Von der Leyen and Kallas rivalry deepens as capitals move to curb EU diplomatic service
A French-led push to reform the EU's foreign service has exposed a growing power struggle between them.
From the capitals
Hot TopicLatest reporting and analysis on from the capitals.
Magyar bars Orbán return with eight-year limit on prime ministers
It applies retroactively to all tenures held after May 2, 1990.
French, German and UK envoys meet Russian deputy minister in Ukraine peace push
The three countries are among Ukraine's main backers and lead the "coalition of the willing" assembling post-war security guarantees for Kyiv.
France bans Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich for promoting ‘recolonisation’ of Gaza
France also banned four leaders of settler organisations and 21 violent settlers.
France hard Left party turns national team football jersey into campaign cash grab
At €25, each purchase is framed as both a gesture of sporting patriotism and direct campaign financing.
Poland furious about failing to land any EU ambassador posts
EU delegations are the EU's main representations abroad and play a key role in protecting and promoting EU interests outside Europe.
Pope Leo XIV uses first address to Spain’s parliament to send Europe a message on life
The message landed in a deeply divided chamber, where the Pontiff reserved some of his sharpest words for Spain's combative politics.
Vannacci officially launches Futuro Nazionale as lawmakers defect from Italy’s ruling right
He has presented the new party as a nationalist alternative to a government he argues has become too moderate on key issues.
Trump demands Israel and Iran halt strikes as ceasefire frays
US President said he had urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to retaliate.
After 11-year-old’s death, questions mount over why suspect known to authorities was not stopped
President Emmanuel Macron, responding after the grim discovery, said the country’s justice system must be strengthened.
Zelensky proposes face-to-face meeting with Putin to end war
In the letter, Zelensky called for a firm date to be set and suggested a neutral venue.
Putin acknowledges contacts with Trump administration over Cuba
"Cuba is a friendly country. Our relations have developed over decades, and the US administration is aware of this".
EU prepares to open formal Ukraine accession talks after Hungary lifts veto
The veto was originally imposed by former prime minister Viktor Orbán, who blocked progress on Kyiv's membership bid for two years.
Israel and Lebanon agree to implement ceasefire conditional on Hezbollah disarmament
"As a result of the US-led negotiations, Israel and Lebanon agreed to the implementation of a ceasefire," the three countries said.
Hungary lifts veto on Ukraine’s EU accession bid
The shift came during a meeting of ambassadors in Brussels, where the Hungarian representative signalled the withdrawal of objections.
New Hungarian government signals it could lift Ukraine and Moldova EU veto
The opening of the first negotiating "cluster" could take place at an intergovernmental conference in Luxembourg on June 15.
Moldova could seek union with Romania if EU path stalls
Osmochescu insisted, though, that Moldova's aim remained signing an EU accession treaty by the end of 2028.
Peter Mandelson’s released bombshell vetting files push Labour deeper down
The UK government has published more than 1,500 pages of documents relating to Peter Mandelson’s controversial appointment as ambassador to the United States on…
French Government defends PSG celebration policing despite death and 890 arrests
Interior minister Laurent Nuñez said the bulk of the festivities had passed off peacefully.
Left-wing Wagenknecht vows to block CDU power in Saxony-Anhalt, even with AfD
"We want to do everything we can to ensure that there is no new CDU minister-president in Saxony-Anhalt".
Magyar seeks to oust Hungary’s head of state
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has said his government would amend the constitution to remove President Tamás Sulyok.
US commentators say UK barred them over Israel criticism
"I tried to get on a flight to London to attend SXSW London and give a speech at Oxford. I've been banned for criticizing Israel." said Cenk Uygur.
NATO says it stands ready to defend ‘every inch’ of allied territory after Russian drone hits Romania
"We will continue to enhance our readiness to deter and defend against any threat, including from drones. Russia's reckless behaviour is a danger to us all".
Trump backs Armenia’s Pashinyan for re-election ahead of tight June vote
The US President said Pashinyan is "making his country strong, wealthy and very secure".
Albania membership talks enter final phase
"We are EU fanatics, and EU fanatics cannot place a veto on EU decisions," PM Rama said.
Sánchez claims Pope Leo XIV backs ‘common sense’ of his policies
The 45-minute meeting on May 27, 2026, has unfolded as agents of the Guardia Civil have been searching the Madrid headquarters of his Spanish Socialist Workers'…
Tony Blair attacks Labour Party, says they have ‘no coherent plan’ for the country
He highlighted policies such as new workers' rights laws, the push towards net zero, and certain tax changes as having held back business and growth.
Scottish parliament backs call for new independence referendum
Lawmakers in the devolved legislature in Edinburgh backed the proposal by 72 votes to 55 on Tuesday.
Spanish Civil Guard raids ruling Socialist Party headquarters in financing probe
The operation has unfolded eight days after officers from Spain's National Police searched an office used by former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
French poll shock: Mélenchon closes in on Philippe as Bardella holds firm in presidential race
National Rally president Jordan Bardella continues to dominate the field with 32 per cent of voting intentions.