Region

EU plus

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).

Editor's choice
News
European leaders set out their plan for Ukraine

European leaders set out their plan for Ukraine

The leaders of Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and United Kingdom, together with the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission, o  Monday (15 December) issued a statement, outlining their plan for Ukraine. In their statement, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Frederiksen, President Stubb, President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Prime Minister Schoof, Prime Minister Støre, Prime Minister Tusk, Prime Minister Kristersson, Prime Minister Starmer, as well as President Costa and President von der Leyen spoke about "Peace for Ukraine". The Leaders welcomed significant progress on President Trump’s efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They also welcomed the close work between President Zelenskyy’s and President Trump’s teams as well as European teams over the recent days and weeks. They agreed to work together with President Trump and President Zelenskyy to get to a lasting peace which preserves Ukrainian sovereignty and European security. Leaders appreciated the strong convergence between the United States, Ukraine and Europe. Leaders agreed that ensuring the security, sovereignty, and prosperity of Ukraine was integral for wider Euro-Atlantic security. They were clear that Ukraine and its people deserved a prosperous, independent, and sovereign future, free from fear of future Russian aggression. Both the US and European leaders committed to work together to provide robust security guarantees and economic recovery support measures for Ukraine in the context of an agreement on ending the war. This would include commitments to: Provide sustained and significant support to Ukraine to build its armed forces, which should remain at a peacetime level of 800,000 to be able to deter conflict and defend Ukraine’s territory. A European-led ‘multinational force Ukraine’ made up from contributions from willing nations within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing and supported by the US. It will assist in the regeneration of Ukraine’s forces, in securing Ukraine’s skies, and in supporting safer seas, including through operating inside Ukraine. (Click the image to read the statement in full).

Filter archive

Publication date
Editor's choice
News
EU issues statement on South Ossetia

EU issues statement on South Ossetia

The statement issued refers to "attempts from within South Ossetia, both in action and through statements", to prevent the European Union's Monitoring Mission's work and restrict its mandate, and says this is deplorable and must stop.
Editor's choice
News
30th anniversary of fall of the Berlin Wall

30th anniversary of fall of the Berlin Wall

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was among the prominent personalities who on Saturday (9 November) attended a ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. At the ceremony, Merkel warned against taking democracy for granted,
Editor's choice
News
International Community tells Tskhinvali to immediately open crossing points as tensions continue in South Ossetia conflict zone

International Community tells Tskhinvali to immediately open crossing points as tensions continue in South Ossetia conflict zone

Tskhinvali has closed the crossing points since early September, preventing Georgians and others living in territory under its control to cross over to Tbilisi administered areas. A women was reported to have died last month because she could not be taken for medical treatment in Tbilisi.
Editor's choice
News
Iran ups the stakes in nuclear stand-off

Iran ups the stakes in nuclear stand-off

Iran's president announced on Tuesday (5 November) that Tehran will begin injecting uranium gas into 1,044 centrifuges, the latest step away from its nuclear deal with world powers since President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord over a year ago.