European Union in July 2026: the most important developments in politics
In July 2026 the European Parliament moved against the AfD's European party family. On July 7 it voted to start a review procedure against the party alliance ESN, placing it under formal scrutiny and raising the possibility of a ban on the AfD's EU party. On July 8 Apple lost its legal challenges against EU rules that curb the power of large technology firms. The EU also secured a right to cash, and Parliament voted in favor of the digital euro and, after a second vote, approved chat scanning.
Ukraine and enlargement ran through the month. On July 14 the EU opened accession negotiations on foreign and security policy with Ukraine and Moldova, and Albania advanced in its talks. Eight member states opposed opening the next stage for Serbia. Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv on July 15, and on July 16 the EU and Ukraine signed a defense partnership. EU ambassadors failed to agree on a 21st Russia sanctions package on July 13 and July 15. By July 25 Orban was saying Hungary should have vetoed it, while China and Russia protested sanctions on Chinese firms and on Medinsky. On July 29 Hungary was reported to be blocking two negotiating clusters for Ukraine.
Israel and the Middle East divided ministers. On July 13 Germany blocked a move to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements. The same day the EU and partners launched the $1 billion Team Gaza Initiative, and a conference on July 14 pledged 900 million euros. Emmanuel Macron visited Syria on July 6, the first EU head of state to do so since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas informed ministers of contacts with Tehran.
Budget and internal disputes continued. Friedrich Merz demanded sweeping cuts to the EU budget. On July 16 an EU commissioner called for an end to German border controls. Slovenia blocked Tanja Fajon's appointment as EU special envoy. The Commission rejected a remigration petition and a citizens' initiative on a migration moratorium.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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