'The center is holding,' von der Leyen declares despite far-right gains
Ursula von der Leyen said she wants to continue to cooperate with "those who are pro-European, pro-Ukraine, pro-rule of law."
Europe
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo announces resignation
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo announced plans to resign after the defeat of his party, the liberal Open VLD, in the country's federal elections held June 9.
Netherlands to invest $436 million to make armored vehicles for Ukraine
The report did not specify the type of infantry fighting vehicle, but Ukraine and Sweden last year signed an agreement to start jointly producing the CV90, considered one of the best of its type in the world.
NATO 'land corridors' will rush US troops to front lines of any future European war, Telegraph reports
Warnings that the Kremlin could attack a NATO country in the near future have increased in urgency in recent months. According to The Telegraph, U.S. troops and armor would land at one of five ports in the Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Turkey or Norway from where they would travel through land corridors to NATO countries bordering Ukraine.
Italy to send Ukraine second SAMP/T air defense system, foreign minister confirms
Ukraine has asked international partners to deliver more air defense in the wake of an increase in Russian strikes targeting energy infrastructure since March, and devastating aerial attacks in Kharkiv Oblast.
Swiss upper house rejects $5.58bn aid plan for Ukraine
While refusing to supply Kyiv with military aid on account of its long-term neutrality policy, Switzerland has provided economic and humanitarian support worth over $3 billion.
Lithuania signs deal with Rheinmetall to open domestic arms plant
In April, Lithuania and Rheinmetall signed a memorandum on further constructing an artillery ammunition plant in the country.
Russian propaganda sought to cast Medvedchuk as Zelensky's replacement, WP reports
A Russian propaganda operation was meant to present pro-Kremlin oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk to the international public as a potential replacement for President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Washington Post (WP) reported on June 3, citing undisclosed officials and documents.
Timothy Garton Ash: We're at the beginning of a new era. What we do now is particularly important
Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for clarity. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it dramatically changed the continent. The largest conventional war in Europe since World War II demanded Western leaders move away from their peacetime thinking and step in decisively to
EU ministers frustrated as Hungary blocks $7 billion in military aid for Ukraine
Hungary is blocking three separate 500-million-euro ($540 million) tranches under the European Peace Facility (EFF) fund, as well as 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) allocated for the Ukraine Assistance Fund, established within the EFF's framework.
Poland to restrict movements of Russian diplomats, Moscow promises retaliation
"We hope that the Russian Federation will treat this as a very serious warning," Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said.
Zelensky to visit Belgium, sign bilateral security agreement
Belgium will become the 11th country to sign such an accord with Ukraine, following Spain, the U.K., Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Canada,the Netherlands, Finland, and Latvia.
What to expect from Zelensky's visit to Spain today
The trip had originally been scheduled for mid-May but according to CNN Portugal, the change in plans was forced by the "serious internal situation in Ukraine at the moment."
NYT: Russia steps up sabotage operations in Europe to undermine Ukraine aid, intelligence officials say
U.S. and allied intelligence officials have noted a growing number of low-level sabotage operations in Europe that seem to be a part of Russia's effort to undermine assistance for Ukraine, the New York Times (NYT) reported on May 26.
Opinion: Is Europe too big for further enlargement?
Earlier this month, the European Union celebrated the 20th anniversary of its biggest-ever enlargement, which brought 10 new members into the bloc. That event remains a potent reminder of the EU’s potential to advance peace and unity across the European continent. But, at a time of deep internal divisions
ECHR rules prosecution cases against Georgia's Saakashvili are fair
Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili is currently serving six years in prison in Georgia on charges of abuse of power and ordering an assault on an opposition lawmaker.
FT: EU countries push for visa-free travel suspension, other sanctions against Georgia over 'foreign agents ' law
Estonia, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Sweden are among several EU countries pushing for sanctions against Georgia in response to its government's passing of the controversial "foreign agents" law, the Financial Times (FT) reported on May 22, citing official sources.
Tusk: Poland signs contract with European Investment Bank to join Sky Shield Initiative
According to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the Polish government signed a contract with the European Investment Bank (EIB) worth 300 million euros (around $326 million) to construct its part of the pan-European air defense.
Netherlands' incoming coalition government reaffirms support for Ukraine
Under outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the Netherlands has been a staunch ally of Ukraine, being one of the few partners to pledge F-16 fighter jets.
Czech president: Europe must set 'clear boundaries' for Russia
Russia does not seek cooperation with Europe, and if European countries want to ensure peace and prosperity, they must set "clear boundaries" for Moscow, Czech President Petr Pavel said in an interview with the Austrian newspaper Die Presse published on May 11.
Zelensky congratulates newly elected North Macedonian president
President Volodymyr Zelensky extended congratulations, in a post on X, to Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova for her win in North Macedonia's presidential election.
Zelensky, von der Leyen discuss EU accession and peace summit
In a tweet on X, Ursula von der Leyen also confirmed she would be attending the upcoming peace summit to be held on June 15-16 in Switzerland.
Germany to buy 3 HIMARS for Ukraine
HIMARS, whose prowess became a popular motif of internet memes, was a game-changer for Ukraine when it first arrived in the summer of 2022, allowing Kyiv to target Russian forces behind the front lines far more accurately than they had previously.
Sweden to allocate 28 million euros for Ukraine's defense
In March 2024, Sweden officially joined NATO after a lengthy application process triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and was immediately vocal in its calls for other alliance members to do more.
Right-wing opposition wins elections in North Macedonia
North Macedonia's conservative opposition party won a decisive victory in the country's dual parliamentary and presidential elections on May 8, according to preliminary results.
FM: Kosovo supports Ukraine despite Kyiv not recognizing its independence
In an interview with AP, Donika Gervalla-Schwarz said her country is convinced that Russia must lose the war in order to ensure the security of Europe.
President Iohannis: Romania open to discussing sending Patriot to Ukraine
Speaking in Washington after a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, Klaus Iohannis said he would discuss the matter with his Supreme Defence Council.
Tusk: Europe must spend 'big money' so 'no world power will dare raise a hand against it'
Speaking at the European Economic Congress in the Polish city of Katowice, Donald Tusk called on countries to increase defense spending and once again raised the idea of building a common European air defense system.
Bloomberg: EU plans to ban Russian funding for political parties, think tanks
According to Bloomberg, the ban on Russian funding could impact far-right parties in Europe such as Germany's AfD and France's National Rally, both of which have previously been accused of links to Russia.
FT: Russia plotting 'violent sabotage' across Europe, intelligence agencies warn
Several high-profile incidents in recent weeks have put a spotlight on cases of attempted sabotage by people accused of working on the Kremlin's behalf.
Poll: 64% of Ukrainians believe democracy best form of government
Ukraine ranks sixth among countries surveyed, with a significant majority supporting the statement: "Democracy may have its flaws, but it is the best system of government."
Macron on Europe's defense: 'We are not equipped to face the risks'
"There is a risk our Europe could die. We are not equipped to face the risks," the French president said in his April 25 speech at the Sorbonne University in Paris.
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