News about EU
The UK has announced the introduction of a new package of sanctions against Russia, calling it “one of the toughest” in the entire period of London’s sanctions policy. Eighty-five individuals and legal entities that the British authorities link to information campaigns and support for Russian actions abroad have fallen under the restrictions.
The decision of the German authorities to introduce a tax on sweet drinks as part of a package of health care reforms has sparked a debate about government interference in the diet of citizens. However, a number of countries around the world already levy such a tax for one reason or another. But is this a sufficient argument and are these reasons so objective?
A large-scale nationwide strike is planned for May 12, 2026 in Belgium, organized by the country’s largest trade unions in protest against the government’s socio-economic policies, working conditions and planned reforms in the pension system. Severe disruptions in public transportation and air travel are expected.
Romania may face not a technical recession, but a full-fledged economic crisis in case of a new decline in GDP. This was stated by the leader of the Social Democratic Party of Romania, Sorin Grindeanu, against the background of the deterioration of the country’s macroeconomic indicators.
The European Union intends to hold a meeting of foreign ministers of member states by the end of May to determine the topics and formats of possible negotiations with Russia. This was announced by the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, on 11 May.
The EU may start direct membership talks with Ukraine by the end of June. This was announced by European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos today, 11 May. Commissioner Kos urged member states to officially open all negotiating clusters on Ukraine’s membership as soon as possible.
US President Donald Trump thanked President Alexander Lukashenko “for your cooperation and friendship” in his post on Truth Social. He expressed his gratitude for the release of several prisoners in Belarus – three Polish and two Moldovan citizens in late April.
In Moldova, the System of Deposit for Packaging (SDA) is not yet operational, but there is already a conflict between major market operators and state authorities. At issue is the choice of the administrator of the SDA system, a mechanism that should ensure the collection of used containers and increase their recycling rate. The idea itself is not disputed. What is disputed is how the future administrator was selected, how transparent the procedure was and why some of the major market players were left out.
The European Union is preparing a 21st package of sanctions against Moscow, within which it intends to increase pressure on the “shadow fleet,” Russian banks and the Russian Orthodox Church, Politico writes, citing European officials and diplomats.
Russia expects clarifications from Armenia in connection with the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to that country, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said.
Europe is actively working on creating its own digital payment systems to reduce dependence on US giants Visa and Mastercard, which control about two-thirds of card transactions in the eurozone. The main goal is to ensure “digital sovereignty” and payment security, as the EU’s financial infrastructure is currently heavily dependent on the US.
In recent days, there have been reports causing increased interest of fruit business operators in Europe. In the information space of Polish agribusiness there appeared not single opinions that due to spring frosts the apple harvest in this “apple power” can be halved. Fruit traders in Poland rarely hit the bull’s-eye in their initial forecasts. However, now the market situation is so alarming that any “signal shots” have consequences.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan made a video message on the occasion of Europe Day and Romania’s Independence Day, in which he spoke about what his country has achieved during almost 20 years in the EU (Romania officially joined the Community on January 1, 2007).
The U.S. has once again lashed out at Europe, which it assesses is indulging in an influx of extremists due to uncontrolled migration.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki said that Warsaw is ready to accept part of the US troops stationed in Germany. Donald Trump called such a scenario possible.
For Moldova, joining the European Union is the most important national project since independence. This was stated by President Maia Sandu at a joint press conference with Nicos Christodoulidis, President of Cyprus, who is on his first official visit to Chisinau.
The ruling Labor Party suffered heavy losses in the UK local elections, losing a significant portion of seats to the right-wing populist Reform UK. Voting took place this week in England, as well as in elections for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments.
Moldova has become part of the European Ceramics Route by joining the Association of the European Ceramics Route. This was announced by the National Tourism Office.
The leader of the Lithuanian Social Democrats, Mindaugas Sinkevičius, believes that the authorities of his country could make a step towards diplomatic relations with Belarus, if the meetings are organized by the United States. In his opinion, the probability of opening checkpoints on the border with Belarus is “very high” today.
PARIS – The war in Iran has caused a dramatic redistribution of global wealth.
