european parliament

China has lifted sanctions on european parliament members, a move seen as a potential step towards improved EU-China relations and trade discussions. This decision comes as the EU seeks greater cooperation with China on trade, amidst ongoing tensions between the US and China.

EU lawmakers on Thursday gave the green light to a delay for European carmakers to meet new emission targets, as the bloc seeks to balance climate goals with supporting the struggling industry. Criticizing the move, Green EU lawmaker Saskia Bricmont said loosening emissions rules would "delay the marketing of affordable electric vehicles, which are vital" for European consumers.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has strongly criticized the European Union's plan to ban Russian gas imports by 2027, deeming it unacceptable and harmful to Slovakia and the EU due to anticipated price increases. Fico, known for his pro-Russia stance, also opposes halting Russian oil and nuclear fuel imports, threatening to veto the gas plan and seek compensation.

China said on Tuesday it would welcome EU chiefs Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen for visits as part of events marking 50 years of ties between Beijing and the bloc. Chinese President Xi Jinping also exchanged congratulatory messages with Costa and von der Leyen on Tuesday to mark 50 years of formal relations with the EU, state broadcaster CCTV said.

Human Rights Watch on Thursday criticised Greece's government for "state actions that undermine" the right to information, noting that press freedom in the country has seen "significant deterioration" since the conservatives came to power in 2019. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Greece 89th out of 180 countries in its global press freedom index for 2025.

US President Trump's move to end duty-free imports has hit Chinese retailers like Temu and Shein, potentially doubling prices for US consumers. These companies may now focus on Europe, exploiting the EU's loophole. However, the EU is considering scrapping this exemption, raising concerns about product safety, VAT fraud, and unfair competition for European businesses.

European lawmakers are urging the EU to increase its budget to address the growing threat from Russia and bolster defence spending. They insist that this should not compromise long-term investments in economic and social cohesion. The parliament's call puts pressure on the European Commission as it prepares its proposal for the 2028-2034 multiannual budget, amidst economic challenges and debates over common debt.

Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democrats, stands on the cusp of becoming Germany's next chancellor, pending a Bundestag vote on May 6. Despite lacking prior top-level government experience, his party's recent election victory positions him for the role. Merz, a transatlanticist, aims to lead a coalition, navigating diverse interests.

Spain will present a draft resolution at the UN General Assembly aimed at "proposing urgent measures to stop the killing of innocent civilians and ensure humanitarian aid" in Gaza, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Wednesday. Spain also broke with some European allies and infuriated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government last year by recognising a Palestinian state.

The EU on Tuesday is due to unveil a keenly anticipated plan to phase out its remaining gas ties to Moscow, a challenge given Europe's longstanding dependence on Russian fossil fuels. The commission has highlighted its efforts to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that he did "not believe" Russia would adhere to a coming three-day truce to coincide with Moscow's Victory Day celebrations. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a three-day truce coinciding with Moscow's commemorations on May 9 for the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, saying it would test Kyiv's readiness for long-term peace.

Albanians vote for a new parliament on Sunday, with socialist Edi Rama hoping to be prime minister again, stopping right-wing veteran Sali Berisha from a return to power. Sali Berisha, right-wing veteran, Sali Berisha, a political veteran who is a symbol of the fall of communism, is hoping to return to power after 12 years in opposition.

Friedrich Merz failed to secure an outright majority in the Bundestag, prompting the AfD to demand new elections and criticize the government's leadership. The unprecedented outcome exposed divisions within the coalition, raising doubts about Merz's ability to govern effectively. Despite the setback, analysts believe Merz may still become chancellor, but the vote has weakened his position amid global instability.

Serbian students, already known for cycling to France, have begun a 2,000-kilometer run to Brussels to highlight corruption and demand the rule of law in Serbia. Starting from Novi Sad, over 20 students are participating in this relay-style marathon, aiming to draw the EU's attention to their struggle against President Aleksandar Vucic's government.

Friedrich Merz is poised to become Germany's chancellor, tasked with revitalizing the economy and strengthening the nation's global influence amidst rising far-right sentiments and strained transatlantic relations. His coalition government aims to support Ukraine and address domestic concerns like migration, while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape shaped by US President Trump's policies.

Germany's domestic intelligence agency has classified the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a "confirmed right-wing extremist" movement, leading to immediate repercussions. Several federal states are now evaluating the compatibility of AfD membership with civil service roles. The AfD, which became the second-strongest political force in Germany in 2025, faces setbacks in its efforts to gain mainstream acceptance.

A massive blackout plunged millions across Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France into darkness on Monday. Train services were severely disrupted in Spain, while Portugal's REN operator confirmed the widespread impact. The outage, which began around 12:30 pm local time, affected critical infrastructure, including Spain's Parliament and metro stations.

The United States and Ukraine have signed a new agreement granting Washington access to Ukraine's critical minerals and natural resources. Kyiv anticipates this deal will secure long-term military and financial aid amidst ongoing Russian aggression. The agreement establishes a reconstruction fund and ensures Ukraine retains ownership and control over its resources, with profits reinvested in rebuilding the nation's infrastructure.

A massive power outage plunged millions across Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France into chaos on Monday. The blackout disrupted transport and communication systems, leaving people stranded in subway stations and causing widespread flight cancellations. Authorities are investigating the cause of the outage, which affected critical infrastructure and prompted selective power cuts to stabilize the network.