EU countries

Most migrants who entered Spain’s enclave of Ceuta from Morocco have left, but 67 died in the attempt. Spain plans a 500-meter sea barrier, and EU countries have called for emergency talks.

Almost all 60,000 migrants who crossed into Spain’s Ceuta from Morocco had left by Saturday, with 67 deaths reported. Spain plans a 500-metre sea border barrier, and EU countries have called for emergency talks via an open letter to interior ministers.

Spain criticizes some EU countries for a 'selfish' response to migrant crossings in Ceuta. Italy has temporarily suspended the Schengen arrangement with Spain, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the scenes in Ceuta as 'shocking'.

EU countries agreed on a 21st sanctions package against Russia, resolving a dispute over a proposed ban on shipping Russian gas to third countries by creating a limited exemption for pre-invasion contracts. The bloc also froze its price cap on Russian crude oil at $44.10 a barrel for 12 months, while Greece had resisted the gas export restriction.

Israel’s security cabinet approved $434 million to build 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calling the decision historic. Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory are considered illegal under international law and have faced widespread condemnation, including from several EU countries.

Ukraine’s allies, including France and the UK, meet in Paris as part of the 'Coalition of the Willing' to discuss new air-defense aid for Ukraine. Despite expanding to 37 members, European nations continue importing LNG from Russia’s Arctic plant, with a ban on LNG imports set for 2027.

EU countries are proposing the European Commission take a role in assessing sovereign clouds, with some concerns that separate national authorities might encourage forum shopping.

EU countries are advocating to maintain the Eastern Europe carbon pricing rebate, while campaigners criticize the €20 billion 'modernisation fund' as ineffective. The fund is described as 'anything but' modernization by critics.

Brussels diplomats note the end of U.S.-hosted 'like-minded' dinners, which were informal gatherings for European allies and officials to discuss trade, security, and policy. The decline of these events coincides with Donald Trump's return to the White House and a broader U.S. disengagement from Brussels amid tensions over tariffs, NATO, and strategic partnerships.

EU countries are considering restructuring the bloc’s diplomatic service due to leadership and coordination challenges. Chief diplomat Kaja Kallas and the European External Action Service (EEAS) face scrutiny from member state capitals.

EU countries are demanding stricter visa rules for Russians. Sweden's Migration Minister Johan Forssell emphasized the need to stop Russians from making leisure trips to Europe amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has refused to rule out repatriating failed Afghan asylum seekers to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, indicating ongoing discussions between Kabul and EU countries about a returns program. Internal Whitehall conversations about the policy are also underway, which could face opposition from humanitarian groups.