Ursula von der Leyen

European leaders received engraved pistols and live ammunition from Turkish President Erdoğan at a NATO summit in Ankara. The gifts, presented to Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, included bullets and cleaning kits, with security teams handling checks and decommissioning plans.

Trump and NATO leaders meet in Ankara for a summit addressing the alliance's future, with discussions on reducing US military presence in Europe and Turkey's defense industry growth. Turkish officials are preparing the city for the event while suppressing protests.

The European Commission is addressing delays caused by the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at EU airports, which uses biometric checks for non-EU travelers. Technical problems and insufficient infrastructure have led to long queues, prompting the Commission to collaborate with member states to resolve issues. The EES, mandatory since April 2025, has prevented thousands from entering the EU for rule violations.

Europe and NATO must enhance defense readiness by re-energizing defense efforts and increasing industrial production of military resources. Ursula von der Leyen and Mark Rutte emphasize the need for more, better, and faster production to prepare for potential conflict.

World leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, congratulated the United States on its 250th anniversary via social media. Von der Leyen highlighted the relationship between the U.S. and European nations in her message.

Global leaders celebrated the United States' 250th anniversary on social media. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the relationship between the U.S. and European nations in her message.

The EU’s new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) for airport border checks is experiencing technical problems, causing delays and operational disruptions at major airports. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged the issues, and aviation industry groups have criticized the system for long queues and missed flights during peak travel periods.

The European Union announced Ukraine-style autonomous trade measures for Armenia to help counter economic pressure from Russia. The package, including €52 million in support, aims to liberalize 80% of Armenian exports to the EU and diversify trade away from Russian markets.

The European People’s Party (EPP) leadership proposed expelling Slovenian MEP Branko Grims for cooperating with far-right lawmakers and deviating from the group’s voting line on key issues. Grims, a member of the Slovenian Democratic Party, organized an event with far-right groups and criticized EU policies, prompting the EPP to condemn his actions and vote on his expulsion.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) faces internal tensions, declining morale, and criticism over its effectiveness, with conflicts between its leader Kaja Kallas and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The EEAS's structural challenges stem from its founding as a compromise, granting it broad expectations but limited authority amid competing EU institutions and national interests.

The European Union introduced new steel import quotas and a 3 euro customs duty on small e-commerce packages to address its trade imbalance with China, citing unfair competition and safety risks. The measures aim to protect EU steel plants, jobs, and retailers amid a 360 billion euro trade deficit with China in 2025.

European airports and airlines warned the EU that its new Entry/Exit System for non-EU travelers is causing severe disruptions, with long border control wait times and operational challenges. They urged immediate intervention to prevent summer travel chaos, citing unsustainable pressure on airports, airlines, and passengers.

The European Union introduced new regulations targeting steel imports and e-commerce small parcels to address its trade imbalance with China. The measures include a 3 euro customs duty on low-value packages and steel import quotas with tariffs to protect EU industries.

Airlines and airports are urging the suspension of the new EU biometric border check system during the peak summer holiday period due to long passenger queues and flights leaving half full. They sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen requesting an option to suspend checks amid concerns the situation will worsen.

The article discusses the 100th episode of a podcast recorded live in Brussels, covering topics such as the Irish presidency's approach to the EU farm budget, Ursula von der Leyen's diplomatic trip to Azerbaijan and Armenia, and potential price increases for online shopping from non-EU platforms like Temu and Shein.

The article discusses the EU judges' opaque handling of potential conflicts of interest. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, took her oath of office at the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg.

Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell criticizes the European Commission for overstepping its role in diplomacy and defense, arguing it creates confusion over who represents the EU internationally. Borrell claims the Commission's growing involvement in foreign policy violates EU treaties, which reserve common foreign and security policy for the European External Action Service.

The EU is considering incentives for Serbia after it relaxed controversial laws that threatened judicial independence and anti-corruption efforts. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced plans to resign and call elections, complicating EU timing for reforms. The EU warned Serbia could lose funding over democratic backsliding and ties with Russia.

The EU’s diplomatic service (EEAS) is losing influence to Ursula von der Leyen’s Commission, prompting efforts by bloc diplomat Kaja Kallas to revive it. Europe seeks to reset trade relations with China while maintaining strong defenses, and Greece introduces a bounty on poisonous pufferfish. Finnish President Alexander Stubb discusses Trump, Ukraine, and NATO’s future in an interview.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) faces challenges including budget cuts, a turf war with the European Commission, and a lack of clear policy tools. Under Kaja Kallas' leadership, the EEAS struggles to compete with the Commission's resources and define its mission amid global conflicts and shifting EU priorities.

The European Union addressed trade deficits and dependencies by labeling them as 'global macroeconomic imbalances' and directed European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to address the issue. The approach reflects a prioritization of ordering new weapons over diagnosing underlying problems, as seen in recent European Council discussions.

Jordan and the European Commission welcomed a US-mediated Israel-Lebanon framework agreement aimed at regional stability. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized disarmament of non-state groups and preserving Lebanon's sovereignty, while Jordan's foreign minister expressed hope for advancing Lebanon's interests. Protests in Beirut opposed the deal, with Hezbollah accusing it of legitimizing Israeli occupation.

President Donald Trump threatened a 100% tariff on imports from countries imposing taxes on U.S. digital services, targeting European nations. The threat follows a trade deal with the EU that does not address digital taxes, with a July 4 deadline for implementation.

President Donald Trump threatened a 100% tariff on imports from any country imposing taxes on digital services from U.S. companies, targeting European nations. The threat follows a U.S.-EU trade deal capping tariffs but excluding digital tax provisions, which remain a dispute point. The UK has already implemented a 2% digital services tax on major tech firms.

President Trump threatened a 100% tax on imports from countries imposing taxes on digital services from U.S. companies, specifically targeting European nations. The threat follows an EU-US tariff deal that excluded digital taxes, which remain a point of contention.

President Donald Trump threatened a 100% tax on imports from countries imposing taxes on digital services from U.S. companies, specifically targeting European nations. The threat comes amid ongoing trade discussions between the U.S. and European Union, which finalized a tariff deal in May capping most EU exports at 15% but left digital taxes unresolved.

The European Commission's headquarters in the Berlaymont building shut down its air-conditioning system during a heatwave, affecting floors 1-7. Staff on lower floors criticized the decision, as upper floors housing commissioners retained cooling, while the heatwave highlighted Europe's limited AC infrastructure.

The article humorously suggests unconventional candidates for European Commission roles, including Arnold Schwarzenegger as president, Ghanaian spiritualist Nana Kwaku Bonsam for health commissioner, and Shakira for foreign policy chief. It criticizes the current system of assigning commissioners by nationality and proposes selecting individuals based on skills and global relevance.

Poland and Ukraine held the annual Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk without Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amid tensions over historical disputes. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged reconciliation and EU readiness from Ukraine, while Kyiv sent Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. The conference focused on post-war reconstruction needs and Poland's role in supporting Ukraine.

The European Union has disbursed the first €3 billion of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, announced by the prime minister at a recovery conference in Poland attended by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The EU has released a 3 billion-euro loan to Ukraine as part of a 90 billion-euro two-year commitment. European leaders at a conference in Poland pledged continued support, including a 6 billion-euro tranche for drone production and a European equity fund for strategic Ukrainian investments.

The European ombudsman has opened an investigation into European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s handling of a private group chat involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders. The inquiry will examine whether the Commission breached EU transparency rules by refusing public access to the messages.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia as the EU promotes the Middle Corridor trade route to bypass Russia and Iran. The initiative aims to enhance trade, energy, and digital connectivity between Europe and Asia.

The EU-UK summit scheduled for July 22 has been postponed due to Keir Starmer's resignation. António Costa expressed hope that Starmer's successor would continue efforts to reset EU-UK relations, with Andy Burnham likely to take over as prime minister. The summit aimed to finalize agreements on agrifood, emissions trading, and youth mobility, while the UK sought to expand economic ties with the EU.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his work on European defense and Ukraine support after his resignation announcement. She highlighted his role in strengthening EU-U.K. security cooperation and his leadership in initiatives like the Coalition of the Willing. U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Starmer on immigration and energy policies.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned as Labour Party leader but will remain caretaker prime minister until a new Labour leader is chosen. Andy Burnham, who won a parliamentary election, is the front-runner to replace Starmer. His resignation follows a decline in popularity and party support.

The EU has released €34 million ($39 million) in support to Armenia to address Russian trade restrictions and assist local exporters, as announced by EU President Ursula von der Leyen.

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.

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.

The EU is exploring the India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to enhance energy security amid the $29 billion Iran War impact, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen advocating for the project. Progress hinges on U.S. leadership to normalize Israel-Saudi relations, as Saudi Arabia conditions normalization on a Palestinian statehood pathway opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.