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At a summit in Montenegro, EU leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, pledged to accelerate the integration of six Western Balkan countries into the bloc, proposing 'gradual integration' and discussing new safeguards for future members. The move comes amid renewed geopolitical urgency following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has stated that Ukraine's bid to join the European Union by 2027 is unrealistic, citing Croatia's own lengthy integration experience. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has also dismissed the timeline, noting that EU accession talks often take over a decade. The statements come as Ukraine pushes for rapid integration amid ongoing conflict.
Ireland has banned Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, citing their conduct towards Palestinians and pro-Palestinian activists. The decision, confirmed by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, has drawn international attention and calls for EU-wide sanctions.
A naval drone exploded in Romania's Black Sea port of Constanta on Friday, causing no casualties. The incident has heightened concerns about spillover from the Russia-Ukraine war, with officials from Romania, the EU, and NATO weighing in. The origin of the drone remains disputed, with Ukraine and Russia trading accusations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for direct face-to-face negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a rare open letter, proposing a full ceasefire during talks. The Kremlin acknowledged receipt, while Putin expressed conditional willingness to negotiate, and US President Donald Trump endorsed the idea of a meeting.
European Union lawmakers and member states have agreed in principle on new migration rules allowing the establishment of 'return hubs' outside the bloc for rejected asylum seekers. The deal, part of a broader tightening of EU migration policy, has drawn criticism from rights groups warning of potential human rights abuses. The legislation still requires formal approval.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico have called for renewed dialogue between the EU and Russia to prevent escalation following a drone crash in Romania. Fico also claimed to be the only EU leader maintaining direct contact with both Moscow and Kyiv, urging a diplomatic path to end the conflict in Ukraine.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed granting Ukraine a special status as an 'associate member' of the European Union, allowing Ukrainian officials to participate in EU institutions without voting rights. The proposal, outlined in a letter to EU leaders, includes access to the bloc's mutual assistance clause and certain EU funds, with a snap-back mechanism if Kyiv backtracks on rule-of-law standards. Reactions have been mixed, with Slovak PM Robert Fico conditionally supporting the idea and French politician Florian Philippot warning of financial ruin.
The UK and 45 other Council of Europe members have signed a political declaration endorsing the use of third-country hubs for rejected asylum seekers. The move has sparked criticism from human rights groups and legal experts who fear it weakens protections under the European Convention on Human Rights.
In an interview with TASS, Milorad Dodik, chairman of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats of Republika Srpska, accused Europe of embodying lies and intolerance, and criticized Germany's support for Ukraine as an attack on truth. He also targeted EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, saying her leadership will shrink the bloc.
The Eurovision Song Contest began in Vienna under the shadow of boycotts and protests over Israel's participation, with five countries withdrawing. Broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia are refusing to air the event, while organizers express hope for the absent nations' return. The first semi-final saw Finland and Israel advance amid ongoing controversy.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said European leaders have 'gotten the message' from US President Donald Trump, acknowledging US disappointment over Europe's reluctance to support the Iran war. The US announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, prompting European leaders to call for a stronger European role in NATO.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, with both vessels taken toward the port of Bandar Abbas. Crew members are reported safe amid negotiations for their release, while the seizure is widely seen as retaliation for a recent US action against an Iranian vessel.
Lufthansa pilots began a 48-hour strike on Monday, with cabin crew following on Wednesday, causing widespread cancellations at German airports. The airline, already grappling with union disputes, faces four consecutive days of disruption, adding to its operational and financial pressures.
Several airlines, including El Al, Arkia, and foreign carriers like Blue Bird, Etihad, and Wizz Air, have announced plans to resume flights to Israel in the coming weeks following the ceasefire with Iran. The Israel Airports Authority and Transport Ministry are working to expand operations at Ben-Gurion Airport, though full recovery is expected to take time.
The Russian water polo team, competing under a neutral status, won its group matches and a Round of 16 game at the 2026 FINA Men’s World Cup in Malta, but later lost to France in the quarterfinals. Ukraine refused to play a scheduled placement match against Russia, highlighting ongoing political tensions.