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Stories in this section cover the EU-27 countries plus the UK, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra and the Balkan Countries (Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia).

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Centrist pro-European D66 party set to win election in The Netherlands

Centrist pro-European D66 party set to win election in The Netherlands

The Netherlands is set to elect its youngest ever prime minister after the far-right party of Geert Wilders was projected to suffer losses in an election he brought about by bringing down the government. Rob Jetten, the 38-year-old leader of the pro-European centrist D66 party, is on course to claim the top job with most votes counted. His party is projected to win 27 of the 150 seats in the country's lower house of parliament, beating Mr Wilder's Freedom Party on 25, according to an exit poll by Ipsos. It comes just two years after he led his party to victory in the last election, winning 37 seats, although his coalition partners refused to endorse him as prime minister. Mr Jetten will also need to rely on a coalition himself, with 76 seats needed for a majority. At least four parties will be required for him to get there.
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Erdogan tours the Gulf and says Turkey will buy Eurofighter jets from Qatar and Oman

Erdogan tours the Gulf and says Turkey will buy Eurofighter jets from Qatar and Oman

Turkey is negotiating with Qatar and Oman to acquire used Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets as part of its effort to bolster its air force capabilities. Following a three-day tour of Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman last week in which he oversaw the signing of several agreements, including in the defense sector, President  Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey aims to purchase dozens of Eurofighters and other advanced jets as a stopgap measure to strengthen its fleet until its domestically developed fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet becomes operational.

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EU Ministerial Mission concludes whistlestop tour of South Caucasus

EU Ministerial Mission concludes whistlestop tour of South Caucasus

The foreign ministers of Austria, Romania and Lithuania visited Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia 25-26 June as special emissaries of the EU High Representative Josep Borrell. commonspace.eu political editor said in a comment that this was a small but important gesture with the purpose of sending a clear message to the region, and to others interested in it, that the European Union remains committed and engaged.
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EU signals new intensity in relations with the countries of Eastern Partnership and Central Asia, but 3 want more

EU signals new intensity in relations with the countries of Eastern Partnership and Central Asia, but 3 want more

EU leaders stressed the need to further deepen and intensify political, economic and people-to-people ties and co-operation with the Eastern Partners, and underlined their commitment to deepen relations with Central Asia, but Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova want a membership perspective.
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EU leaders look at relations with the countries to the East

EU leaders look at relations with the countries to the East

EU leaders on Thursday (24 June) EU's relations with Russia and Turkey, two important and strategic countries with whom the European Union has a complex relationship. The tone adopted in dealing with the two countries was very different, as is appropriate given that Turkey remains an EU candidate country, whilst Russia is increasingly seen as a disruptive neighbour and rival.
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European leaders meet to discuss relations with Russia and Turkey

European leaders meet to discuss relations with Russia and Turkey

A meeting of the leaders of the 27 member states of the European Union takes place in Brussels on Thursday and Friday (24-25 June), and on the agenda are a number of issues related to EU foreign policy including relations with Turkey and Russia. The leaders, collectively called the European Council, will also review the implementation of their recent decisions on Belarus. The Council is also expected to adopt conclusions on Libya, the Sahel and Ethiopia.
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Frontex sees increase in number of illegal migrants at EU external borders

Frontex sees increase in number of illegal migrants at EU external borders

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, has seen an increase in the number of people trying to enter the European Union illegally. Furthermore, in a report published on Monday (21 June), the European Court of Auditors said Frontex was not sufficiently helping the bloc to curb illegal migration and cross-border crime.
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EU adopts concept on cultural heritage in conflicts and crises

EU adopts concept on cultural heritage in conflicts and crises

The Council of the European Union on Monday (21 June) approved conclusions welcoming the EU Concept on cultural heritage in conflicts and crises, which enhances the EU's approach to peace, security and development. The conclusions recognise that cultural heritage can play a key role in promoting peace, democracy and sustainable development by fostering tolerance, inter-cultural and inter-faith dialogue and mutual understanding