Eurozone GDP barely grew in Q1 2026 as energy crisis weighs on consumer confidence
Preliminary data shows the eurozone economy expanded by just 0.1% in the first quarter of 2026 as Middle East energy shock hampers consumption and investment.
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Eurozone inflation climbs to 3.0% as energy shock reshapes ECB’s policy calculus
Headline inflation in the eurozone reached 3.0% in April as Middle East energy shock filters through to prices, complicating the ECB’s path forward.
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European Parliament to vote on new law shielding strategic sectors from risky foreign investments
MEPs prepare to vote on legislation strengthening protection of EU strategic sectors from risky foreign investments, in a key plenary session this month.
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Spain’s tourism boom strains affordability for residents in major cities
Record tourist arrivals are driving rents and prices in Barcelona, Madrid and the Balearics to levels that local residents and unions describe as unsustainable.
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Why the next Commission cycle will be defined by enlargement
The accession dossiers of Ukraine, Moldova, the Western Balkans and Georgia will reshape the EU’s institutional balance more profoundly than any treaty change in two decades.
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EU climate target on track but transport emissions remain stubborn
The European Environment Agency’s annual progress report confirms the bloc is on track for the 2030 target, but flags transport and buildings as persistent weak points.
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Brussels prepares fresh sanctions package targeting shadow fleet operators
The European External Action Service is finalising a 19th sanctions package focusing on tankers and intermediaries facilitating circumvention of the G7 oil price cap.
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Italian PM signals new approach to migration with North African partners
Rome announced an expanded version of its Mattei Plan, deepening migration management cooperation with Tunisia, Egypt and Libya in exchange for development assistance.
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Are we ready for the next gas crisis? Europe’s energy security in 2026
Storage levels look healthy and LNG imports have diversified, but structural vulnerabilities remain. Europe should not mistake a mild winter for permanent resilience.
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France pushes for joint EU defence procurement after Mediterranean incident
Paris is leading a renewed push for joint defence procurement among willing Member States, citing recent security incidents in the Mediterranean as evidence of urgent capability gaps.
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Germany’s coalition reaches breakthrough on pension reform
Berlin’s three-party coalition agreed on a long-delayed package of pension reforms after weeks of internal disagreement that had threatened the government’s cohesion.
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Hungary blocks Council conclusions on Ukraine aid package
Budapest singlehandedly prevented agreement on the latest €18 billion macro-financial assistance package for Ukraine, prompting frustration among other twenty-six Member States.
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Commission unveils €50 billion Strategic Technologies Platform
The European Commission presented its long-awaited Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform, channelling €50 billion toward semiconductors, biotech and clean tech investments.
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ECB holds rates steady as inflation drifts back toward target
The European Central Bank kept its three key interest rates unchanged at its May meeting, with headline inflation in the euro area now within touching distance of the 2 percent objective.
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European Parliament approves landmark AI Act amendments after marathon vote
MEPs approved sweeping amendments to the EU Artificial Intelligence Act on Tuesday, tightening restrictions on biometric surveillance and clarifying obligations for general-purpose AI providers.
