World

Polish president vetoes law unlocking €44bn in EU defence loans

By&nbspAnna Weglarczyk Published on 12/03/2026 – 22:40 GMT+1 Poland’s president, Karol Nawrocki, has vetoed legislation that would have enabled the country to access nearly €44 billion in European Union defence loans, escalating a political clash with the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk over how to finance the country’s defence…

Hungary, Slovakia resist renewal of Russia sanctions as deadline nears

Published on 11/03/2026 – 19:42 GMT+1 Hungary and Slovakia are resisting a renewal of sanctions from the European Union on over 2,700 individuals and entities in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, just days before a 15 March deadline as tensions over a damaged oil pipeline drag on. ADVERTISEMENT…

The Ring: Is the EU a spectator or player as war grips Middle East?

Published on 11/03/2026 – 20:30 GMT+1 The European Union is bracing itself for potentially major repercussions as the Iran war persists, with Brussels urged to intervene to cushion the economic impact on consumers and secure energy supplies. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT But beyond the immediate concerns, the war is also raising existential…

Tehran claims US-Israeli strikes have ‘no impact’: Is this true?

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has alleged that bombings on Tehran had “no impact” on the country’s ability to continue fighting Israel and the US, crediting its strength to the “decentralised mosaic defence strategy.” ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The statement, posted on X, comes as the Iran war rages on, triggered…

Newsletter: Oil prices spiral despite historic reserve release

Hello from Brussels. I’m Mared Gwyn, back holding the newsletter pen. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Oil prices have topped the $100 a barrel benchmark again this morning as Tehran intensifies attacks on energy infrastructure across the Middle East – this despite governments stepping up efforts to shield consumers, businesses and their economies…

Commission denies unfair trade practices as US opens new probe

Published on 12/03/2026 – 15:46 GMT+1 The European Commission on Thursday rejected accusations that it exports industrial overcapacity to the US, after Washington launched fresh trade investigations targeting the EU and other partners over alleged unfair practices related to excess production. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Following a February US Supreme Court ruling…

Watch: Strait of Hormuz, Iran and naval mines — an explosive mix?

Published on 12/03/2026 – 16:03 GMT+1 A fifth of the world’s oil flows through the Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz. For Washington, any disruption means higher petrol prices, food inflation — a nightmare for the upcoming midterms. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT For Iran, the waterway is its ultimate leverage. Tehran has vowed not…

EU asks Ukraine to allow inspection to oversee damaged pipeline

The European Commission has asked Ukraine to allow inspectors to oversee the damage on the Druzhba pipeline, in line with a key demand from Hungary as it maintains a veto on a critical €90 billion loan for Ukraine until it becomes operational again. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Kyiv has not yet answered…

EU migration reform: Could it lead to ICE-style practices in Europe?

A controversial proposal aimed at increasing the return of irregular migrants from the EU has been approved at the committee level this week. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT However, NGOs warn that parts of the plan could pave the way for enforcement practices resembling those associated with the controversial US Immigration and Customs…

Brussels backs mini-nuclear power plants to secure low-carbon power

The European Commission is endorsing nuclear energy as a viable option to the bloc’s ambition to reach climate neutrality by 2050, ensuring grid stability when wind and solar can’t cover demand, EU officials said on Tuesday, bringing back a dormant scenario in which risk and environmental concerns may haunt European…