EU plus

European Union countries have finalised a plan for a €150billion loan programme to help rearm in the face of Russia and worries over US reliability, diplomats said on Monday. The SAFE borrowing scheme backed by the EU's central budget was proposed by Brussels in March as the bloc rushes to boost its defences following disengagement from European security by the United States.  The finalisation comes as the EU and the UK agree a new defence partnership as part of a post-Brexit "reset" at a London summit. 

Romania’s presidential candidate Nicușor Dan won the country’s presidential election on Sunday, defeating his nationalist rival George Simion. With all votes counted, the centrist candidate won nearly 54% of the ballots cast, a clear win over Simion, a supporter of US President Donald Trump. Simion, who opposes providing military aid to Ukraine and is critical of the EU, looked on track to win the election after he swept the first round on 4 May. However, Dan gained ground after a televised debate with Simion.