapons in Finland, Poland, and Lithuania, signaling a strategic shift in response to Russian security threats.

Greece has sharply increased Schengen visa refusals to Russian tourists in 2025, driven by EU policy changes amid security concerns, affecting travel and economic ties.

France has imposed stricter Schengen visa rules for Russians, requiring personal submission and biometric data, joining Italy, Spain, and Hungary in tightening EU visa policies.

Italy and France express doubts over the EU’s proposed entry ban on Russian combatants, fearing enforcement challenges and unintended restrictions on all Russian nationals.

Widespread fuel sales restrictions are imposed across Russia due to production slowdowns following targeted drone strikes on oil refineries, affecting 53 regions.

Italy's Foreign Minister cancels U.S. visit after Trump's disparaging remarks about PM Meloni, highlighting strains in transatlantic relations with economic and geopolitical implications.

G7 leaders commit to new sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector and pledge increased military aid to Ukraine amid evolving conflict dynamics and strategic economic pressures.

European leaders welcome the US-Iran peace deal as a path toward regional stability and global economic recovery, emphasizing non-proliferation and swift implementation.

Rheinmetall secures a €5.7 billion arms contract with Romania, funded by the EU's Security Action for Europe program, signaling a strategic push for European defense autonomy.

Western nations criticized Israel for degrading detained activists from the pro-Palestinian Sumud flotilla, escalating diplomatic tensions over Gaza blockade enforcement.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warns that Russia, China, and the US employ divide-and-rule tactics to weaken the European Union’s unity and economic strength.

Serbia holds its first joint military exercises with NATO under the Partnership for Peace program, balancing military neutrality and regional geopolitical complexities.

President Trump announces a major US troop withdrawal from Germany, risking shifts in NATO dynamics and impacting European security and economic landscapes.

Italy and Germany express concern over Israel's interception of a humanitarian flotilla destined for Gaza, calling for adherence to international law amid ongoing blockade tensions.

Ryanair plans to close its Berlin base and halve flights by 2026, citing Germany's rising aviation taxes and fees that threaten the viability of budget airlines.

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni condemns Russian propaganda following insults by Vladimir Solovyov, highlighting Italy's sovereign foreign policy stance amid diplomatic tensions.

The EU's new biometric Entry/Exit System has caused multi-hour queues at airports, threatening economic disruption to travel and tourism during peak season.