Euobserver.com

The European Commission tabled a proposal to strengthen so-called 'economic security' in the bloc. These are the most important elements.

French MEP Valérie Hayer has won the group's backing to become the new president of Renew Europe, EUobserver has learned, replacing France's new foreign affairs minister, Stéphane Séjourné.

Ever since the EU Commission published its hazardous chemicals strategy, the industry has lobbied to undermine and dilute its promises — and lobbyists can point to some clear wins.

Thousands of kilometres of decaying asbestos cement water pipes are releasing possibly carcinogenic fibres into drinking water across Europe, but thus far, no EU measurement or reporting standards are in place.

The EU Parliament is expected to see a rise of the far-right after the upcoming elections, according to a new study — but what would the coalitions look like and what would be the policy implications?

Turkey has waved Sweden into Nato, marking a strategic blow to Russia in the High North and Baltic Sea regions.

Amazon refused to participate in an EU parliamentary hearing on working conditions in its warehouses, prompting criticism from MEPs. The hearing came the same day Amazon received a €32m fine over an "overly intrusive" surveillance system in France.

Ukraine received in 2022 more aid in a single year than any country since records began, according to new data published this week.

The EU has entered a "golden age" of relations with Egypt, says the European Commission — as it deepens cooperation with a repressive state known for widespread human rights abuses.

The significance of Germany's nationwide anti-fascist mobilisation cannot be overstated. Authoritarian parties have gained office in many countries by stealth, pretending to be conservative, democratic parties. When they show their authoritarian face, people start to protest — often too late.

What will happen to Ukrainian refugees if they want to stay permanently in the EU countries in which they have been given refuge? Are they free to choose?

The EU aims to launch new Middle East peace talks with Arab states, but doubts remain about how realistic the EU's proposal is, with some observers labelling it "bizarre".

European foreign ministers met with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt to discuss the ripple effects of the war in Gaza and the disruption of Red Sea trade.

Russia may launch attacks against Baltic nations and other eastern flank states if it is not stopped in Ukraine, says Lithuania.

Member states are worried about the domestic costs of investigating forced-labour abuses, whilst two major omissions in the council's latest draft risk making the regulation toothless: no reference to remediation for victims, and no reference to state-imposed forced labour.

Europe can no longer sit on the fence on Taiwan, hiding behind obfuscating tweets designed not to designate William Lai as president-elect, or to recognise that these were presidential elections at all.

The attention given to the Red Sea Houthi attacks has come at a price. Decision-makers in Brussels have not yet noted that another problem in this region has returned. The pirates of Somalia are also back in action.

Spain faces criticism for buying and supplying weapons to Israel while publicly condemning its military operation in Gaza, with thousands of demonstrators expected to take to the streets this weekend under the call "stop the arms trade with Israel".

EU foreign ministers will discuss Gaza and Israeli sanctions on Monday, as well as frozen assets and Russian sanctions. Nato will launch military exercises. Meanwhile, migration talks with Egypt and the future of agriculture are also planned for this week.

In the rush to finalise the controversial EU-Mercosur trade deal before the European elections in June of this year, its promoters appear willing to shake hands with Argentina's new far-right president, Javier Milei — a known climate change denier.