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).

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EU to push for sanctions on Israel ministers and suspend bilateral support

EU to push for sanctions on Israel ministers and suspend bilateral support

The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated she would push to sanction "extremist" Israeli ministers and curb trade ties over Gaza, as she warned famine should not be used as a "weapon of war". Addressing the European Parliament on 10 September in the annual State of the Union, von der Leyen lamented that divisions among member states were holding back a European response but insisted the European Commission "will do all that it can on its own". "What is happening in Gaza has shaken the conscience of the world. People killed while begging for food. Mothers holding lifeless babies. These images are simply catastrophic," von der Leyen said. The German politician said the Commission would put its bilateral support to Israel on hold, stopping all payments, but without affecting work with civil society groups and Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.
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Opinion
What role for the EU in the post-Washington South Caucasus?

What role for the EU in the post-Washington South Caucasus?

The agreements reached in the US-mediated summit of the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders in Washington on August 8 are poised to fundamentally reshape the region's future. Particularly, the deal concerning the Zangezur corridor – rebranded as the “Trump Route for Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) – holds significant geopolitical importance. If implemented, the TRIPP agreement would deal a severe blow to the regional standing of Russia and Iran. More importantly, it would pave the way for a strategic U.S. presence in this critical geography. This outcome represents a success that few would have predicted for the United States, especially for the Trump administration, given the region's notoriously complex and volatile geopolitics.

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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