EU Leaders

The European Green Party is urging an emergency EU leaders’ summit to address a record-breaking heat wave in Western Europe, which it links to climate change and weakened climate policies. The Greens argue the crisis demands urgent action to strengthen the European Green Deal and protect public health.

EU leaders are negotiating the bloc's next seven-year budget as the European Commission proposes a two-trillion-euro spending plan. Frugal countries oppose the proposal's high cost, while France advocates for increased spending to boost EU independence in technology and defense. The Commission suggests developing its own resources to bridge the divide.

EU leaders signed a joint statement supporting Ukraine, following a similar G7 initiative. A majority of EU member states advocate for using offshore deportation hubs for individuals without legal residence rights, with examples like the Italy-Albania cooperation already in place.

EU leaders agreed to strengthen trade defenses against a surge of Chinese exports, citing threats to European industry and a 360 billion euro trade deficit. The decision maintains a commitment to 'constructive dialogue' with Beijing despite concerns over EU dependence on China.

EU leaders requested the European Commission to develop new trade defense tools against China's economic influence, with Germany supporting a stronger stance. The Commission will assess existing tools and propose measures, as China's subsidies and low-priced goods threaten EU businesses.

Belgian PM Bart De Wever criticizes EU leaders for being afraid of China and warns that economic imbalance requires a proper strategy rather than numerous new initiatives ahead of an EU summit.

EU leaders are meeting in Cyprus as the foreign minister urges European countries to increase strategic involvement in the Middle East and seek an end to the Iran war. Bloomberg's Oliver Crook discusses the implications on a weekend news segment.