eu foreign ministers

Europe Day, celebrated on May 9th by the EU and May 5th by the Council of Europe, commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 1950. This pivotal proposal by Robert Schuman aimed to foster peace by uniting France and West Germany's coal and steel production, laying the groundwork for the modern European Union.

In a landmark decision, the European Union has greenlit an impressive €90 billion loan to Ukraine alongside a new wave of sanctions targeting Russia, effectively breaking a prolonged deadlock. This vital financial support, designated for military and fiscal stability, follows Hungary and Slovakia's recent agreement to resume oil flows through a major pipeline.

France is ditching Microsoft Windows for Linux, a significant step in Europe's push for digital sovereignty and reduced reliance on American tech giants. This move, aimed at regaining control over data and digital infrastructure, aligns with broader EU efforts to lessen dependence on foreign technology. The initiative begins with government digital agencies, signaling a strategic shift in national digital policy.

Jaishankar said on X he raised Global South’s concerns about energy challenges, fertiliser supplies and food security in the session on global governance. “The uncertainties arising from the conflict in West Asia only make a stronger case for more resilient trade corridors and supply chains,” he said. Jaishankar said on X India’s FTAs with the EU, EFTA members and the UK have enhanced the utility of IMEC.

Hungary's prime minister said Wednesday that Budapest would phase out gas deliveries to Ukraine, the latest salvo in the feud between the two countries over a damaged pipeline transporting Russian oil. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose country is a major gas supplier to Ukraine, has accused Kyiv of delaying repairs on the pipeline, effectively stopping the flow of Russian oil to Hungary and its neighbour Slovakia.

The UN General Assembly recognized the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity,” aiming to confront historical injustice and advance reparatory justice. The resolution passed with 123 votes in favor. The US, Israel, and Argentina voted against it, while the UK and EU member states abstained over legal and reparations concerns, despite acknowledging slavery’s history. Ghana emphasized accountability, reparations, and long-term consequences for victims and their descendants.

Israel planned to galvanise opposition to the Iranian government to spark a collapse. Now, the belief that Israel and the US could help instigate widespread revolt in Iran seems to be a foundational flaw in the war

External affairs minister S Jaishankar hailed direct talks with Iran as the most effective way to resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has allowed Indian-flagged vessels to pass, demonstrating the success of diplomacy over potential military action. This approach offers a potential model for other nations grappling with disrupted energy supplies.

Trump side-stepped diplomacy on way to war in Iran. Now, he wants all to help. But even if even if he can assemble a major coalition, although unlikely, it could prove very hard to end Iran's blockade. Here's why

As Middle East tensions escalate, Russia is quietly positioning itself to benefit from the ensuing chaos. While global powers focus on the conflict, Moscow is leveraging diplomacy and energy markets to expand its influence. The crisis has boosted Russia's energy revenues and shifted international attention away from Ukraine, creating a strategic advantage for Moscow.

Britain will not join a wider Middle East war, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, despite collaborating with allies on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized restoring shipping flows and global market stability, ruling out a NATO mission. Starmer stressed the need for a collective, viable plan, not a direct military conflict.

US President Trump declared Iran's military "literally obliterated" after over 7,000 strikes, claiming significant reductions in missile and drone attacks. Despite asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz, he urged allies to assist in securing shipping, but faced cool responses from key nations like Germany and Japan.

A clearly frustrated Donald Trump has called for allies to help the US open up the Strait of Hormuz. While little support has been forthcoming from European allies so far, they're looking at playing a role once this war ends.

Global leaders voiced varied reactions to coordinated US-Israel strikes on Iran, with the EU urging maximum restraint and respect for international law. Spain called for de-escalation, while Malaysia condemned the actions, fearing regional catastrophe. Australia backed US efforts against Iran's nuclear program, but Norway questioned the strike's legality. Russia criticized US involvement.