European Political Community

Ireland's upcoming EU Council Presidency budget is estimated at €293 million, over three times the costs of Cyprus (€95 million) and Denmark (€80 million). Nearly half of Ireland's budget (€125 million) is allocated to policing and security for high-profile events, including a November European Political Community meeting with 47 European leaders.

The use of facial recognition technology is increasing in the UK, with police forces and retailers deploying live systems to scan members of the public, raising concerns about safeguards and potential misuse. Critics warn that it risks creating a system where people are monitored without clear safeguards. The technology is being rolled out at a pace that appears to be outstripping the rules designed to govern it.

Keir Starmer acknowledges high tensions between Donald Trump and Europe, citing concerns over the US president's interest in the Ukraine war. The UK prime minister attends a European Political Community summit to begin negotiations on participating in the EU's loan scheme for Ukraine. Britain seeks to join the EU's loan scheme for Ukraine.

Mark Carney, the Canadian Prime Minister, stated that Europe can rebuild a rules-based international order and will not submit to a more brutal world. He spoke at the European Political Community meeting amid high tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting marked a significant event as Carney was the first non-European leader to attend.

Canada is set to join the European Political Community summit in Yerevan as the first non-European nation, with Prime Minister Mark Carney aiming to build new trade and diplomatic alliances following strained US relations. The move also signals Western support for Armenia's efforts to reduce reliance on Russia.