European Council

The Council of the European Union has identified the first five projects of common European defence industry interest, a step meant to steer cooperation and funding toward capabilities member states agree to develop together. The move signals Brussels pushing to build a more integrated European defence industrial base amid heightened security concerns, with officials framing the projects as building blocks for future joint procurement and investment.

The Council of the EU is highlighting Europe's push to develop its own payment system, reducing reliance on US-dominated networks like Visa and Mastercard. The initiative, long championed by the European Central Bank, includes plans for a digital euro and greater payment sovereignty. The topic is drawing wide attention as discussions over strategic autonomy and financial independence intensify across the continent.

The Council of the European Union has adopted new legislation aimed at making the EU pharmaceutical sector fairer and more competitive. The so-called pharma package reforms the framework for medicines in the bloc, touching on access, availability and the attractiveness of Europe as a place to develop and produce drugs. It marks a major step in the EU's effort to modernise rules that have been in place for two decades.

The Council of the European Union has decided to extend the mandate of EUBAM Rafah, its border assistance mission at the Rafah crossing, until 30 June 2027. The mission supports border management at the Gaza-Egypt crossing point, and the extension signals the EU's continued commitment to a role at the crossing amid ongoing arrangements for movement of people and aid.