Ukraine’s latest challenge is how to deal with hope
Besides beating Russia,
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David Hearst – Iran has won the war. Trump and Netanyahu now face a reckoning
The idea of Trump and Netanyahu was to destroy Iran as a force within the region, thereby forcing all countries in the Middle East to submit to their colonial plans. That clearly hasn’t happened.
Politico – Don’t let Big Tech hide ecological cost of AI, environment agency chief tells EU
If Big Tech can build data centres and hide the energy consumption of those data centres, transparency is dead in the EU. Read the full article HERE.
Trita Parsi – Iran to Israel: You hit Lebanon, and we’ll hit the UAE
Tit-for-tat strikes between Iran and the US don’t seem to have scuppered a possible deal yet, but long term the threat Israel poses to Lebanon may make any lasting peace impossible.
Michael Roberts – Edmund Phelps: free markets and inflation expectations
A profile of the late Edmund Phelps, a neoliberal economist until the end.
Euronews – Germany resists EU members’ push for a tougher stance on China
Germany’s confusion about the sort of relationship it wants with China is symptomatic of an EU that hasn’t woken up to the fact that it can’t compete with Chinese manufacturing and neither can it afford to shut the door to Chinese manufacturing.
Lollobrigida: We need an industrial strategy for fertilisers
The EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Hansen, pointed out that, in order to tackle the fertiliser supply crisis, "the Commission will draw down the remaining amount from the Agricultural Reserve, which currently stands at around 200 million, and will propose to the budgetary authority that this amount be at least doubled, thereby making it a very substantial budget"
EU Council extends sanctions against Moscow over human rights violations
Brussels – The Council of the European Union decided today to extend by one year, until 28 May 2027, the framework of restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses, the repression of civil society and the democratic opposition, as well as the undermining of democracy and the rule of law in Russia. Currently, the EU’s restrictive measures apply to 72 natural persons and one legal entity.
Congo President’s Niece Sentenced in Paris Money Laundering Case
Family members of the Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso’s family are appealing a Paris court ruling that sentenced them last week for money laundering and breach of trust involving embezzled public funds, the family’s lawyer told OCCRP on Tuesday.
Orsini lambasts the EU: “Stifled by a lack of competitiveness, we risk an industrial wasteland”
Rome – Europe must change course or face industrial decline. At the annual assembly, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and the government, the president of Confindustria, Emanuele Orsini, lambasts Brussels, but also warns Rome: no Member State has the political and economic resources to “tackle alone the challenges facing us—geopolitical, technological, climatic and demographic.”
The EU responds to the Pope’s call on AI: “An effective legal framework is already in place in Europe”
The European Commission has stated that it “fully shares” the view expressed in Pope Leo’s encyclical on AI: “Thanks to our legal framework,
Von der Leyen: “When the Baltic states are put to the test, the whole of Europe is put to the test”
The President of the European Commission met with the leaders of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in Vilnius.
From Gdańsk to Kyiv, via Berlin: Merkel, Wałęsa, and the missing axis
The Strasbourg hemicycle rises to its feet for a gentleman of eighty-two whose moustache, now sculpted by the years, has become an iconographic attribute on a par with Che Guevara’s beret. Lech Wałęsa sits beside Jerzy Buzek, the former Polish prime minister who once presided over this Parliament.
‘The market has spoken’: Ferrari shares fall after carmaker unveils first fully electric vehicle
Shares of luxury carmaker Ferrari fell sharply on Tuesday morning, shortly after the company launched its first fully electric vehicle.
New US attacks in Iran; the EU: “Make the guns fall silent”
Brussels – “The time has come for all parties involved to silence their guns and resolve outstanding differences by peaceful means, in accordance with international law”. The European Commission has condemned the latest US attacks in Iran and issued a renewed call to return to the path of diplomacy.
BP shares fall after board removes chairman Albert Manifold over ‘serious’ conduct concerns
The board of British energy major BP on Tuesday announced it had unanimously decided to remove Chairman Albert Manifold with immediate effect.
European stocks edge lower amid U.S-Iran peace talks uncertainty
European stocks edged lower Tuesday, as traders watched developments in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Trade: surplus halved in the first quarter of 2026
Brussels – Rising energy costs and a fall in exports to the US have put pressure on the European Union’s trade and accounts in the first quarter of 2026. According to the latest figures released by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, in the first quarter of 2026, the EU’s trade surplus fell to €12.7 billion,
U.S. conducts ‘self-defense strikes’ in Iran as Trump pushes for peace deal
Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines.
Investors ‘afraid’ to take position on oil, data chiefs say as tankers face potential Hormuz fees
Oil markets fear Iran may impose fees on ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz as part of any peace deal with the U.S.
Russia tells Marco Rubio U.S. citizens should leave Kyiv ahead of ‘systematic’ strikes on Ukrainian capital
Moscow said it would be launching “systematic and consistent strikes” on the city of Kyiv.
School bus struck by train in Flanders leaves at least four dead, including two students
Brussels – A train has collided with a school bus at a level crossing near Buggenhout, a Belgian town of 15,000 inhabitants located in the province of East Flanders. The accident occurred at around 8 am this morning (26 May) and, according to reports by the local broadcaster RTL, according to Belgium’s Transport Minister, Jean-Luc Crucke, there are reportedly at least four fatalities: two of the seven pupils on board the coach, their teacher, and the driver.
Iran: businesses turn more pessimistic, but only in the short term
Brussels – The war in the Middle East, and especially the conflict in Iran, is reshaping business expectations, with companies now more pessimistic about their business prospects. Market operators fear rising costs and prices, leading to lower revenues and reduced access to bank credit. This is what emerges from an analysis conducted by the European Central Bank’s experts, and published on its blog.
Multiannual budget: 16 countries (including Italy) oppose the Commission and call for more funding for cohesion and agriculture
The so-called "Friends of Cohesion" issued a joint statement on the proposed MFF for 2028–2034, which is a slap to Fitto. They signal openness on own resources, in exchange for changes.
Gabor Maté, Felix Marquardt – Genocide Denialism
5 April 2026
Trade: Italy, along with four other countries, calls for a stronger EU policy towards the US and China
In a non-paper on trade signed with Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Lithuania,
An ageing population, a huge number of elderly people, and few births: Eurostat presents a picture of a fading Italy
Brussels – A large elderly population, an ageing population, low birth rates: Italy’s decline—demographic and otherwise—is encapsulated in this summary of the data from the latest edition on demography in the European Union published by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office. Italy is mentioned several times in the interactive document, but this is not a good thing. It is not good, first and foremost, for the country itself, which is portrayed as a nation slowly fading.
Floods: the EU moves towards “multi-risk approaches”
This is the warning issued by an international study conducted by scientists at the Joint Research Centre, in collaboration with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research,
Leone XIV and Ursula, a Shared “Magnifica” Problem
The encyclical Magnifica Humanitas: how it measures up against the European Union’s ongoing work on artificial intelligence, and against the perennial,
European Committee of the Regions receives Charles V Award
Brussels – The Charles V European Award, a distinction given to those who promote the unification and cultural values of the European Union, was presented today (25 May) to the European Committee of the Regions, during a ceremony presided over by King Felipe VI of Spain.
Cyprus parliamentary vote: traditional parties tread water, far right on the rise
The election to renew the island’s parliament has left the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, severely weakened: only one of the parties that supported him managed to win seats.
EU sees limited impact on tourism from high fuel prices
Spanish MEP Larraz has asked the Commission to quantify the impact of airline cuts in those Member States most dependent on the tourism sector and to set out the measures to be taken should the crisis worsen
Femicide: EU focuses too much on punishment and too little on prevention
Brussels – So frequent in the news yet insufficiently confronted: femicide in the EU remains an unresolved issue. This is the conclusion of a working paper by the European Parliament, produced by the think tank on behalf of MEPs. The data collected indicates that over a thousand women are killed in the EU every year, “in circumstances that often point to a gender-related motive, and the perpetrators are most commonly intimate partners or family members.”
France’s Gen Z has fallen for a 74-year-old radical socialist
Jean-Luc Mélenchon defies the weakness of the European left
The Cradle: Over 50 countries continued to arm Israel during genocide of Palestinians in Gaza: Report
Dozens of countries that ratified the Genocide Convention still supplied arms to Israel even after the ICJ issued a provisional ruling that Israel was likely committing genocide in Gaza Read Article HERE (Photo credit: Palestinian [...]
Larry C. Johnson: Peace is at Hand? Don’t Hold Your Breath
Not since Neville Chamberlain returned from negotiating with Hitler in Munich on September 30, 1938 have we seen such a spectacle of deception and false hope.
Ian Proud – ‘Comrade Keir’ or just (finally) rational UK energy policy?
Lifting sanctions on Russian energy products at a time when there is a Iran war-induced crisis is drawing the usual firestorm regarding loyalty to Ukraine Ian Proud was a member of His Britannic Majesty’s Diplomatic [...]
John McEvoy, Karsen Trull – UK citizens and others subjected to ‘show trial’ in Germany, lawyers say
Two Britons are among activists being tried in Germany after targeting an Israeli weapons factory last year John McEvoy is Chief Reporter for Declassified UK Karsen Trull is the Press Officer at CAGE International Cross-posted [...]
Leaked Documents Reveal Russian ‘Cognitive Strikes’ Against the West — Including Islamophobic ‘Pig Head’ Attacks in Paris
Leaked chats and documents showcase the Russian presidential administration’s role in false-flag vandalism attacks and election interference campaigns in Europe and beyond.
Larry C. Johnson – Who is the Real Monster? Hezbollah or Israel… A Response to the Munk Debate
Monsters are imaginary beings, yet Nuland and Pompeo insisted on labeling almost every US adversary — e.g., Russia, China,
EU-Mexico agreement officially signed: lower tariffs
Sottotitolo: The agreement—signed today in Mexico City—will reduce tariffs on European products across several sectors. The greatest benefits will be felt in the agri-food, engineering, automotive, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Richard D Wolff – Europe and the United States: Crossroads Then and Now
A historical analysis of the relationship between Europe and the US Richard D. Wolff is an American Marxian economist known for his work on economic methodology and class analysis.
Ray Nayler, Chris Hedges – A Discussion on the New Novel ‘Palaces of the Crow’
In his new book, “Palaces of the Crow,” Ray Nayler examines human nature through the lens of caring and community amidst the often hidden horrors of World War II.
NATO, Rutte: “US withdrawal is inevitable; greater European investment is essential”
NATO foreign ministers met this morning (22 May) in Sweden.
EU Commission launches public consultation on tobacco
Brussels – The public consultation period on the European Commission’s revision of the EU Tobacco Products Directive and the Directive on tobacco advertising begins today. The EU executive announced this in a statement. The launch of this public consultation follows on from and complements the call for contributions, which was also published this week; both are based on the European Commission’s assessment of the products, published in April.
WHO against nicotine pouches: the debate over harm breaks out
Some experts argue that “if it is implied that pouches are almost as dangerous as smoking, smokers might be put off switching and continue to smoke cigarettes instead.”
The EU is providing €400 million for 65 projects to decarbonise heating
Brussels – The European Commission today (22 May) has selected 65 projects that will receive funding under the Innovation Fund’s heat auction (Innovation Fund 2025 Heat Auction – IF25).
Russian Woman with FSB Ties Claims CIA Cooperation
A newly unsealed court transcript reveals that a woman who pleaded guilty to hiding her Russian intelligence ties told a federal judge she was actually a willing American informant.
Energy crisis: Rome and Brussels locked in a tug-of-war over flexibility. Giorgetti: “It will take months”
Brussels – Competitiveness, the housing crisis, the digital euro, and then the economic fallout from the war in Iran. There are many topics on the agenda for the European Union’s economic ministers, but the Minister for the Economy, Giancarlo Giorgetti, is particularly concerned with the last one. The Treasury Minister has arrived in Cyprus to reiterate the government’s priorities and stance, namely that “flexibility on energy is necessary to support households and businesses.” Giorgetti’s message is anything but new. It was the Prime Minister,
EU Broadens Iran Sanctions Over Middle East Maritime Disruptions
The EU widened its sanctions regime against Iran to target individuals and entities involved in Tehran's actions disrupting navigation in the Middle East, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, the European Council said on Friday.
Serbian Police Chief Implicated in Deadly Mob Hit Cover-Up
The gruesome discovery outside Belgrade on Thursday was shocking enough on its own: a missing man’s remains found buried in a barrel. But it is the identity of the suspected accomplice that has plunged Serbia into a profound political and institutional crisis: the top police chief of the nation's capital.
A Turkish court ousts the opposition leader from his job
Deposing Ozgur Ozel is another step towards autocracy for Erdogan’s Turkey
Stellantis CEO sees opportunity in growing partnerships, bringing China-branded vehicles to North America
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said there could be an opportunity to bring Chinese-branded vehicles into Mexico and potentially Canada, but not the U.S.
EU to suspend tariffs on nitrogen-based fertilisers for one year
Brussels – It has finally happened: Brussels has temporarily lifted tariffs on certain fertilisers. The Council of the European Union today (22 May) formally approved the suspension of customs duties on key nitrogen-based fertilisers, including urea and ammonia, for one year. According to European Commission estimates, this measure will save farmers and the EU industry around 60 million euros in import duties.
Butterfly and bird populations are in decline across the EU
Eurostat data show that butterfly numbers have fallen by more than twice as much as bird numbers compared with 2000. Only forest bird species are showing signs of a slow recovery
Iran war and soaring energy prices: Eurogroup concerned about the outlook
Brussels –Cautious optimism. Europe, grappling with the crisis triggered by the war in Iran — marked by soaring energy costs and economic fallout — is a worried continent. The Eurogroup meeting in Cyprus becomes an opportunity to showcase this conflicted mood, with the European Union and the eurozone caught between discouraging, though not catastrophic, numbers and the spectre of what may yet unfold. Discussions begin with the European Commission’s economic forecasts, which show reduced but still present growth.
Estée Lauder surges in premarket after Puig merger deal talks end
Estée Lauder's shares jumped before the market opened after talks over a potential merger deal with Spanish beauty group Puig was terminated.
A UK Lawmaker Urges Investigation After Sierra Leone’s First Lady Admits Continued Use of Subsidized Housing
A British lawmaker has urged a South London council to investigate the tenancy of the first lady of Sierra Leone after she publicly admitted she is holding onto a taxpayer-subsidized apartment designed for the city’s most vulnerable residents.
‘A big mistake’: The ECB is ‘hell-bent’ on rate hikes despite recession risks, senior economist warns
Berenberg's chief economist said ECB rate rises would be a "big mistake" amid growing signs of European stagflation.
Pierrakakis: “There is stagflationary pressure, but Europe is holding up”
Brussels – On the eurozone economy, “there is stagflationary pressure, but we are still operating within a growth perimeter,” Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis said the day after the release of the spring economic forecasts, offering an assessment that struck no note of concern. Firstly, he explains on the sidelines of the Eurogroup meeting, because there are “no major surprises” in the European Commission’s forecasts, and secondly, because “there is a trend towards stagflation, but we are not yet in that situation.”
U.S. and Iran signal peace progress — but remain at odds over uranium enrichment, Strait of Hormuz
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday said there were "good signs" that an agreement to end the Middle East conflict is in sight.
The Cuba situation is starting to resemble a pre-conflict playbook
The U.S. pressure campaign against Cuba appears to have entered a new phase.
Freedom Flotilla Coalition – Israeli forces attacked aid boats for 35 hours
In a statement from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s US arm, organisers say Israeli forces carried out a prolonged assault on civilian aid boats in international waters, using gunfire,
Larry C. Johnson: A Religious Reason the Saudis Are Blocking a New Attack on Iran
The HAJJ. The Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam — the core religious obligations that define Muslim practice. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime. This obligation is drawn directly from the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad.
EU Parliament approves the Day for victims of work-relatedaccidents
Brussels – Following the vote in Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, today (21 May), the European Parliament’s plenary session voted in favour of the proposal to establish a European Day in remembrance of victims of work-related accidents and the protection and dignity of workers. For MEPs, this is an opportunity to raise public awareness of the importance of prevention and workplace safety across the public, private, and institutional sectors, and to accompany it with concrete initiatives in schools and workplaces.
Michael Hudson, Lena Petrova – Why This Is Not the 1970s Again
18 May 2026 Lena Petrova: Welcome, everybody! Thank you so much for joining us. I’m Lena Petrova with a new episode of World Affairs in Context.
€767 million from the UK to France to tackle migration
In 2025, 41,472 people arrived in the UK on small boats that had set sail from France.
Joseph Massad – Zionism was built as a bulwark against socialism
Long before today’s attacks on leftist politicians and Palestine solidarity movements,
Kubilius: “SAFE will not be automatically suspended in the event of a negative ruling by the Court of Justice”
Brussels – SAFE will not be scrapped, certainly not any time soon. The €150 billion defence programme will remain in force even if the judges were to rule against it and will not disrupt the European Union’s agenda.
EU approves Victims’ Rights Directive. Zan: the 2021 bill is now law
The new directive, which also provides for integrated support for minors, online reporting and healthcare for rape victims, has been approved. Zan (PD-S&D): "The core of the 2021 bill is now European law"
Paraguay Jails Ex-Senator Over Ties to Drug Kingpin Marset
A former Paraguayan senator and political heavyweight in the country’s ruling party was jailed in the capital on Wednesday to begin serving a 13-year sentence for his logistical and financial ties to a sprawling international cocaine syndicate.
Net EU imports of recyclable raw materials: +7.8 per cent
Eurostat shows that the EU mainly exports metals and imports organic materials, after waste materials have been processed and reused.
Biofuels: EU Commissioner Tzitzikostas urges caution: “Only for aircraft and ships; for cars, the priority remains electric”
Speaking at the plenary session in Strasbourg, the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, referred to the ongoing review of the list of high-risk biofuels: "We have added palm oil and soya to the list of hazardous feedstocks"
Stellantis unveils $70 billion turnaround plan, targets positive cash flow by 2027
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa unveiled a new five-year strategic plan Thursday worth 60 billion euros (US$69.7 billion).
Real Madrid’s boss calls an election
Europe’s once-dominant club will put its leadership to its members
How Europe is fighting for digital sovereignty
Escaping its dependence on America’s tech giants is a tall order
Bre-entry may be the next drama to grip the European Union
An old friend comes knocking
Oil market could enter ‘red zone’ by July as stocks dwindle ahead of summer travel season, IEA chief says
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said the single most important solution to the Iran war energy shock is the unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Bloom Energy rises 2% after partnering with European AI infrastructure upstart in $2.6 billion deal
Nebius said Wednesday that it would deploy Bloom's fuel-cell technology to generate electricity faster and more quickly at its data centers in Europe.
Syrian Authorities Seize 25 Million Captagon Pills in Major Port Bust
Syrian authorities have thwarted a massive drug smuggling operation, intercepting a shipment of nearly 25 million Captagon pills.
Hantavirus: Tzitzikostas reassures that the EU risk is very low
Brussels – The risk to the European population of a hantavirus outbreak is “very low,” said the European Commissioner for Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, speaking in the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg during the debate on the new threat of a Hantavirus epidemic. Tzitzikostas clarified: “There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment against Hantavirus. For this reason, we are exploring various options to protect citizens from this priority threat.
Merz proposes making Ukraine an associate EU member
Brussels – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed that Ukraine become an associate member of the European Union. He made the proposal in a letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President-in-Office of the Council of the EU, Nikos Christodoulides. The status would be created specifically for Ukraine, prior to its full accession to the EU. “It is clear that we will not be able to complete the accession process in the short term,” Merz wrote.
Brussels takes aim at Trump and Netanyahu: ’US and Israeli Middle East wars will cost the EU a third of its 2026 GDP
The spring economic forecast confirms a 0.3 percentage point cut in growth for 2026. Dombrovskis: "The conflict in the Middle East has triggered a severe energy shock, putting Europe under further strain. Prudence and reforms are needed."
EU slams Meloni’s Italy: lowest growth and highest public debt in 2027
The spring economic forecasts for Italy paint a bleak picture across the board.
‘Europe doesn’t realize how dangerous it is’: Telecoms CEO warns of U.S. dominance in satellites, AI
Europe is vulnerable with a non-state actor like Starlink having the power to switch off the continent's connectivity.
Eurostat: Annual inflation up to 3.0% in the euro area
The euro area annual inflation rate was 3.0% in April 2026, up from 2.6% in March. A year earlier, the rate was 2.2%. European Union annual inflation was 3.2% in April 2026, up from 2.8% in March. A year earlier, the rate was 2.4%. These figures are published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.
DeStatis – German Recession: Export surplus in trade with United States down 30.5% in 1st quarter of 2026 compared with same quarter of previous year
Sharp drop in German exports to United States, slight increase in imports Despite 28.4% decline in exports, motor vehicles,
Ubisoft shares fall after Assassin’s Creed maker warns of further losses to come
Ubisoft shares plunged on Thursday after the Assassin's Creed maker warned of further losses this year.
Iran reviews U.S. peace proposal as Trump says he’s willing to wait ‘a few days’
It comes after President Donald Trump said he was prepared to wait a few more days to "get the right answers" from Tehran.
INTERVIEW/HeART of Gaza: Genocide through the eyes of children
Drawings by children from Gaza are on display on the campus of Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts,
Caitlin Johnstone – They’re Not Mad At Ben-Gvir For Being Evil, They’re Mad At Him For Being Honest
The West’s Epstein Class has criticised the actions of Zionist Nazi minister Bem Gvir before, but how often have we heard about their indignation as they continue to support Israel’s genocdie and war crimes?
Middle East Eye: ‘Welcome to Israel’: Ben Gvir’s treatment of Gaza flotilla detainees sparks backlash
European leaders, Israeli officials and social media users criticised footage posted by Israel’s national security minister Read Article HERE
Three key takeaways from Putin’s Beijing trip — and what they reveal about China-Russia ties
Putin left Beijing with declarations of enduring friendship with China and a stack of bilateral agreements — but without the energy breakthrough Moscow desperately sought.
AI frenzy sees these European stocks gain over 100% this year in blockbuster rally
Europe has long lagged behind the U.S. and China in AI, but these stocks are riding the wave of investor interest.
Ann Pettifor: Phantoms, Left-Wing Candidates, ‘Febrile Conditions’ in Bond Markets… and President Petro’s Fight Against the Central Bank of Colombia
On central bankers, bond markets and the heated and irrational campaign to block the election of a progressive politician Read Article HERE
Alastair Crooke – Israel’s ‘war to the root’ may unravel America
Both Trump’s Iran war and the closely connected Israeli war for Jewish hegemony across the Middle East are unravelling fast.
Jonathan Cook – Western leaders play their part in our charade democracies. Can you spot the tell?
The super-rich and their vassals are deeply invested in the system because it richly rewards them.
Flotilla activists on their knees, Meloni attacks Israel
M5S: "The treatment meted out to unarmed citizens travelling to Gaza with essential supplies is shameful and cannot be tolerated." S&D: "The activists must be released immediately"
The co-chair of the Greens has unexpectedly resigned from the European Parliament
Brussels – Bas Eickhout, co-chair of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament, has announced his resignation as an MEP.
Aurelien – Upstairs, Downstairs. How did we get here from there?
You almost never wind up where you expect to,
Commissioner Jozef Síkela in Greenland: ”€50 million in investment and a new EU Arctic Strategy by the end of the year”
During his official visit to the capital, Nuuk, the Commissioner for International Partnerships sought to distinguish the European approach to the Arctic from that of the United States: "Greenland’s future is a choice for the Greenlanders, and Europe’s role is to support it"
EU: “Russian threats are unacceptable; we stand in solidarity with the Baltic states”
Brussels – The European Union stands in solidarity with the Baltic states and considers Russian threats to be totally unacceptable. This position was set out by the European Commission’s Chief Spokesperson for Home Affairs, Anitta Hipper, during today’s (20 May) daily press briefing. “The EU stands united, and in solidarity with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, as well as with Finland, and Russian threats are simply unacceptable to us,” she said in response to journalists’ questions about incidents involving drones crossing borders.
UK Eases Sanctions on Russian Oil and LNG Imports
The U.K. government has rolled back some of its restrictions on Russian energy, issuing new licenses that permit the import of certain refined oil products and the maritime transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
ESM: Meloni ultimately prevails: “With the country heading for an election, it is ill-advised to seek ratification”
Brussels – Giorgia Meloni has ultimately got her way on the treaty reforming the ESM, the European Stability Mechanism. The Prime Minister has managed to drag things out for so long that her European partners now have no choice but to wait until the 2027 general election. Bulgaria, a member of the eurozone since 1 January this year, has just joined the bailout fund and ratified the relevant treaties, leaving Italy once again as the sole country blocking the process of transforming the ESM into a central player in the banking union.
No to double standards when it comes to respecting international law
The Russian invasion of Ukraine, on 24 February 2022, was immediately condemned by the European Union as an act of aggression contrary to international law, as were, subsequently, the war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated against the Ukrainian population. Indeed, in recent days, the EU and many of its member states, alongside others, have taken a decisive step within the Council of Europe towards establishing a Special Court to try those responsible for the crime of aggression and other offences under international law.
The EU is turning a deaf ear to the cries of distress for Gaza coming from its citizens
And to think that all it would take is to put into practice what we claim to uphold: the principles of the United Nations and the values enshrined in the EU Treaties
EU: agreement on tariffs brings together the People’s Party, Socialists, Liberals and Conservatives
Brussels – The People’s Party, Socialists, and Liberals are united, as they should be according to the political agreements reached at the start of the parliamentary term, but with the support of the Conservatives, which is not in line with those agreements. Meanwhile, the far right and the radical left are maintaining their roles as opposition parties.
Aid to Ukraine: Commission gives the green light to the first tranche of €3.2 billion
Brussels – One month on from the final approval by the Council of the European Union, the implementation of the €90 billion aid package for Ukraine for the two-year period 2026–2027 is drawing ever closer. This morning (20 May), the European Commissioner for the Economy, Valdis Dombrovskis, officially signed the Memorandum of Understanding with Kyiv, a document detailing the procedures for using the European funds provided under the Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA).
EU disburses 158.9 million euros to Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia under the Western Balkans Plan
Brussels – Support for the development of sustainable transport systems, clean energy, digitalisation, and human capital development: the European Commission has made 158.9 million euros available to Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The funds made available by the EU executive are allocated as follows: 49 million euros to Albania, 44.2 million euros to Montenegro, and 65.7 million euros to North Macedonia.
Amnesty International: Indonesia Is Using Online Disinformation Campaigns to Brand Critics as ‘Foreign Agents’
Since President Prabowo Subianto took office in Indonesia in October 2024, state and state-aligned actors have launched coordinated disinformation attacks targeting critics, Amnesty International said in a new report.
College career path ‘over’ as skilled trade get 30% pay bump, recruitment giant says
"I would say you can make a good career and good money in skilled trade. That's definitely a career track," CEO of world's largest recruitment firm told CNBC.
Defence: European Parliament and EU Council agree on investment and permits
Brussels – “MEPs have struck provisional agreements with the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the European Union on the following proposals: defence readiness and facilitating defence investments and conditions for defence industry; the acceleration of permit-granting for defence readiness projects.”
Single Market: Europe’s challenge in balancing competitiveness, autonomy and social justice
“With 450 million people and a market worth €18 trillion,
Eurozone inflation holds at 3 per cent in April; Italy jumps 1.2 percentage points
Brussels – Inflation in the eurozone stood at 3 per cent in April, up 0.4 percentage points on March. Eurostat confirms the preliminary data on the cost of living, which does not bode well for Italy: final data indicate that inflation in Italy is running at three times the eurozone average. Between March and April, the Italian index rose by 1.2 percentage points, reaching 2.8 per cent (from 1.6 per cent).
Iran threatens to extend conflict ‘beyond the region’ if U.S. and Israel resume attacks
Iran's Revolutionary Guard on Wednesday threatened to extend the Middle East conflict "beyond the region" if the U.S. and Israel resume attacks against Tehran.
EU–US trade: Parliament and Council reach agreement on tariffs that implement the joint declaration
Following the inter-institutional agreement, a plenary vote is scheduled for mid-June. Lange (S&D): “An important step towards greater predictability.” Deal includes safeguard clauses with suspension mechanisms. Message to Trump: “We honour our commitments; we are reliable.”
EU clears major hurdle to finalize U.S. trade pact — and sidestep Trump tariff hikes
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday welcomed a provisional agreement on legislation to remove import duties on U.S. goods.
CNBC’s UK Exchange newsletter: From Manchester to Westminster? Britain’s potential next PM comes under scrutiny
As Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham looks to replace U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, his record in office is receiving attention.
A strange paradox has taken hold of the global fashion industry
Fashion brands are doubling down on sustainability even as value-seeking shoppers ignore the pitch.
Putin-Xi talks revive stalled Russian gas pipeline as Iran war rattles energy markets
Putin is expected to hold talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday, with the long-stalled Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline topping the agenda.
Eldar Mamedov – EU sanctions on violent Israeli settlers are barely a half measure
Given the fact that there are nearly three-quarter of a million Israeli settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, EU sanctions on a handful of them looks like little more than political damage control.
Michael Roberts – The Thucydides trap and the decline of US imperialism
The United States cannot compete with China in the global goods market and this is the key to its decline, but Uncle Sam will not be on his knees any time soon.
Kate Mackenzie, Tim Sahay – Dawn of the Electric World Order
Global shockwaves from the war on Iran are accelerating the energy transition. In ‘Phenomenal World’. Read the article HERE.
Euronews – Europe’s poverty divide: Which cities and regions are most and least at risk?
One in five people in Europe are in poverty, but the picture varies a lot by country and by region. Read the article HERE.
Did Xi really trade Iran for Taiwan? Interview with Michael Hudson
A wide-ranging interview exploring US imperialism and the emerging multipolar world. Michael Hudson’s Killing the Host, The Collapse of Antiquity and The Destiny of Civilization are published by CounterPunch Books. Ali Alizadeh is an Iranian-British YouTuber and political commentator.
Europe’s secret Plan B to replace NATO
How NATO’s European members plan to fight if America quits
Kallas says no to the Board of Peace: “It is impossible for the EU to join”
Brussels – What strategy should be adopted regarding the war in the Middle East? The European Union has yet to reach a common position on the matter, held back by divergent views that the many parties involved are struggling to reconcile. But one thing is clear: “If we look at the Board of Peace proposals for Gaza, it is impossible, for the EU, to endorse them“.
Spain: former Prime Minister Zapatero on trial for money laundering and influence peddling
The name of the Socialist Prime Minister from 2004 to 2011 has come under scrutiny in the investigation into the controversial state bailout of the airline Plus Ultra. He defends himself, saying: "It is completely false."
EU Prosecutor Investigates €3.5 Million Farm Subsidy Fraud in Romania
European prosecutors are investigating 22 individuals over alleged subsidy fraud involving non-repayable EU funds meant to support small farms and young farmers in Romania, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) stated.
Review Confirms Telegram Tracking Vulnerability
An independent cybersecurity review obtained by Important Stories found that Telegram exposes persistent device identifiers that could allow passive tracking of users across networks and locations.
Parliament gives final approval to safeguards for EU steel
Brussels – A reduction in import quotas, an increase in customs duties and improved traceability of steel products. These are some of the measures designed to protect the European steel sector against global steel overcapacity, as confirmed by the European Parliament in plenary today (19 May).
Spain’s Former PM Investigated in Airline Bailout Probe
Former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero is under investigation for influence peddling and potential money laundering in connection with a government airline bailout, a court spokesperson confirmed to OCCRP Tuesday.
EU Eases Sanctions on Syrian State Institutions but Keeps Squeeze on Assad-Era Tycoons
The E.U. on Monday removed seven Syrian entities from its blacklist, including the country's defense and interior ministries, as part of a broader easing of measures, a move it said is designed to “support the strengthening of the EU’s engagement with Syria.”
Guarda (Verdi): “Italy allocates just 2.7 per cent of its healthcare spending to mental health”
“The events of Saturday 16 May in Modena cannot be attributed to ‘terrorism or even radicalisation, but to a dramatic and extremely serious mental health crisis characterised by isolation and neglect’,” said Cristina Guarda, a Green Party MEP,
Yes to digestate, targeted support, and organic products: the measures (announced) in the EU fertiliser plan
The European Commission presents its action plan on fertilisers.
EU Parliament: green light for the foreign investment shield
Brussels – “To close the gaps that have left infrastructure and technology exposed to external influences“: with this aim in mind, the European Parliament is seeking to create uniform legislation to “identify and address potential risks to security or public order posed by foreign investments, whilst remaining open to inflows of foreign capital.”
The award ceremony for the first recipients of the European Order of Merit
Brussels – The first recipients of the European Order of Merit were honoured today (19 May) at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, for their contribution to European integration and EU values at a ceremony at the European Parliament. Thirteen of the twenty recipients of the European Order of Merit attended the ceremony in the chamber, addressing the Parliament after receiving their awards from the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
Weber (EPP): “I expect the EU-US trade agreement to be approved”
Ahead of tonight’s negotiations with the EU Council, the leader of the EPP is urging negotiators to “lock themselves away with a cup of coffee and reach a sound compromise.”
EU trade surplus fell by 82 per cent in March
According to Eurostat’s latest trade report, the main factor is the reduction in the trade surplus with the US.
Contaminated infant formula: the EU has no plan to revise current rules
Brussels – Contaminated infant formula in ‘significant’ volumes: Nestlé recalled 25 batches in 16 EU countries on 10 December 2025 over a potential threat, according to Yvan Verougstraete, a liberal MEP (RE), who is seeking clarification from the European Commission in a parliamentary question.
SpaceX’s ‘otherworldly’ debut could squeeze the oxygen from Europe’s IPO market, analysts say
Elon Musk's SpaceX, expected to debut next month, could squeeze investor demand for other IPOs.
US extends suspension of Russian oil sanctions, triggering clash with EU
Brussels – The United States has once again decided to ease economic sanctions against Russia, while the European Union has “rejected” Donald Trump’s America, marking a new moment of tension in transatlantic relations, just as the European Union is attending the G7 Finance Ministers’ Meeting. It is here that the rift, the latest in a series, between the two sides of the Atlantic is playing out.
Von der Leyen: “If we want true independence, we must accelerate electrification”
Brussels – “As long as we rely on oil and gas, we remain vulnerable. If we want true independence, we must accelerate electrification,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in her opening speech at the Clean Tech Conference 2026, which began today (19 May).
Cuba condemns U.S. sanctions, accuses Washington of building ‘fraudulent case’ for military action
The comments come after a fresh wave of U.S. sanctions and amid mounting speculation that the U.S. could carry out military strikes against Cuba.
Putin heads to Beijing days after Trump in test of China’s balancing act
Beijing walks into the summit with the stronger hand while Moscow seeks reassurance that China has not drifted toward Washington after Trump's visit.
Who are Europe’s newest troublemakers?
Corruption and inflation are boosting eurosceptic populists
Trita Parsi – Trump appears poised to restart the Iran war
Iran is getting ready for an even more aggressive second round of attacks from the US, and is prepared to fight back even more fiercely than the first time.
Chris Bambery – Trump-Xi meeting shows shift in balance of power
The fact that Trump went to Beijing and made no threats relating to tariffs or anything else shows that he has to treat China as a peer competitor, not a supplicant.
A Pro-Palestine Lawmaker Accused of Supporting Terror: Interview with Rima Hassan
‘The recent highly publicized arrest of France Insoumise lawmaker Rima Hassan was the latest step in a campaign to vilify her. She spoke to Jacobin about the criminalization of Palestine solidarity.’ Read the article HERE.
David Hearst – Starmer’s toast, but whether Farage can be stopped is still to be decided
Keir Starmer has failed on every front and is on his way out, whether the next Prime Minister can stop Farage getting the top job will depend on whether he or she really changes direction.
Euronews – Meloni urges EU to treat energy crisis like defence emergency, relax fiscal rules
The reality is that no one believes in the EU fiscal rules anymore and to have a carve out only for Defence is not politically sustainable. Read the article HERE.
The European Commission supports the International Criminal Court
Berlaymont Building: “We are working to see how we can protect the International Criminal Court.”
Fossil fuels and poor interconnectivity: Italy had the most expensive electricity among EU countries in 2025
The EU has reduced the share of Russian gas imports from 45 per cent in 2022 to 12 per cent in 2025. Italy has imported only minimal quantities
For NGOs, the Council of Europe backtracks on human rights
Harsh accusations and criticism have been levelled at the statement on migration adopted by ministers from the 46 member states last Friday in Chișinău, Moldova. Forde said: "Once exceptions and differing standards are allowed to creep in, the way is paved for the erosion of other groups’ rights in the future"
Colombia Seizes Belgian Aristocrat’s Hotel Empire
Colombian authorities have taken possession of 11 luxury assets, including five high-end boutique hotels, from Belgian aristocrat Henri de Croÿ as part of an asset forfeiture process targeting a transnational money laundering network, officials said.
Elections in Andalusia: victory for the People’s Party in Spain’s “Ohio”
In the elections in Andalusia—Spain’s most populous region—the PP has emerged as the largest party, but will need the support of the far-right VOX to form a government.
Limoges ceramics awarded the first protected geographical indication for craft products
Brussels – Limoges ceramics are now protected at the EU level: the European Commission has awarded France the first quality label for non-agricultural products.
EU asylum: applications fall, 1.2 million cases remain pending
Eurostat figures show that Italy, Spain, France, and Germany accounted for 77 per cent of all initial applications. Furthermore, Italy ranks third in the number of pending cases.
Meloni to von der Leyen: “Allow public spending to address high energy prices”
Brussels –Relaxing common spending rules to address high energy costs: Italy is once again pressing for action on an issue that has become a fundamental concern for Giorgia Meloni, with the Prime Minister admitting to domestic difficulties and appealing directly to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, for help. Meloni has personally written a letter to the head of the EU executive, asking that the concept of security be broadened so that it is not understood solely in a military sense.
95 per cent of EU children were in pre‑primary education
Brussels – In 2024, 95 per cent of children aged between 3 and the compulsory starting age for primary education in European Union countries were enrolled in pre-primary education. The EU average in 2014 stood at 91.2 per cent. The lowest enrolment rates in 2024 were recorded in Romania (76.5 per cent), Slovakia (81.8 per cent), and the Czech Republic (86.4 per cent). The data, released by the European Statistical Office (Eurostat), showed that Italy is just below the European average at 94 per cent, but 2 percentage points lower than in 2015.
‘This is bad’: Strategists see European oil shortages within weeks as inventories are depleted
The Iran war oil squeeze could trigger shortages in Europe within weeks, and keep global inventories depleted until 2027, strategists warn.
Ex-Zelensky Aide Posts $3.2 Million Bail in Money-Laundering Case
Andriy Yermak, the former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, may soon be released from pretrial detention after the equivalent of $3.2 million bail was posted on his behalf, according to Ukraine’s state news agency UNIAN reported which cited the High Anti-Corruption Court.
Interpol Arrests Over 200 in Sweeping Middle East and Africa Cybercrime Crackdown
In a first-of-its-kind crackdown across the Middle East and North Africa, Interpol announced Monday that authorities have arrested 201 individuals linked to cross-border cybercrime networks.
Syria: EU Council extends sanctions against former regime until 1 June 2027
Brussels – The Council of the European Union decided today (18 May) to extend the EU’s restrictive measures against individuals and entities linked to the former al-Assad regime in Syria until 1 June 2027. The decision follows the Council’s annual review of the sanctions regime, during which it also decided to remove seven entities from the sanctions list, including the Ministries of Defence and the Interior. “This will support the strengthening of the EU’s engagement with Syria,” the Council said.
ECB: renewables coordination could lift solar by 42 per cent and wind by 110 per cent
An analysis by the European Central Bank on energy security and competitiveness urges governments to press ahead with the Green Deal and the dual transition in an orderly manner. "High energy prices pose risks to business competitiveness"
Etienne Davignon has died
Brussels – Former Belgian European Commissioner Etienne Davignon died this morning at the age of 93.
Lagarde and the Owl of Minerva
How the ECB has been handling the Hormuz war,
Jørgensen: The Green Homes Directive does not require renovating individual residential buildings
Brussels – The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, better known as the Green Homes Directive, “does not impose renovating individual residential buildings but provides a framework to encourage cost-effective energy renovations, which can substantially decrease households’ energy bills,” said the Commissioner for Energy, Dan Jørgensen, in response to a parliamentary question tabled by the opposition benches.
High energy prices could derail Europe’s AI race with U.S. and China
Energy costs vary widely across Europe, creating clear winners and losers in attracting investment.
Novo Nordisk’s next obesity battlefront: Winning beyond America
The weight loss pill had a strong U.S. launch this year, and Novo believes that will be replicated in other markets around the world.
Why a small UK lender has major U.S. credit firms on edge
The continuing fallout from MFS' collapse has heightened fears that problems in complex credit markets pose a broader systemic risk.
Dan Steinbock – US/Israel inflicted Iran Energy Shock Damage Is Spreading in Asia
The US/Israel/Iran-linked energy crisis has shifted from a commodity shock to structural geopolitics, with Asia at the epicenter due to its dependence on imported oil and LNG. Global reverberations can no longer be avoided.
Peter Oborne – ‘The settlers are in control’: How the West Bank is being ethnically cleansed
Armed, funded and openly endorsed by Israel’s far-right government, settlers are terrorising Palestinians with impunity Peter Oborne’s new book, Complicit: Britain’s Role in the Destruction of Gaza, was recently published by Or Books.
The Cradle: BRICS summit ends with no joint statement amid deepening Iran, UAE row
Tehran has demanded that all members of the bloc condemn the ‘unlawful aggression’ launched by the US and Israel Read Article HERE
Electronic Intifada: Italy jails Palestinian over videos on his phone
On 14 April, a court in Campobasso, southern Italy, sentenced Ahmad Salem, a Palestinian asylum seeker, to four years in prison.
Larry C. Johnson: What the US Media is Saying About Trump’s Trip to China
I thought it would be useful to highlight the reporting and analysis of the New York Times, the Washington Post and Politico regarding President Donald Trump’s trip to China. I read it so you don’t have to.
Alexander Mercouris, Glenn Diesen: The Political Legitimacy Crisis Across Europe
Glenn Diesen 536K subscribers 15 May 2026
Larry C. Johnson – Trump’s Failed Mission to China
An evalutation of the meeting between Xi and Trump in Beijing Larry C. Johnson is a former CIA officer and intellig ence analyst,
From train travel to staycations: How holidaymakers are adapting to airlines’ jet fuel shortage
"I think people will increasingly decide, let's book Portugal, Spain, Italy... let's avoid the Middle East or going long haul," Ryanair's CEO told CNBC.
Ramzy Baroud, Chris Hedges – The History of National Resistance Movements in Palestine
Ramzy Baroud discusses a people’s history of Palestine in his new book, that chronicles the powerful resistance to Zionism and its manifestations in the current national liberation movement.
Branko Milanović – Artificial intelligence and future of capitalism from a Marxist, and a neoclassical, point of view
In both Marxist and neoclassical worlds, an economy composed of highly automated sector only is incompatible with the maintenance of capitalism Branko Milanović is an economist specialised in development and inequality.
Violence and inadequate safeguards: UN report on torture in Italy
Violence and inadequate safeguards: the UN’s worrying report on torture in Italy,
Dean Baker – Keeping Score: The United States and China
There’s nothing wrong with being the world’s second-largest economy.
Larry C. Johnson: Which of the Gulf Arab Countries are Most Important to the Global Economy?
As a result of the US and Israeli attack on Iran on 28 February, the world has learned that in addition to oil, there are four other commodities that play a critical role in the global economy: LNG, Urea, Sulfur and Helium.
Socialists: EU must protect International Criminal Court judges from US sanctions
Following the suspension of US measures against UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese, the group is calling on the Commission to invoke the Blocking Statute: "The rule of law must prevail over the law of the jungle"
Migration, Frontex: EU arrivals fell by 40% in 2026
Brussels – In the first four months of 2026, irregular migration to the European Union has fallen, but the human cost remains tragically high. According to preliminary data released today (15 May) by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, in the first four months of 2026, the number of irregular border crossings into the European Union fell by a significant 40 per cent (to 28,500 entries), compared with the same period last year.
