European Union

In today’s edition of The Capitals, read about Brussels' gentle approach to the US, the new trade deal with Ukraine, and the Italy-Albania migration protocol facing recent major roadblocks.

Ultra-fast fashion is radically reshaping Europe’s textile market - but at what cost? Flooding the market with very cheap, low-quality clothes fuels environmental damage and threatens local industries, such as manufacturing, retail, collection, sorting and recycling. Is convenience worth collapsing Europe’s circular economy?

This comes as the Parliament and other EU member states move to ‘defend’ traditional meat names.

Merz’s key ally and Germany's second-in-command, Lars Klingbeil, is struggling to unite his Social Democrats behind his pragmatist course, spelling trouble for the chancellor.

Pitched as a lifeline for public media, the reform aims to merge France’s fragmented landscape into a single, centralised structure.

Italy’s controversial deal to process asylum seekers in Albania may violate constitutional and EU law, according to the country’s top court – a non-binding opinion that could fuel legal challenges.

Orlen has formally severed all ties with Russian oil, ending a 12-year contract and marking a symbolic shift in regional energy security three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

A visible rise in the dynamics needed to yield a plant-based diet for Europeans is giving hope to activists that an EU action plan can produce long-term policy fruit.    

Ireland is tackling the growing problem of sexually transmitted infections now faced by most of Europe. Prevention and inclusiveness are at the centre of the new strategy, with an enhanced pharmacy role.

Maroš Šefčovič says he will do his “utmost” to reach a deal with US counterparts during talks in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday.

Eurogroup issued a statement on the draft budgetary plan of Austria for 2025 and 2026.

The press briefing will take place on Wednesday 2 July 2025 at 16.15.

El presidente del Consejo Europeo, António Costa, viajó a Sevilla y pronunció un discurso en el evento especial 'Plataforma de Acción de Sevilla' de la Cuarta Conferencia Internacional sobre la Financiación para el Desarrollo (FFD4) el 30 de junio de 2025.

Until Europe’s leaders learn to leave their local feuds at the door, Brussels will not be able to deliver results at the pace the current world demands.

The deal includes safeguard clauses allowing trade restrictions if EU markets – or even individual member states – face disruptions.

The European Commission framed the data as a “powerful” mandate just days before publishing its 2040 climate goal proposal.

"You can't change geography – Turkey will always be a neighbour state to the Republic of Cyprus," the Cypriot president said.

El presidente del Consejo Europeo, António Costa, viajó a Sevilla y pronunció un discurso en la sesión plenaria de la Cuarta Conferencia Internacional sobre la Financiación para el Desarrollo (FFD4) el 30 de junio de 2025.

The Council prolonged the EU sectoral restrictive measures in view of the Russian Federation's continuing actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine, until 31 January 2026.

According to the organisers nearly 200,000 people took part in this year's Budapest Pride – far more than in previous marches. Around 70 MEPs also joined the ranks of those demonstrating for LGBTQ rights. Budapest's mayor had framed the event as a municipal 'freedom festival' to foil the Orbán government's attempts to ban it. Commentators shed light on various aspects.