Tag: Europe

  • China and Spain pledge stronger ties in Xi–Sánchez talks amid ‘crumbling’ international order

    China and Spain have pledged to deepen bilateral relations and reinforce commitments to global peace and development, following talks in Beijing between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Both leaders highlighted concerns over instability in the international system.  In “today’s world, chaos abounds, and the international order is crumbling,” Xi said, adding that…

  • UK living standards to decline as energy costs surge, study finds

    Rising energy prices linked to the US/Israel-Iran war are expected to reduce UK household living standards, according to new analysis by the Resolution Foundation. The think tank estimates the median working-age household will be around £480 worse off over the financial year, with incomes projected to fall 0.6% rather than rise. James Smith, Chief Economist…

  • “Not a distant crisis”: von der Leyen warns of immediate impact from Middle East war

    Speaking at a press conference on Monday (13 April) following a meeting of the EU’s top executive body, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the recent US–Israel conflict with Iran, now under a ceasefire, is having direct economic consequences for the EU, stating that “peace cannot be taken for granted” as instability…

  • Lithuania–Azerbaijan ties deepen with focus on energy, trade and EU connectivity

    Lithuania is seeking to expand political and economic cooperation with Azerbaijan following Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė’s visit to Baku, with discussions centred on energy, trade, security and transport connectivity. Speaking during the visit, Ruginienė emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships amid a shifting geopolitical environment, highlighting cooperation across energy, education, agriculture and defence sectors. Economic…

  • France–Portugal treaty enters force to boost defence, economy and EU cooperation

    The France–Portugal Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation entered into force on Sunday (12 April), reinforcing bilateral ties described by Paris as “excellent”. Signed in 2025 by President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, the agreement spans defence, infrastructure, and economic collaboration. In a message to newly elected President António José Seguro, Macron reaffirmed commitments…

  • Viktor Orbán concedes as Tisza party wins Hungary general election

    Hungary’s opposition Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, has won the general election, ending leader Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure and signalling a potential shift in Hungary–EU relations. Orbán conceded defeat within hours of polls closing, describing the result as “painful” and confirming he had congratulated the opposition. Turnout reached a record 77.8%, reflecting heightened domestic…

  • Ireland fuel protests disrupt supply as government prepares cost-cutting measures

    Police have dismantled a major fuel protest blockade in central Dublin after days of disruption linked to rising fuel prices across Ireland. Authorities cleared vehicles from O’Connell Street as the government prepared new cost-cutting measures aimed at stabilising supply and easing pressure on motorists and businesses. Irish police Commissioner Justin Kelly said enforcement action was…

  • Hungary votes in pivotal election as Orbán faces strongest challenge in 16 years

    Voters in Hungary are heading to the polls today (12 April) in a closely watched national election that could reshape the country’s political direction after 16 years under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The vote is seen as a pivotal moment for Hungary’s role within the European Union and the wider trajectory of populist politics across…

  • Taoiseach Micheál Martin warns Ireland risks disruption to oil supply amid fuel protests

    Fuel protests across Ireland have disrupted major transport routes and fuel infrastructure, raising concerns over potential interruptions to oil supply amid ongoing global energy pressure. Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the country was on the ‘precipice’ of refusing oil deliveries, citing blockades at the Whitegate refinery in Cork and fuel depots in Galway and Limerick.…

  • UK PM Keir Starmer visits UAE on Gulf tour to reinforce ‘fragile’ ceasefire

    UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Thursday (9 April), discussing Iran-linked attacks, Middle East security and the fragility of the recent ceasefire amid wider Gulf tensions. During a separate visit to UK forces, Starmer described the ceasefire as “fragile”, thanked personnel involved in…