Spearfisher dies following shark attack off Western Australian coast
A man has died following a shark attack while spearfishing with family members near Michaelmas Island off Western Australia’s coast, local police have confirmed.
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Andreeva claims maiden Grand Slam crown at Roland Garros
Nineteen-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva secured her first Grand Slam title at the French Open, defeating Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska 6-3, 6-2 in Saturday’s final to become the first teenager to win at Roland Garros since 2020.
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EU accused of applying double standards in Palestinian policy
The European Union faces mounting criticism over alleged double standards in its policy approach to the Palestinian cause, with observers questioning the consistency of its application of human rights principles and international law.
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European Commission plans stricter Schengen visa rules for Russian nationals after multi-nation appeal
The European Commission is set to tighten Schengen visa access for Russian nationals following formal protests from eleven EU member states, marking a significant shift in European visa policy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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Ukraine’s first EU cluster within reach as Hungary’s new pro-EU government eases the Orbán-era veto
With Hungary’s new pro-EU prime minister Peter Magyar having replaced Viktor Orban, Brussels is eyeing the 23-24 June European Council to open the first negotiating cluster for Ukraine and Moldova. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos has signalled a June opening under the Cyprus presidency, while Kyiv pushes for all six clusters at once.
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Brussels sets 16 June timeline for Ukraine’s first negotiating cluster as Zelenskyy rejects Merz half-way membership plan
On 27 May 2026 a clear timeline emerged for Ukraine’s EU accession: the European Commission is set to propose on 16 June the opening of the first negotiating cluster for Ukraine and Moldova. President Zelenskyy directly rebuffed Friedrich Merz’s earlier proposal for an ‘associate’ membership status, insisting on a full path to accession.
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EU-US trade deal greenlit: Parliament and Council agree on 15% tariff cap through 2029
On 20 May 2026, the Council Presidency and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on two regulations implementing the EU-US Joint Statement of August 2025, fixing a 15% tariff ceiling on EU exports to the US with a sunset clause through 2029. The deal also includes a robust safeguard mechanism on steel and aluminium.
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Ten years of GDPR: Commission reviews data protection framework amid AI era
The European Commission has launched a comprehensive review of the General Data Protection Regulation as the landmark legislation reaches its tenth anniversary, signalling potential reforms to address mounting challenges posed by artificial intelligence and persistent enforcement gaps across member states. Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath announced during commemorative events held between 22-24 May that Brussels would…
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Natura 2000 Day: Europe celebrates 27,000 protected sites network
European institutions came together on 21 May to mark Natura 2000 Day, celebrating the continent’s vast network of protected natural areas that now encompasses more than 27,000 sites across EU member states. The flagship conservation programme, which covers 18 per cent of the Union’s land area and 9 per cent of its marine waters, has…
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Asylum Return Regulation: trilogue reaches provisional agreement on common system
European Parliament and Council negotiators have reached a provisional agreement on a comprehensive overhaul of the EU’s return system for irregular migrants, following intensive trilogue negotiations that concluded on 22 May. The deal establishes new harmonised rules for the detention and return of third-country nationals who do not have the right to remain in the…
