The US is not beating around the bush: it wants Greenland. Denmark and Greenland – backed by the EU – have strongly rejected Washington’s “national security” claims and issued a stark warning against the possible collapse of NATO.
As Cyprus takes the helm of the EU Council for the second time, it does so in a far more turbulent geopolitical landscape than in 2012. From security and support for Ukraine to enlargement, migration and the next long-term EU budget, the Cyprus presidency seeks to steer the Union towards greater autonomy while keeping it open to the world.
From global diplomacy and trade to defence and rapid technological development, the EU has its work cut out as it navigates the transition into a year of high-stakes challenges.
After 25 years of talks, the EU-Mercosur deal has been postponed again until January after Italy demanded safeguards for the EU agricultural sector, just days before it was planned to be signed. The decision emerged amid divisions in Brussels: Germany backs the deal, France opposes it and farmers across Europe are protesting.
MAGA in the EU: Right-wing parties across the EU openly curry favour with the US leader. Where do Trump’s biggest European supporters hail from and how are they aligning themselves with his values and the US administration’s political line?
The EU is tightening the screws on irregular immigration and on returns for migrants whose asylum claims are denied. To better share responsibilities, member states have agreed on solidarity measures – though some of the more restrictive governments are sceptical.