Northern EU

Cyprus to rebuff calls from Northern frugals to slash EU budget

BRUSSELS — Cyprus’ Council presidency is set to turn down Germany’s demands to slash the EU’s next seven-year budget, four EU diplomats told POLITICO. Nicosia, which is set to unveil new budget figures by June 10, is resisting pressure from the EU’s wealthier countries to cut spending on farmers’ subsidies and payments to poorer regions — a move that would irk frugal Northern EU members. However, if the plan goes ahead, it would be a win for Southern and Eastern European...

Watch: Batteries, microchips, and K-Pop—what's at stake at the EU-Korea Summit

European leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen are hosting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for the EU-Republic of Korea summit. They say hospitality begins at home, and Brussels is putting that to the test this week. European leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen are hosting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for the EU-Republic of Korea summit.

The EU’s migration pact takes full effect: are countries ready to deliver?

Co-legislators agreed on “return hubs” on 1 June, preparing to rollout the Migration and Asylum Pact of 12 June. Stricter border controls, uniform asylum rules, and a new digital monitoring system will crack down on illegal migration. But are member states ready for the new rules?

Germany news: Large demonstration blocks Alpine pass

Large demonstration blocks Alpine pass Published May 30, 2026last updated May 30, 2026What you need to know - A protest has been taking place at the Brenner Pass, a major Alpine route linking northern and southern Europe - Russian President Vladimir Putin has again urged that his friend ex-Chancellor Gerhard Schröder act as EU negotiator in any peace talks on Ukraine - The family minister says screen time for kids could possibly be subjected to legal restraints Here is a roundup of stories...

Brexit rules on food exports to be scrapped, government confirms

Brexit red tape on food exports to be scrapped under UK-EU reset deal

EU monitor warns of 'new normal' following record temperatures in May

Records were broken in Britain, France, Ireland and Portugal last month as a "heat dome" of warm air from northern Africa pushed temperatures well above normal levels across western Europe. Europe experienced one of its hottest Mays on record last month under an unusually early heatwave that the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service warned is becoming the "new normal". It was the second-hottest May on record globally, and Britain, France, Ireland and Portugal broke their own records as a...

Middle East updates: Iran declares end to attacks on Israel

Middle East updates: Iran declares end to attacks on Israel Published June 8, 2026last updated June 8, 2026What you need to know - Israel and Iran have fired missiles at each other in a new escalation - It comes after Israel struck Iran early Monday in response to an Iranian attack on northern Israel - US President Donald Trump has called for an immediate halt in fighting - The Iran-backed Houthis have threatened to target Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea - The EU's top diplomat has urged...

Britain’s banks demand a seat at the Brexit negotiating table

Britain’s banks want to muscle in on Keir Starmer’s Brexit “reset” with the EU. After years of being stuck on the sidelines, the City of London’s biggest players are pushing for financial services to finally be given a seat at the negotiating table. “To date, financial services have not been included in the strategic UK‑EU reset,” UK Finance, a lobby group representing Britain’s lenders, said in a report out Monday.

Middle East updates: Israel and Iran trade fresh strikes

Middle East updates: Israel and Iran trade fresh strikes Published June 8, 2026last updated June 8, 2026What you need to know - Israel and Iran have fired missiles at each other in a new escalation - It comes after Israel struck Iran early Monday in response to an Iranian attack on northern Israel - US President Donald Trump had said he would urge Israel not to respond - The Iran-backed Houthis have threatened to target Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea - The EU's top diplomat has urged all...