Antonio Costa

The EU acknowledges a turning tide for Ukraine but its membership path remains uncertain. European Council President Antonio Costa, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended a meeting in Brussels.

The European Union has initiated diplomatic contact with Russia to establish communication channels for potential peace talks on Ukraine, despite ongoing conflict and support for Kyiv. Russian President Vladimir Putin has excluded Europe from negotiations, while EU officials emphasize the need to defend European interests through established diplomatic channels.

The European Union has initiated tentative diplomatic efforts to reopen communication with Russia amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, despite Russia's refusal to acknowledge the EU's mediation role. This move occurs as Ukraine launches significant drone attacks against Russian targets, including a major oil refinery, while EU leaders prepare for a summit focused on Ukraine's EU accession process.

European Council President Antonio Costa's office confirmed recent brief diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin to open communication channels for negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

The UK and EU will hold their second bilateral summit on July 22 in Brussels, confirmed by UK Prime Minister Keith Starmer after meeting European Council President Antonio Costa during the G7 summit in France.

The European Union welcomed the US-Iran agreement, with European Council President Antonio Costa calling it a step toward ending the conflict and restoring stability. The EU expressed readiness to contribute to a comprehensive peace strategy for the Middle East.

Kosovo is holding its third parliamentary election in 18 months due to a political impasse over selecting a new president. Prime Minister Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje party maintains a parliamentary majority, but no candidate has secured the required 80 votes in the 120-member legislature. The election follows two previous inconclusive votes and growing public frustration over stalled governance and economic challenges.

Balkan and EU leaders gather in Montenegro for a summit focused on accelerating EU enlargement to counter Russian and Chinese influence. Montenegro aims to join the EU as the 28th member by 2028, with an accession treaty in progress, while other Balkan candidates like Albania and Serbia remain at varying reform stages.

European Council President Antonio Costa stated that new methods are needed to accelerate Western Balkans membership in the EU. His remarks precede an upcoming summit in Montenegro.

The European Union will seek to accelerate membership processes for six Western Balkan countries at an upcoming summit. European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the need for faster, more effective reforms while stressing that progress depends on the candidates' alignment with EU standards, including Serbia's democratic reforms and normalization of relations with Kosovo.