European Union

The escalating situation in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are causing energy prices to skyrocket worldwide. Even after Donald Trump hinted on Monday that the war could end very soon and G7 countries discussed drawing on strategic oil reserves, prices remain well above their level at the end of February. The European press assesses causes, consequences and possible solutions.

In Finland current legislation bans the import, manufacture, possession and detonation of nuclear weapons - even in the case of war. Three years after joining Nato, Finland's government has now announced that the ban will be lifted in order to "take full advantage of Nato's deterrence and collective defence", according to Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen. For the moment, however, Helsinki has no plans to host atomic weapons.

The director of the Austrian public broadcaster ORF, Roland Weißmann, has stepped down after being accused of sexually harassing a female colleague. Weißmann has denied the accusation but wants to avert damage to the company, according to his lawyer. The national media see another blow for public broadcasting.

European Council President António Costa spoke at the annual conference of the EU ambassadors from the EU delegations and offices around the world, the heads of EU military and civilian missions and the heads of the European Commission representations in all 27 EU member states.

Next AFET committee meeting will be held on:

• Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 March, room ANTALL 4Q2 Brussels

Meetings are webstreamed with the exception of agenda items held "in camera".

AFET - DROI calendar of meetings 2026
Meeting documents
Webstreaming
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Col Randrianirina, who seized power last year, did not give a reason for dissolving his government.