Ursula Von der Leyen

France is experiencing record-breaking wildfires that have burned nearly 100,000 hectares, prompting military and EU assistance. Over 200,000 people were evacuated in southwestern France, while Spain faces similar wildfires near Madrid, with 80,000 affected. Political criticism has emerged in France over wildfire management.

Donald Trump threatened new tariffs against the European Union over Google's $1 billion fine for illegal trade practices, accusing the EU of unethical conduct and pledging to reverse penalties. The Turnberry agreement, which limited U.S. tariffs on EU exports to 15%, is at risk due to the potential breach.

The EU accused TikTok of failing to protect children by allowing their accounts to be publicly visible, exposing them to risks like cyberbullying and predatory behavior. TikTok claimed its teen accounts have over 50 privacy features, but the EU warned it could face fines up to 6% of its annual turnover for non-compliance with the Digital Services Act.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer criticized the European Union's $1 billion fine against Google, warning it could destabilize the transatlantic trade relationship and threaten the Turnberry trade deal. The EU accused Google of violating its Digital Markets Act by favoring its own services and restricting app developer communications, while the U.S. argues the law unfairly targets American tech firms.

The EU agreed to a 21st sanctions package against Russia, locking in a $44 oil price cap for 12 months and targeting energy, financial services, crypto, and trade sectors. The deal included exemptions for Greece and removed proposed measures like a Russian visa ban and fish import restrictions due to member state objections.

The European Union is struggling to adopt a new round of economic sanctions against Russia. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met in Kyiv on July 15, 2026.

The EU faces challenges finalizing a new Russia sanctions package after Hungary, under Péter Magyar, no longer blocks measures. Member states are defending objections openly, with Greece resisting due to economic concerns over Russian LNG shipping and oil price caps.

European leaders have expressed support for UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with upcoming EU-UK summit discussions expected to address ongoing challenges in the post-Brexit relationship. Ursula von der Leyen and Friedrich Merz highlighted potential for strengthened EU-UK cooperation.

The EU and Ukraine have signed a 'drone deal' to boost joint production of battlefield technology. Ukraine has also signed similar agreements with individual EU countries and Gulf nations, leveraging its expertise developed during its war with Russia.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen announced a joint drone production deal with Ukraine to combine Kyiv's battlefield expertise with Europe's industrial capacity. The agreement aims to scale up drone technology development, with Ukraine providing blueprints in exchange for royalties, investments, and military hardware. Ukraine currently produces 10 million drones annually and plans to double output with partner support.

The European Union and Ukraine signed an agreement to establish a joint weapons production partnership, focusing on drones, anti-drone systems, and anti-ballistic missiles by 2028. The move aims to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities amid its ongoing war with Russia and aligns with Ukraine's broader goal of EU membership.

The European Union and Ukraine signed an agreement to establish joint weapons production, including drones and anti-ballistic missiles, as part of a new EU-Ukraine Defense Industrial Partnership. The move aims to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities amid its ongoing war with Russia.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv to mark Ukraine’s Statehood Day and pledged continued military and financial support against Russia's invasion.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv to pledge continued military and financial support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. The visit coincided with Ukraine’s Statehood Day, and von der Leyen announced new measures to integrate European and Ukrainian defense industries and enhance air defenses for winter. Russian attacks killed at least eight Ukrainian civilians, and Western officials noted Ukraine’s increased drone and missile strikes disrupting Russian supply lines.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv to pledge continued military and financial support for Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing invasion. She announced plans to integrate European and Ukrainian defense industries and enhance air defenses for winter, as Ukraine's drone and missile attacks disrupt Russian supply lines.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv to mark Ukraine's Statehood Day, pledging continued military and financial support against Russia's invasion. Ukraine's sovereignty has been under threat since 2014, with the 2022 full-scale invasion causing widespread destruction and displacement. Recent Ukrainian drone attacks are disrupting Russian supply lines, and EU officials highlight growing military momentum.

Russian attacks on the port of Odesa have caused three deaths and targeted shipping infrastructure. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is visiting Kyiv.

Russian strikes killed at least three people in Odesa as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv to discuss defense cooperation. Ukraine accused Russia of targeting civilian and industrial infrastructure, with attacks intensifying on Black Sea ports.

European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, visited Kyiv for Ukraine's Statehood Day. Discussions focused on defense industry cooperation, Ukraine's EU accession, and winter preparations.

Russia struck the port city of Odesa in Ukraine, killing three people, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv to announce new defense initiatives. Ukraine reported striking 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea, including gas tankers.

European allies, including EU leaders, are visiting Kyiv to announce new defense initiatives for Ukraine. The article also highlights the removal of border controls between Spain and Gibraltar as a Brexit-related issue is resolved, and discusses French university Sciences Po's potential expansion to Brussels.

The European Union (EU) is considering banning social media for children, following similar efforts in the United Kingdom and Australia. A 156-page report given to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested restricting access to social media for children under the age of…

European troops and warplanes joined France's Bastille Day parade to demonstrate support for Ukraine and European military unity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and 30 other leaders attended, with Ukrainian troops and pilots participating alongside European forces. Heat waves and forest fires disrupted traditional holiday events in France.

The European Union failed to force the European Commission to introduce sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank after less than half of the bloc’s foreign ministers supported action. The Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, resisted new trade barriers and did not present formal measures for member states to vote on, despite some countries pushing for a trade ban and other restrictions.

The EU plans to implement phased and gradual access to social media for children, with under-13s requiring supervision and platforms needing to prove safety. A legal proposal will follow in the second half of the year, focusing on age-appropriate restrictions and limiting addictive features.

A European Union official called for restrictions on children under 13 using social media until platforms prove they are safe, citing risks to developing brains. The European Commission proposed phased access for different age ranges, with under-13s requiring supervision and tech companies like Instagram and TikTok already imposing age limits.

The EU plans to implement phased and gradual access to social media for children, with age-appropriate restrictions starting at age 13. An expert panel recommended supervised use for under-13s and 'safe' platforms for 13-18-year-olds, while platforms must prove their services are harmless. A legal proposal is expected in the second half of the year, avoiding a blanket ban but targeting features like autoplay and infinite scroll.

The European Commission is proposing to station officials in EU capitals, accelerate recruitment, and prepare for AI integration as part of a comprehensive workplace review aimed at improving efficiency and attractiveness. The reforms, part of a 20-year first review, address growing demands like trade tensions and support for Ukraine, with final recommendations due by 2026.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed age-based restrictions for children's social media access, with a special EU panel recommending bans for under-13s until platforms prove safety. Countries like Australia and the UK have already implemented similar restrictions for minors. The EU also warned Meta to disable addictive design features under its Digital Safety Act.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has pledged an EU-wide social media ban for children following a recommendation from an expert group calling for restrictions for under-13s. The commitment was made after a report on child safety online highlighted the need for age-appropriate platform restrictions.

The European Union plans to limit young children's access to social media across the 27-member bloc, as outlined by President Ursula von der Leyen. The proposed measures include restricted use for under-13s under supervision, with gradual easing as they age.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for age-based restrictions on children's social media use, suggesting phased access for different age ranges. A special EU panel recommended banning access for children under 13 until platforms prove safety, citing risks to young, developing brains. Countries like Australia, the U.K., Turkey, and Indonesia have already imposed bans for under 15 or 16 on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.

A European Union official proposed age restrictions for children using social media, with a special EU panel recommending restricted access for those under 13 until platforms prove safety. Other countries, including Australia and the U.K., have implemented bans on social media for children under 16 or 15.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed age-based restrictions for children's social media access, with a special EU panel recommending bans for under-13s until platforms prove safety. Other countries have implemented similar measures for minors. The panel emphasized that social media providers must demonstrate safety by design before allowing access to children.

The European Union is considering new restrictions on children's and teenagers' social media access, including age limits, bans, and phased access. Platforms may be required to prove their services are not harmful before allowing minors to use them. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need to control when social media can access children.

The European Union plans to impose a minimum age of 13 for social media access without parental supervision, as announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. An expert panel recommended time-limited access for minors under 13 with parental oversight, citing concerns over mental and physical health risks. The proposal aligns with similar efforts in countries like Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

EU foreign ministers in Brussels as some countries push the European Commission to propose trade restrictions on illegal Israeli settlements, with critics accusing Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of delaying. Ukraine's Coalition of the Willing meets in Paris, and von der Leyen receives expert recommendations on protecting children from social media.

EU countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain are pushing for trade restrictions on Israeli settlements, creating a conflict with the von der Leyen-led European Commission, which resists new measures. The issue has overshadowed other agendas at EU foreign ministers' meetings, with Kaja Kallas advocating for action while Germany and the Czech Republic oppose it.

European leaders are mourning the death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly at 71. He had recently returned from a state visit to Kyiv and was known for advocating sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. Leaders like Ursula Von der Leyen, Friedrich Merz, and Volodymyr Zelensky expressed condolences.

NATO leaders attending a summit in Turkey received engraved revolvers from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to highlight Turkey's defense industry. Many leaders left the firearms behind due to their countries' gun laws or donated them to museums.