Latvia moves to ban tourist trips to Russia, Belarus

Riga wants to reduce the risks of human rights violations of Latvian citizens in those countries, and prevent their recruitment as spies.

Baltic states successfully plug in to European power grid

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania disconnected from Russia’s power network on Saturday morning and connected to the European grid on Sunday in a historic move.

Baltics disconnect from Russian grid: Decrease โ€˜vulnerability to Russian blackmailโ€™

Three Baltic nations โ€“ Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania โ€“ disconnected from Moscow’s power grid to join the EU’s electricity network in an attempt to decrease their “vulnerability … to Russian blackmail”, FRANCE 24 Chief Foreign Editor Rob Parsons said…

Baltic nations switch from Russian power grid to EU network

The three Baltic states on Saturday cut ties with Russia’s power grid to join the European Union’s network, the culmination of a years-long process that gained urgency with Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuaniaย โ€“ all former Sovie…

Baltic states cut ties to Russian power grid in historic switch away from Moscow

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania disconnected their electricity systems from Russia’s power grid on Saturday, the region’s operators said, part of a plan designed to integrate the countries more closely with the EU and boost security.ย 

Baltic countries sever final power ties with Russia

Disconnecting from the Soviet-era grid faced an intimidation campaign โ€” but it’s Moscow that could be left in a precarious position.

Sweden intercepts Bulgarian ship over damaged Baltic cable

The Swedish coast guard seized a Bulgarian ship after a fibre-optic cable under the Baltic Sea linking Sweden to Latvia was damaged, officials said on Monday. Latvia sent a warship on Sunday to investigate the damage, while Swedish prosecutors opened …

Latvia changes prescription pricing model, reduces copayments, supports EU joint procurement

“The calculations have shown a possible drop in prices for patients in total for both prescription and over-the-counter medicines by up to 20%,โ€ Abu Meri told Euractiv.
The post Latvia changes prescription pricing model, reduces copayments, supports E…

Ukraine war briefing: Moscow claims control of Velyka Novosilka but Ukrainians say fight continues

Warehouse strike in Russia โ€˜destroys 200 Shahed dronesโ€™; Ryazan oil refinery hit again, says Kyivโ€™s military. What we know on day 1,069Russia on Sunday claimed its troops had captured Velyka Novosilka, a strategically important town in the Donetsk regi…

Von der Leyen pledges solidarity after Latvia-Sweden undersea cable damage

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliล†a warned there is probably significant “external damage” to the cable
The post Von der Leyen pledges solidarity after Latvia-Sweden undersea cable damage appeared first on Euractiv.

Baltic undersea cable likely damaged by โ€˜external influence,โ€™ Latvian broadcaster says

The Latvian Navy sent a patrol to inspect a vessel possibly involved in causing the damage and is contact with NATO allies.

Latvia investigating โ€˜significantโ€™ damage to undersea fibre optic cable

PM says damage is probably result of external influence and vessel suspected of involvement is under investigationAn undersea fibre optic cable between Latvia and Sweden was damaged on Sunday, probably as a result of external influence, Riga has said, …

Ukraine war briefing: Moscow reports gains in Donetsk in westward advance

Russiaโ€™s defence ministry says its forces now control two more settlements in eastern Ukraine; Kyiv says โ€˜heinousโ€™ attack kills three in capital. What we know on day 1,061See all our Ukraine war coverageRussian forces took control of two more settlemen…

NATO to deploy drones, aircraft to counter wave of Baltic Sea cable attacks

Baltic Sea country leaders are meeting in Helsinki after a series of incidents involving energy and data cables.

5 green targets EU countries will (mostly) miss in 2025

EU countries are behind on most, if not all, their sustainability commitments.

Europeโ€™s chance to secure peace in Ukraine

A coalition of willing NATO allies could physically step in to help secure a future demarcation zone between an independent Ukraine and a Russian-occupied one.

Britainโ€™s Baltic defense club falls flat on military spending pledge

U.K. leader Keir Starmer says talking about extra defense spending is tough at the moment.

48 detained in crackdown on pro-EU protests in Georgia

Arrests follow mass protests of Caucasus countryโ€™s decision to stall EU accession talks.

EUโ€™s Russia sanctions deal collapses over business loophole spat

Latvia and Lithuania vetoed the package, objecting to the extension of a carveout that lets EU firms continue operating in Russia.

Virkkunen supports EU telecoms consolidation, gets mixed national responses

Representatives from Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands and Slovenia stated that they were not in favour of consolidation.

Ukraine sanctions Georgian officials over violent crackdown on pro-EU protests

Sanctions target “the part of the Georgian government that is surrendering Georgia to Putin,โ€ Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said.

Countries back Brusselsโ€™ plan to ban outdoor vaping

But Hungary’s minister reminded countries that the move was nonbinding, as Germany and Greece abstained.

Baltic countries sanction Georgian officials after violence against protestors

New EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas says democratic backsliding in Georgia “will have direct consequences.”

Ukraine war briefing: US urges Zelenskyy to lower conscription age to 18

Biden administration readying another $725m in arms for Kyiv; Zelenskyy to approve tax increases for defence funding. What we know on day 1,009 A senior official in Joe Bidenโ€™s administration has told the Associated Press that the US is urging Ukraine…

A very British omnishambles: how The Play That Goes Wrong conquered the world

This farce about a gaffe-laden am-dram whodunnit was born above a pub. How did it become one of Britainโ€™s greatest ever exports, the toast of more than 50 countries? Our writer travels to Europe to solve the mysteryA bunch of twerps are floundering in …

Brewers to EU: When all else fails, try beer

New Brussels beverage featuring Ukrainian hops aims to promote European unity and multiculturalism.

Brewers to EU: When all else fails, try beer

New Brussels beverage featuring Ukrainian hops aims to promote European unity and multiculturalism.

Europeโ€™s Trumpian nightmare

The return of the disrupter-in-chief would further destabilize an already weakened continent.

Sergey Lavrov to visit Malta next month, Russian media reports

Russia’s foreign minister is expected to travel to Malta for an OSCE meeting in December.

The future EU commissionersโ€™ promises: Everything you need to know

We pored over more than 400 pages of written answers so you donโ€™t have to.

EU faces migration rebellion as Poland vows to block asylum-seekers

More and more member countries are clashing with Brussels over how to treat incoming migrants.

โ€˜Safe countries of originโ€™ in asylum law: the CJEU first interprets the concept

 Professor Steve Peers, Royal
Holloway University of London

Photo credit: viewsridge,
via Wikimedia
commons

 

Introduction

Along with judgments on Afghan
women asylum seekers (discussed here)
and the status of Turkey as a โ€˜safe third coun…

Polandโ€™s delayed COVID-19 vaccinations worry scientists as virus surges

Rising COVID-19 levels in Warsaw’s sewage system indicate the spread of the virus. However, vaccination against the pathogen hasn’t been made available yet. Poland is currently in negotiations with Latvia to purchase their surplus stock.

How a law on truck movements divided the EU

The EU’s top court delivers a ruling on an exceptionally fierce legal fight this week.

Mission Possible: Working together to reshape the future of cancer care

Q&A with Greg Rossi, Senior VP, Head of Oncology Europe and Canada at AstraZeneca.

6 Russian jets intercepted over Baltic Sea

Fighter jets were deployed to escort them.

From queen to empress: Ursula von der Leyenโ€™s power grab

After unveiling her new team, the European Commission president holds more power than ever.

Latvia kicking gender inequality into play with female soccer strategy [Advocacy Lab Content]

Latvia is strengthening football gender equality, implementing good practices under the European Unionโ€™s TARGET football project, and deploying new long-term development strategies.

Germany retains quiet grip on Europeโ€™s finances

Von der Leyen’s loyalists hail from countries that don’t like splashing the cash. While others may have posher titles, those frugal hands still hold the power.

IMF axes controversial Russia visit after outrage from European capitals

Kyiv’s allies said the trip would have been a “propaganda win” for Vladimir Putin.

The winners and losers of the new European Commission

What the portfolios tell us about the EUโ€™s power dynamics.

Meet the commissioners: Class of 2024

Everything you need to know about Ursula von der Leyen’s team for her second term.

Ursula von der Leyenโ€™s new European Commission

Commission president hands out the top jobs in her new team.

Ursula von der Leyen announces new European Commission lineup โ€“ Europe live

European Commission president reveals team after extensive negotiations and balancing, including nominating women and representing centre-right partiesValdis Dombrovskis, from Latvia, was nominated to be commissioner for economy and productivity.Dan Jรธ…

Zelenskyy complains West wonโ€™t even talk about shooting down Russian missiles

“They just change the subject” on that issue, said Ukrainian president.

European governments criticize IMF trip to Russia as โ€˜propaganda winโ€™ for Putin

Visit will “create substantial reputational risks,” countries say.

The great Commission puzzle: Who we think will get each portfolio

Ursula von der Leyen is about to hand out key jobs in her team. Hereโ€™s POLITICOโ€™s version of the next Commission.

Ukraine war briefing: Nato condemns Russian drone violations of Latvia and Romania airspace

Two countries report incursions as an alliance leader decries โ€˜potentially dangerousโ€™ acts; Putin loyalists head for win in Russian local elections. What we know on day 929See all our Russia-Ukraine war coverage Continue reading…

Latvia says Russian drone that violated airspace came through Belarus

The Baltic state passed details of the incident to NATO, following news of a Shahed drone crossing into Romania overnight.

US, Estonia, allies accuse Russia of cyberattacks against Ukraine and NATO

Hacking efforts as part of this campaign began in 2020, and included attacks on Ukrainian groups ahead of Russia’s invasion, along with critical infrastructure organizations in NATO member states.

Hungary-EU blowup overshadows key meeting on Ukraine

Top Brussels diplomat Josep Borrell’s comments on Ukraine and the Middle East anger Budapest.

Latviaโ€™s defense minister wants to conscript women by 2028

Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine prompts some EU countries to rethink mandatory military service.

Ukrainian, Russian strikes leave 6 dead, 1 journalist missing

A Russian strike hit the Hotel Sapphire in Kramatorsk where six Reuters journalists were staying.

Mark Rutteโ€™s first NATO task: Find a right-hand woman

Two senior former officials from North Macedonia and Bulgaria are among those competing to become the incoming NATO chief’s deputy.

Fincantieri CEO on Trump, defense spending and consolidation

SNEAK PEEK โ€” Fincantieri boss Pierroberto Folgiero is looking to the Middle East and Southeast Asia for growth, he told Jacopo. โ€” The U.K.โ€™s new government is under pressure to halt arms sales to Israel. โ€” F-35s, Eurofighters and GCAP: Morning Defense brings you the latest news on fighter jets. Good morning, and welcome to [โ€ฆ]

Who will be the next European commissioners?

What we know so far about Ursula von der Leyenโ€™s next top team.

Lockheed Martin gears up for laser wars

SNEAK PEEK โ€” Lockheed Martin is working on laser technology, a top executive told Josh. โ€” Dassault Aviation CEO ร‰ric Trappier is troubled by the uncertainty of Franceโ€™s political situation. โ€” European Parliament: Renew Europeโ€™s Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann will lead the SEDE subcommittee and the EPPโ€™sย Borys Budka will head ITRE. Good morning, and welcome to Morning [โ€ฆ]

Finlandโ€™s deportation law puts EUโ€™s migration norms to the test

Human rights organizations sound the alarm over the controversial measure.

Von der Leyen is in! Let the fighting over the next European Commission begin.ย 

EU leaders will fight back against โ€œtoo powerfulโ€ von der Leyen as she assembles her team.

Baltic countries close their borders to Belarus-registered cars

Estonia and Lithuania said on Wednesday (17 July) they would no longer allow Belarus-registered cars to enter through checkpoints on their borders with Russia or Belarus, citing European Union sanctions against the country.

Ukraine war briefing: Germany to halve military aid to Kyiv, draft budget reportedly shows

Weโ€™ll fight on regardless of Washington support, says Ukrainian defence minister; US jails Russian military parts smuggler. What we know on day 876Germany plans to halve its military aid to Ukraine in 2025, to โ‚ฌ4bn, despite concerns over continued US s…

Ukraine war briefing: Villages locked down in Putinโ€™s Belgorod โ€˜sanitary zoneโ€™

Czech ammunition factory for Ukraine; Baltic states to cut electrical grid ties with Russia and Belarus. What we know on day 875Russia has been forced to lock down 14 border villages in its Belgorod region due to the Ukrainian fightback against Russian…

Hungaryโ€™s gatherings get cold shoulder after Putin visit

At least four countries sent lower-ranking officials in protest to a Tuesday meeting in Budapest, a day after the EU executive told its commissioners to stay home.

โ€œGood IED !โ€ – The CJEU Grand Chamber โ€œIlvaโ€ judgment : a Kirchberg view of conciliating environmental law and human rights

 

 

Jacques Bellezit, University of Strasbourg
(France)

 

Photo credit: mafe de baggis, via Wikimedia Commons

 

If one wants to trace back the history of European construction, it
would necessarily have to mention the European…

European leaders use Nato summit to sell military alliance to US voters

Issue of burden-sharing threatens to become major stumbling block should second Trump administration come into powerEuropean leaders at the Nato summit in Washington are focused on explaining to ordinary American taxpayers that the military alliance is…

Welcome to Mar-a-NATO: European leaders tailor their message to Trump

Baltic defense ministers are calling for increased defense spending โ€” and are using lots of golf terms to do it.

Patriots for Europe becomes EU parliamentโ€™s 3rd-largest group, picks Jordan Bardella as president

France’s National Rally has a new home in the European Parliament, together with Viktor Orbรกnโ€™s party, Fidesz.

NATOโ€™s in denial about deterrence by denial

Taking the necessary steps to fully operationalize deterrence by denial is critical โ€” especially before a possible change in Americaโ€™s relationship with NATO.

Why a disillusioned, angry Britain voted for change

A tour of Britain’s provincial towns reveals a restless nation with no love for its political class.

Trumpโ€™s plan for NATO is emerging

Trump advisers envision a โ€˜radical reorientationโ€™ in which Washington takes a back seat to Europe โ€” and cuts a deal with Putin over Ukraine.

Poland, Baltics call for โ€˜defence lineโ€™ along Europeโ€™s Eastern border

The EU should establish a jointly funded ground defence line on Europe’s eastern border, according to a call from Poland and the three Baltic states, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. “Extraordinary measures need to be employed as the EU&#821…

How to navigate Hungaryโ€™s EU presidency policy agenda like a pro

The countryโ€™s Council stint will be marked by political change in Brussels following the EU election.

Advancing Gender Equality: The EU`s Landmark Directive 2024/1385 on Violence Against Women

 

 

Dr. Ceren Kasฤฑm, Postdoctoral
Research and Teaching Fellow, University of Hildesheim, Germany

Photo credit: MesserWoland, via Wikimedia Commons 

INTRODUCTION

 

The first-ever binding European
Union (EU) legal instrument to…

Record 23 countries hit 2 percent defense spending target, NATO says

“European allies and Canada are really stepping up,” Jens Stoltenberg tells U.S. President Biden.

Rogue Austrian minister burns bridges to save EU nature law

Cue the lawsuits, potential fines, dueling allegations โ€”ย and, for Leonore Gewessler, a great campaign ad.

Here comes Europeโ€™s โ€˜foreigners out!โ€™ generation: Why the young vote far right

Their grandparents ushered in the sexual revolution. Today’s youth want to turn back the clock to 1950. Why?

The green movement in the Baltic States: between hope and reality

Polls predict that the Green/EFA group will post a fourfold increase in the number of European Parliament seats for the Baltic States after this weekend’s elections. Euractiv spoke with local experts, who cautioned that this increase does not constitut…

Ukraine is a dividing line in European election that centrists hope to exploit

With populists on the left and right winning support across Europe, moderates have found a single issue of their own to campaign onCampaigning in Europe comes easily to populists but less so to centrists. A single word printed in large letters โ€“ โ€œdiese…

Dutch pair face jail in Latvia after โ€˜helping refugees in act of compassionโ€™

Group who crossed from Belarus included sister of one of the accused in case highlighting Latviaโ€™s harsh migration lawsTwo Dutch people are facing prison sentences of up to eight years in Latvia over what they say was an act of compassion to help a gro…

Europe-Baltic states high-speed rail link moves one step closer

European Commission and Baltic countries’ representatives gathered in Tallinn on Wednesday (29 May) to lay the foundation stone for the รœlemiste passenger terminal, a key part of the ‘Rail Baltica’ project that aims to connect Estonia, Latvia, and Lith…

Exit, pursued by a panda: the Brits bringing eye-popping Shakespeare to the Baltics

The Winterโ€™s Tale is retold with a virtual reality plot set in Silicon Valley and hardly any lines from the original, staged at a bold Latvian theatre elevating English talentJohn Malkovich is directing Tom Stoppardโ€™s Leopoldstadt, there are dramas by …

Poland arrests nine on charges of Russian-ordered sabotage

Poland has arrested nine people in connection with acts of sabotage committed in the country on the orders of Russian services, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said late on Monday (20 May).

Baltic states in โ€˜final phase of workโ€™ to desynchronise electricity grids from Moscow

In the context of the war in Ukraine, the three Baltic States want to accelerate the desynchronisation of their electricity grids from Russia and Belarus and complete it by February 2025 at the latest.