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António Costa

China-Russia Relations Key for EU Cooperation

Beijing and Brussels have agreed to lead the world in the fight against climate change at a time when the US, under Donald Trump, is withdrawing during a summit in Beijing. The "decisive factor" for the EU in the cooperation is now China's relationship with Russia.

China-Russia Relations Key for EU Cooperation

EU Leaders to Meet President Xi in China for Summit

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the European Council António Costa are traveling to China for a summit on Thursday, confirms Beijing. "President Xi Jinping will meet them", announces China's Foreign Ministry in a statement.

EU Leaders to Meet President Xi in China for Summit

Criticism Arises Over Proposed EU Budget Increase to 2 Trillion Euros

Larger, smarter and sharper are the watchwords when the EU Commission proposes a considerably increased long-term budget of 2,000 billion euro. But the criticism is also immediate.

Criticism Arises Over Proposed EU Budget Increase to 2 Trillion Euros

EU and African Union Leaders to Convene in Angola This Autumn

Luanda in Angola will be the meeting place for Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) and his EU colleagues when they are to meet their counterparts in the African Union (AU) this autumn. A summit between the EU and AU countries' heads of state and government will be held on 24-25 November in the south-west African country, under the leadership of President João Lourenço and the EU Council President António Costa.

EU and African Union Leaders to Convene in Angola This Autumn

NATO Budget Deal May Boost EU-US Trade, Says EU Leader

The agreement with the USA on new budget targets in Nato can help Europe even in the trade war, hopes EU's Council President António Costa. .

NATO Budget Deal May Boost EU-US Trade, Says EU Leader

Denmark Takes EU Council Chair Amid Trade War and Climate Challenges

Trade war, climate dispute and obstinate Hungarians await as Denmark now takes over as chairman of the EU's Council of Ministers. Good luck, says the predecessor Poland.

Denmark Takes EU Council Chair Amid Trade War and Climate Challenges

EU Calls for De-escalation Amid US-Iran Tensions; China Condemns

The EU's Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas urges all parties to de-escalate after the US attack on nuclear facilities in Iran. But she emphasizes that Iran "cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons".

EU Calls for De-escalation Amid US-Iran Tensions; China Condemns

EU Poised to Criticize Israel Over Gaza Conflict

The EU will likely rebuke Israel for its waging of war in the Gaza War. This is indicated by Council President António Costa, pending an investigation to determine whether the Israeli waging of war goes too far.

EU Poised to Criticize Israel Over Gaza Conflict

European Leaders to Visit Armenia and Azerbaijan for EPC Meetings

Both Armenia and Azerbaijan will receive visits from all of Europe's heads of state and heads of government in the coming years. This is revealed when the loosely composed European Political Community (EPC) has now determined hosts for its top meetings until 2028.

European Leaders to Visit Armenia and Azerbaijan for EPC Meetings

EU Nations Approve Multi-Billion Defense Fund

The EU says yes to the first step in its new large defense plans when the multi-billion fund Safe now gets the green light. 1,600 billion kronor will be able to be lent out to joint defense procurements.

EU Nations Approve Multi-Billion Defense Fund

EU and UK Forge New Post-Brexit Cooperation Deal

Fishermen and young people in the EU will find it easier to come to the UK with new cooperation agreements between the EU and London. A new era in our relationship, says Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

EU and UK Forge New Post-Brexit Cooperation Deal

Israel Begins Major Gaza Offensive Amid Reported Doha Talks

Israel has launched a comprehensive offensive against Gaza. The goal is, according to the military, to "enter and control" parts of the strip.

Israel Begins Major Gaza Offensive Amid Reported Doha Talks

Merz Proposes Ending EU Sustainability Requirements

Waived sustainability requirements in the EU are desired by Germany's new Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz on a visit to Brussels. A more active Germany is promised in the EU.

Merz Proposes Ending EU Sustainability Requirements

Spain Power Restored After Outage Not Caused by Cyberattack

The extensive power outage in Spain was not caused by a cyberattack, according to the operator Red Eléctrica. The same message comes from Portugal.

Spain Power Restored After Outage Not Caused by Cyberattack

Pope Francis Funeral Today: Global Leaders Gather in Rome

Rome stands still and the world's eyes are fixed on the Vatican. Today, Pope Francis is being buried.

Pope Francis Funeral Today: Global Leaders Gather in Rome

Albania Aims for EU Membership by 2027, Says Prime Minister

Already in two years, Albania hopes to be able to fulfill the requirements to become a member of the EU. .

Albania Aims for EU Membership by 2027, Says Prime Minister

US Envoy Condemns Sumy Attack as Crossing All Boundaries

Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy to Ukraine, joins the chorus of condemnations of Russia's attack on Ukrainian Sumy, where over 30 people were killed. The attack "crosses all boundaries of decency", he writes on X.

US Envoy Condemns Sumy Attack as Crossing All Boundaries

China and EU to hold top-level meeting in July

Right in the middle of the trade war between the USA and China, the EU and China are preparing to hold a summit – albeit not until the summer. "We are coordinating with China to set a date for the meeting, which is expected to take place in China during the second half of July," says a spokesperson for EU Council President António Costa in a statement.

China and EU to hold top-level meeting in July

EU Commits 12 Billion Euros to Boost Central Asia Ties

The EU and the five Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, have agreed on a historic cooperation agreement that involves billion investments from the EU's side. This concerns investments in the transport sector, renewable energy, and digital connectivity, as well as the extraction of rare raw materials, according to a press release.

EU Commits 12 Billion Euros to Boost Central Asia Ties

Fishing Dispute Threatens UK-EU Defense Cooperation

The United Kingdom may need to make concessions on fishing to become part of the EU's large military buildup. .

Fishing Dispute Threatens UK-EU Defense Cooperation

"Can mean a step towards a fair peace"

The reactions did not wait when the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Ukraine is ready for direct negotiations with Russia and that a 30-day long ceasefire may be imminent. .

"Can mean a step towards a fair peace"

Trump's fight against the EU: "Will destroy"

The EU leadership is still waiting for a meeting with the US President Donald Trump. And they can wait for a long time – as Trump clearly dislikes the union.

Trump's fight against the EU: "Will destroy"

The EU Summit: Five Points to Keep an Eye On

It is expected broad support for the EU Commission's plan to inject equivalent to nearly 9 billion Swedish kronor (800 billion euro) into defense at Thursday's EU summit. But there are points where it can get hot.

The EU Summit: Five Points to Keep an Eye On

After the Fateful Meeting on Ukraine: "Historic Turning Point"

A plan for a lasting peace in Ukraine was at the center of Sunday's crucial meeting in London. Afterward, the message is that it requires strong European buildup and security guarantees for Ukraine.

After the Fateful Meeting on Ukraine: "Historic Turning Point"