# European Union
Discussions are underway in Europe regarding potential mediators for the negotiations on the war in Ukraine
Discussions have intensified in Europe regarding possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, with the involvement of European countries. Against this backdrop, political circles in Germany have begun to discuss potential mediators, with Angela Merkel and Frank-Walter Steinmeier being mentioned among them.
The EU is drawing up new rules to tackle addictive social media design
The European Union is stepping up pressure on social media platforms over the risks they pose to children and teenagers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that Brussels is working on new rules designed to restrict the ‘addictive’ design of these platforms. The platforms in question are TikTok, Meta and X.
Von der Leyen’s plan for the EU is stalling due to criticism of her management style
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has tightened her personal control over the work of the EU’s executive body, but is increasingly facing discontent in Brussels and the capitals of member states. According to Bloomberg, some officials and diplomats believe that excessive centralisation of decision-making is hampering the EU’s key economic priorities.
The EU may open all negotiation clusters with Ukraine by the summer
The European Union is considering the possibility of opening all negotiation chapters with Ukraine by the summer. The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, stated that Ukraine has made significant progress towards European integration, and that its accession to the European Union represents an investment in European security.
The German government has rejected Putin’s proposal for Schröder to act as a mediator
Berlin has reacted sceptically to Vladimir Putin’s proposal to involve former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in negotiations between Russia and the European Union. Government circles have described this initiative as part of Russia’s hybrid strategy.
Passengers are being evacuated from a cruise ship off the coast of Tenerife due to the hantavirus
On 10 May, Spain began evacuating passengers from the cruise ship MV Hondius, on board which an outbreak of hantavirus had been detected. The ship is currently anchored off the coast of Tenerife.
Trump may withdraw some US troops from Europe
NATO believes that US President Donald Trump may decide to reduce the US military presence in Europe. US military bases in Italy, in particular, are at risk
Viktor Orbán’s 16-year era in Hungary is coming to an end
Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure in Hungary is coming to an end. Almost a month after the general election, Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza Party, will officially take office as the country’s prime minister
The US has delivered the first HIMARS systems to Lithuania
Lithuania has officially taken delivery of its first HIMARS launchers. The handover ceremony took place in Camden, Arkansas, in the US
“The EU’s black sheep”: Fico makes a new statement in Moscow
During a visit to Moscow, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that he planned to ask Vladimir Putin “a few questions” and to convey a message to him from certain European politicians
In 2026, work will begin in Europe on developing a replacement for the Tomahawk missiles
The German firm Rheinmetall, which traditionally manufactures tanks, artillery and ammunition, plans to start producing long-range missiles this year in collaboration with Destinus.
The EU will not withdraw its diplomats from Kyiv despite threats from the Kremlin
The European Union has no plans to alter its presence in Kyiv following Moscow’s threats of possible strikes. The European Commission has described Russia’s statements as part of a reckless escalation strategy.
