News & Analysis

May 28, 2026

EU Ministers Clash Over Russia Envoy as Kallas Warns of Moscow 'Trap'

Foreign ministers gathering in Cyprus failed to agree on a special envoy for Russia talks, as Kaja Kallas warned that debating candidates was playing into Moscow's hands.

News & Analysis

May 28, 2026

Germany Blocks EU Push Against China's Industrial Overcapacity

Five EU economies are demanding emergency action against Chinese industrial overcapacity. Germany — with 5,200 companies operating in China — is the main obstacle. A critical Commission debate is set for 29 May.

News & Analysis

May 28, 2026

Russia's Economy Contracts for First Time Since 2023 as War Budget Strain Deepens

Russia's GDP shrank 0.3% in Q1 2026 — its first quarterly contraction since early 2023. Budget deficits are at record levels, energy revenues are falling, and a paradoxically stable rouble is making the fiscal picture worse.

News & Analysis

May 28, 2026

Albania Enters Final Phase of EU Accession Talks as Montenegro Targets 2028 Membership

Albania has officially entered the concluding phase of EU accession negotiations, becoming only the second candidate country to reach this stage after Montenegro. Podgorica is aiming for full membership by 2028.

News & Analysis

May 27, 2026

Half the Bombers, No Submarines: Washington Just Rewrote Its NATO Commitment

A classified US briefing at NATO headquarters last week revealed Washington's plans to halve strategic bomber availability, withdraw all submarines from NATO coverage, and slash fighter jets by a third. Europe has until July's Türkiye summit to fill the gaps.

News & Analysis

May 27, 2026

US Peace Efforts Are Stalled. Ukraine Is Now Looking to Europe.

With Trump's Board of Peace machinery grinding to a halt and US-brokered talks stalled since Washington turned to the Iran war, Ukraine is asking the EU to take on a direct peace-brokering role for the first time.