European Union

The World Economic Forum (WEF), which brings together leading figures from business, politics and science, is taking place this week at the Swiss resort of Davos under the motto "Spirit of dialogue". All eyes are now on US President Donald Trump, who before boarding his plane to head to the meeting today said he believed a solution would be found in the dispute over Greenland that would make Nato and the US 'very happy'.

In its final report, a commission of experts appointed by Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner has called for Austria to extend its military service, which at six months is currently the shortest compulsory military service in Europe. Of three models put forward, the commission has recommended eight months of basic military service plus two months of subsequent training. The decision now rests with the politicians.

A deadly train crash occurred in the Spanish region of Andalusia on Sunday when the last few carriages of a high-speed train derailed and were hit by an oncoming train. Forty-two fatalities have been reported so far. The tragedy is also a serious blow to Spain's image as a high-tech railway nation. The national press discusses the failures and the behaviour of politicians.

Plus, Greenland, drone action, Ukraine loan

The delay is irritating capitals and slowing their work on the EU’s next budget

AFET will hold an exchange of views with Constantinos Kombos, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs on the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, from 1 January to 30 June 2026.
AFET Members will have the opportunity to address their concerns regarding the current geopolitical situation and to hear from the Cyprus Presidency on their take on the evolution of political events in and outside of the EU.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The Commission proposal, presented on Wednesday, includes spectrum harmonisation measures and an EU numbering scheme to support pan-EU business telecoms services

The European Commission will present its proposal for the "Global Europe" Regulation, guiding the EU's external action for the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework period 2028-2034. Four Commissioners (Jozef Síkela, International Partnerships, Marta Kos, Enlargement, Dubravka Šuica, Mediterranean and Hadja Lahbib, Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management) will discuss the proposal with MEPs, in a joint session of the AFET and DEVE Committees.
The "Global Europe" proposal is the successor of the current NDICI-Global Europe instrument and is supposed to enter into force as of January 2028. It seeks to ensure a more strategic approach, in line with the objectives of the EU's internal policies, while taking on board EU and partner countries' mutual interests. It deeply restructures the EU's external financing architecture, introducing a new system of geographic pillars, a global pillar, and a flexible 'cushion'. The new instrument integrates several existing ones covering development cooperation, pre-accession support and humanitarian aid. Current spending targets and thematic programmes would be removed in favour of broader indicative commitments. The proposal aims to increase responsiveness to crises and geopolitical challenges. It also significantly expands the Commission's discretion over spending, with implications on transparency, predictability and Parliament oversight.
Global Europe - 2025/0227(COD)
Global Europe instrument - EPRS briefing
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

In today's edition: Contraception, Mercosur, and WHO

In today's edition: Mercosur, tariffs, pesticides