European Union

EU economy is under dual pressure from a sharp growth downgrade for Germany and ECB warnings of market repricing. The bloc released €16.4 billion in frozen funds for Hungary and modernized its trade agreement with Mexico, while considering freezing the Russian oil price cap.

• 28EU approves sanctions on Israeli settlers over West Bank violence
• 18EU and Mexico modernize their trade agreement
• 13EU releases €16.4 billion in frozen funds for Hungary
• 10EU Commission aims to simplify cross-border train travel
• 7EU halves growth forecast for Germany

EU foreign policy is hardening: Kallas rejects neutrality on Ukraine and opposes Schröder as negotiator, while Italy requests sanctions on Israeli minister Ben-Gvir. The bloc pushes for a zero-tariff deal with Trump under time pressure and plans talks with the Taliban on deportations, as Russia recalls its ambassador to Armenia over EU ties.

• 20EU's Kallas says bloc won't be neutral mediator in Ukraine war
• 16Kallas opposes Schröder as negotiator with Russia
• 10Russia recalls ambassador to Armenia over EU ties
• 8Ukraine's Zelenskyy insists on full EU membership, rebuffs Merz
• 7Italy requests EU to sanction Israeli minister Ben-Gvir over treatment of Gaza flotilla activists - Anadolu Ajansı

Russian drone attacks in Romania injure two and spark NATO and EU outrage, as von der Leyen vows to fight drones and disinformation. The EU targets Mexican officials in drug corruption cases, while a German woman is appointed to lead a security mission in Ukraine.

• 7Former Sinaloa security chief surrenders to US
• 6Russian Drone Attack In Romania Injures 2, Sparks NATO, EU Outrage
• 4Von der Leyen vows to fight drones, disinformation campaigns
• 3Russian lawmaker responds to EU official's call to withdraw troops
• 3Iran and US clash in sporadic Hormuz attacks

EU health policy is shifting toward domestic production of essential medicines and critical drugs, with new rules agreed. Meloni calls for reinforced coordination on Ebola, while an EU official warns that uncertainty around health information has gone mainstream.

• 5EU plans to produce more essential medicines in Europe
• 4++ Meloni writes to EU calling for 'reinforced coordination' on Ebola ++
• 2EU Agency Recommends Approval of Weight Loss Pill
• 2EU to enforce domestic production of critical medicines
• 2EU agrees on rules for drug production in Europe