Spain and Portugal blackout puts EU’s ageing power grid in the spotlight
While the blackout lasted less than 24 hours, it caused shockwaves across Europe and raised questions that will linger for much longer.
Spain, Ireland, Norway formally recognize Palestinian statehood
In a watershed moment breaking with decasdes of previous policy, Spain, Ireland and Norway announced last week that the recognition would come into force on Tuesday. While the majority of UN member states recognize the state of Palestine, most EU states do not.
EU split over aid cuts for UNRWA
The EU is one of UNRWA’s top donors. Following Israeli allegations that some staff participated in Hamas’s October 7 attack, the EU announced to review its support. While some believe this to be an urgent measure, others warn of collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
Europe in brief: Sánchez announces candidacy to renew progressive government in Spain
Acting Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez warns People’s Party it’s “not the time” to pressure the king. In other news: The European Commission will shift further Interreg funds to Moldova and Ukraine and the European Union Monitoring Mission in Armenia (EUMA) confirms no observers have been injured in “shooting incident” at the border with Azerbaijan.
The Spanish EU Presidency: Leading the EU Council in the run-up to elections
Ahead of Spain’s EU Presidency, the country’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for European unity ahead of the elections next year. The socialist wants to lead Europe through crises and aims to settle the major issues by the end of this year: the European migration pact, the debt rules and reducing the bloc’s dependence on third countries, among other topics. The national snap elections in July could spoil that.