Recent news and analysis on European Union

Latest news, breaking stories, and expert analysis on European Union. Stay informed with comprehensive coverage from trusted sources.

• EU unveils plan to expand domestic tech supply chains

  The European Commission proposed new 'technological sovereignty' rules to block foreign providers from using a 'kill switch' to disrupt vital tech services. The package includes risk assessments for cloud providers in sensitive areas and aims to reduce reliance on foreign tech, which accounts for over 80% of digital products and services. The EU's vulnerabilities were exposed last year when China stopped semiconductor exports, nearly halting the European car industry.

• Hungary lifts veto on Ukraine EU accession talks

  Hungary and Ukraine reached an agreement on the rights of Ukraine's Hungarian-speaking minority, clearing the way for the next step in Ukraine's EU accession process. EU ambassadors are expected to discuss the formal process on June 3, 2026, with the formal opening of the first enlargement cluster planned for June 15 or 16 in Luxembourg.

• Nintendo to sell EU Switch 2 with user-replaceable battery by Feb 2027

  Nintendo confirmed it will release a new Switch 2 version in the EU with a user-replaceable battery to comply with EU regulations effective February 18, 2027. The compliant models will have unique model numbers and 'OSM' on packaging.

• EU grants flexibility to member states in energy crisis

  The EU offered flexibility to struggling member states as part of its regular economic assessment. Ten countries, including France and Italy, remain in the excessive deficit procedure, while Malta exited and Bulgaria is expected to enter.

• "Brexit book reveals explosive secrets behind UK decision to leave EU"

  This commentary argues that a new book, 'The Brexit Effect', reveals explosive behind-the-scenes details about the UK's decision to leave the EU, featuring accounts from key figures on both sides. It contends that the disclosures will spark debate on whether Brexit could be reversed, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the referendum.

• EU invests $107M in ocean monitoring amid US pullback

  The European Union announced a $107 million investment to strengthen its ocean monitoring system, days after the Trump administration moved to dismantle a U.S. deep-ocean observation network. European Commissioner Costas Kadis called the funding a 'necessity' given 'extremely worrying signals' from the U.S. More than half will support an international program sponsored by UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization.

• "Can Europe rejoin the international tech race?"

  This commentary argues that the EU's investments in cloud computing and semiconductors represent a strategic bid to reduce technological reliance on the US and China. It contends that success is uncertain and depends on how these superpowers respond, framing the initiative as a critical test of European autonomy.

• "Refugees and migration: Is Europe closing its doors?"

  This commentary argues that the EU's new Common European Asylum System will worsen conditions for asylum seekers, particularly through detention-like facilities and return hubs in third countries. It contends that Germany's halt to Afghan resettlement endangers vulnerable groups, and criticizes the reform as poorly crafted, potentially rolling back refugee rights.

• EU set to join US-led Pax Silica AI chip initiative

  The EU is expected to formally join the US-led Pax Silica initiative to coordinate AI chip supply chains and export controls against China. EU ambassadors will greenlight the move on Wednesday, with ministerial endorsement possible next week, despite French skepticism.

• EU aims to open first enlargement cluster for Ukraine, Moldova on June 15

  The EU is targeting June 15, 2026, to open the first enlargement cluster for Ukraine and Moldova, slightly earlier than expected. If that date fails, the Intergovernmental Conference could be held on June 16 in Luxembourg. Hungary has blocked progress for a year over 11 demands, nine of which have been fulfilled.