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EU Council
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- 1EU sanctions 10 individuals and 17 entities over Ukrainian child deportations▼EU sanctions 10 individuals and 17 entities over unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia
The European Union has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and 17 entities over the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. The measures, announced by the Council of the EU, target those deemed responsible for the forced transfers, which have been a central issue in international criticism of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- 2EU sanctions ten Russians over Yabloko election ban●Human rights violations in Russia: Council lists ten individuals over the barring of Yabloko from the State Duma elections
The EU Council has imposed restrictive measures on ten Russian individuals in response to human rights violations linked to the barring of the Yabloko party from taking part in the State Duma elections. The listings mean asset freezes and travel bans within the European Union. It is part of the bloc's global human rights sanctions regime and reflects continued EU criticism of restrictions on political opposition in Russia.
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The EU is pushing to develop its own payment infrastructure, reducing reliance on US-operated networks such as Visa and Mastercard. The Council of the EU has highlighted the strategic importance of European payment sovereignty, arguing that dependence on foreign card schemes leaves the bloc vulnerable and costs money in fees. Debate centres on scaling up home-grown solutions like Wero and possible regulation to support a unified European alternative.
- 4Greece plans EU deportation centre in Africa for 2027 Council presidency●Griechenland will während EU-Ratsvorsitz Abschiebezentrum in Afrika einrichten Im Sommer 2027 übernimmt Griechenland den
Greece has announced plans to establish a European deportation centre in Africa during its EU Council presidency, which begins in summer 2027. The government says preparations are reportedly already underway. The proposal revives long-debated plans to process returns and deportations outside Europe, a highly contentious idea among EU member states, human rights groups and migration experts.
- 5EU Council names first five common European defence projects▼European defence industry: Council identifies the first five projects of common interest
The Council of the European Union has identified the first five projects of common interest for the European defence industry, a step meant to boost cooperation between member states' defence manufacturers and strengthen Europe's capacity to produce military equipment collectively. The move is part of broader EU efforts to deepen defence integration in response to security concerns on the continent.
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The Council of the EU is asking whether Europe should develop its own payment system, reducing dependence on non-European card networks and platforms. The debate centres on achieving strategic autonomy in retail payments, with supporters arguing a European alternative would strengthen sovereignty and cut reliance on US-based providers like Visa and Mastercard, while critics question the cost and viability of such an ambitious project.
- 7EU Council strengthens space threat response framework▼Council strengthens EU space threat response architecture
The Council of the European Union has announced measures to strengthen the EU's architecture for responding to threats in space. The move is part of broader European efforts to protect space-based infrastructure, such as satellites and navigation systems, which are increasingly vital to security, communications and the economy. Details of the specific measures were not immediately available, but the announcement underlines growing EU concern about vulnerabilities in orbit.
- 8Leaked EU documents show states pushing mass chat scans●Chat control: EU states want to legalize comprehensive mass scans indirectly > on Tuesday, internal documents from the C
Internal documents leaked from the EU Council of Ministers on Tuesday indicate member states are pursuing a new tactic to legalize comprehensive scanning of private communications, according to reports shared by digital rights commentators. Critics say the approach would amount to indiscriminate mass surveillance of citizens' messages. The leaked material has renewed debate over the EU's contentious chat control proposals.
- 9EU Council adopts overhaul of pharmaceutical rules▼‘Pharma package’: Council adopts new rules for a fairer and more competitive EU pharmaceutical sector
The Council of the European Union has adopted the so-called pharma package, a major revision of the bloc's pharmaceutical legislation aimed at making the sector fairer and more competitive. The reform is intended to modernise rules on medicines' authorisation, availability and affordability across EU member states, and now forms part of the Union's wider health policy agenda.
- 10EU extends Rafah border mission mandate to 2027▼The Council of the European Union decided to extend EUBAM Rafah's mandate until 30 June 2027
The Council of the European Union has decided to extend the mandate of EUBAM Rafah, the EU Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah crossing point, until 30 June 2027. The announcement was made by the European External Action Service. The mission concerns the monitoring of the crossing between Gaza and Egypt, and the extension signals continued EU commitment to a border presence in the region.
- 11Updated Rule of Law Checklist Presented to European Parliament●Presentation of the Updated Rule of Law Checklist to the European Parliament
The Council of Europe has presented its updated Rule of Law Checklist to the European Parliament. The checklist is a practical tool used to assess the state of the rule of law in states and organisations. The presentation highlights ongoing cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Parliament on strengthening rule of law standards across Europe.