Ursula von der Leyen

Belgium

Is the EU spy unit coming? Von der Leyen wants her own secret service

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to create an intelligence service using data from member states, aiming to expand its operational use and increase her influence, according to international media reports.

11/11/2025

Europe News

Von der Leyen offers minor concessions on EU budget to placate MEPs

Ursula von der Leyen has proposed changes to her €2 trillion EU budget to empower regional authorities and protect financing for rural areas. The tweaks look to stave off a parliamentary rebellion after a week of tensions.

10/11/2025

Europe News

Europeans largely skip Latin American summit under Trump's shadow

Top European leadership is set to skip the EU-CELAC summit on Sunday marked by tensions between the United States and Colombia. Donald Trump is also pursuing an aggressive policy on Venezuela, with Nicolás Maduro in focus. Europeans cite low attendance to cancel summit participation.

08/11/2025

Europe News

Nordic leaders rule out debt, insist on Russian assets to aid Ukraine

The prospect of issuing new joint debt at a European level to support Ukraine leaves Nordic leaders cold. They insist financing should come from Russian assets as the Commission looks for options to break the deadlock.

28/10/2025

The Cube

AI video circulates showing Western leaders making shock revelations

The video was produced by RT and provides a disclaimer about its true nature towards the end.

28/10/2025

Economy

Why is China restricting rare earth exports and will the EU respond?

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the EU is ready to use "all tools" in response to Chinese export controls of rare earths as industry suffers.

27/10/2025

Europe News

EU seeks to end dependency on China for rare earths

Through the RESourceEU plan, the European Union seeks to end its reliance on China for its critical raw materials, which are essential for Europe's automotive, defence, Greentech and digital sectors.

25/10/2025

Europe News

What is the reparations loan for Ukraine and why is the EU stuck?

An audacious plan to use Russia's immobilised assets to issue a €140-billion loan to Ukraine is held up by EU leaders. Here's why.

25/10/2025

Europe News

Belgian resistance holds up €140 billion loan for Ukraine at EU summit

After a summit of EU leaders, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever complained he had not received answers to all his concerns about a groundbreaking plan to issue a €140 billion loan to Ukraine.

24/10/2025

Europe News

Egypt joins EU's Horizon Europe but funding is not guaranteed

Egypt can now apply for projects under Horizon Europe, though funding will depend on the eligibility of each proposal.

22/10/2025

Europe News

Ukraine loan, climate goals and China set to dominate EU summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend the EU summit and plead for fresh support after his disappointing visit to the White House.

22/10/2025

Europe News

EU pushes Slovak PM Fico to lift veto on new Russia sanctions package

The latest conclusions from the upcoming EU summit add more detailed references to energy prices and the automotive sector, the two issues that Slovak PM Robert Fico had raised as condition for lifting his veto.

20/10/2025

Europe News

EU and Uzbekistan deepen cooperation under EPCA

Uzbekistan’s President will visit Brussels on 24 October 2025 to sign the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with the EU. The deal marks a new phase in political, trade, and security cooperation, strengthening ties and supporting reforms and sustainable development.

17/10/2025

Europe News

As ceasefire begins, will the EU abandon its plans to sanction Israel?

The start of the peace process in the Middle East raises questions about the future of the EU proposals designed to sanction Israel.

14/10/2025

Europe News

Von der Leyen emerged 'strengthened' from motions of censure — for now

This week in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen survived two more motions of censure in the European Parliament with even more support than in July. But the battle with the MEPs is far from over, and the credibility of the EU institutions has been damaged. What will happen next?

09/10/2025

Europe News

Von der Leyen survives far-right and far-left no-confidence motions

The two motions of censure, up for a vote Thursday, shared one key point of criticism: the lopsided terms of the EU-US trade deal.

09/10/2025

Europe News

High noon for von der Leyen as she faces Strasbourg standoff

The European Parliament votes Thursday whether to topple the European Commission, with several political groups split.

09/10/2025

Europe News

Russia is waging 'grey zone campaign' against Europe: von der Leyen

"Every square centimetre of our territory must be protected," Ursula von der Leyen told MEPs in Strasbourg on Wednesday after a string of Russian incursions into European airspace.

08/10/2025

Economy

European Commission wields protectionist powers to shield EU steel

EU tariffs on steel imports will be doubled to 50% beyond a reduced quota, compared to the volumes currently entering duty-free.

07/10/2025

Europe News

Votes of confidence: Which political groups will defend von der Leyen?

The European Commission is set to survive the two motions of censure to be voted on Thursday. But its support could shrink even more.

07/10/2025