Ursula von der Leyen

The European Commission's anti-harassment team received 960 complaints since September 2024, but counselors lack authority to investigate. Formal complaints must be directed to IDOC or OLAF, with 20-25 annual formal cases. The Commission has conducted anti-harassment training for 14,000 staff and 2,400 managers.

The EU has transferred €1.4 billion in profits from frozen Russian central bank assets to Ukraine, marking the fifth such transfer. Funds will support Ukraine's loan repayments and military needs following recent Russian attacks, with over €210 billion in Russian reserves remaining frozen.

The EU has called for stronger borders following increased migrant crossings in Ceuta. Ursula von der Leyen has urged action ahead of an urgent meeting of EU interior ministers to address the issue.

EU home affairs ministers are set to express solidarity with Spain following a migrant crisis in the exclave of Ceuta, where tens of thousands of migrants arrived, causing tensions among EU member states. Spain criticized some governments for attacking Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez instead of supporting Madrid, while most migrants have since returned to Morocco.

The EU has called for united action on border protection following a mass migrant crossing in Ceuta. The crisis has intensified anti-immigrant rhetoric among European right-wing politicians and caused diplomatic tensions between Spain and some EU members, including Italy. An emergency EU interior ministers' meeting is scheduled for August 3.

Von der Leyen praised Spain's handling of the migrant influx in Ceuta, supporting Prime Minister Sánchez amid accusations that EU leaders exploited the crisis to attack his government. Italian PM Meloni proposed suspending Spain from the Schengen Area, prompting a joint EU response to coordinate migration measures.

Ukraine has deployed firefighters to France under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to combat wildfires near Bordeaux. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the move as a sign of European solidarity, as Southern Europe faces severe wildfires exacerbated by temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, prompting assistance from other EU nations like Poland to aid France and Spain.

Tens of thousands of migrants crossed into Spain’s Ceuta territory, triggering chaos and a humanitarian crisis, with 57 deaths reported. Most migrants voluntarily returned to Morocco after Spanish authorities deployed forces to restore order, while European leaders called for stricter border controls and an end to dangerous crossings.

Approximately 60,000 migrants crossed into Spain’s Ceuta territory from Morocco in 24 hours, causing chaos and a humanitarian crisis. Half of the migrants voluntarily returned, and 41 died in stampedes and drownings. Spain deployed armed forces and police, while leaders condemned human smugglers and called for urgent action.

Approximately 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's Ceuta territory, with 57 deaths reported during the chaotic influx. Half of the migrants voluntarily returned to Morocco as Spain deployed armed forces and police to manage the crisis, which included stampedes and dangerous sea crossings.

Approximately 60,000 migrants crossed into Spain’s Ceuta territory from Morocco in 24 hours, triggering chaos and a humanitarian crisis. Half of the migrants voluntarily returned to Morocco, while at least 57 died in the process, including drownings and a stampede. Spain deployed armed forces and police to manage the situation, with officials condemning human smugglers and calling for swift returns.

Approximately 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta territory in 24 hours, causing chaos and a humanitarian crisis. Half of them voluntarily returned, while 41 migrants died in incidents including drownings and a stampede. Spain deployed armed forces to restore order, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the breach as a violation of territorial integrity.

Dozens of migrants have died as approximately 60,000 entered Spain’s Ceuta from Morocco in 24 hours, overwhelming the city’s capacity. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the border breach, blaming human smugglers, while Moroccan forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse migrants.

European governments are implementing age restrictions on social media access for under-15s, prompting businesses to adjust marketing strategies. Brands in sectors like food, fashion, and beauty face challenges as they may cut digital ad spending by £1.3 billion, while exploring alternatives like streaming services and influencer-led campaigns.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is preparing her State of the Union address, with officials working to finalize its content. The EU’s AI Office is gaining new powers to regulate companies behind systems like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Industrial chicken farms may be linked to the spread of a diarrhea-causing bacteria, raising concerns for poultry consumers.

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.