BRUSSELS: The European Union (EU) on Thursday formally adopted its 19th package of sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine, introducing a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and fresh restrictions on financial and trade activities. The 27-member bloc approved the package after Slovakia lifted its objection late Wednesday, paving the way […]
EU
EU opens rare talks with Taliban to deport Afghan migrants
The European Union has begun initial contact with the Taliban government to discuss the return of Afghan migrants whose asylum requests have been rejected. This marks the first technical-level engagement between the EU and Afghanistan’s de facto authorities for deportation purposes. The announcement was made during a press briefing in Brussels by EU Commission spokesperson […]
20 European Nations Urge EU to Repatriate Illegal Afghan Migrants
BRUSSELS: Twenty European nations have called on the European Commission to take immediate steps for the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing illegally across Europe. Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, Annelies Verlinden, said that the countries had submitted a joint letter to the Commission demanding action to return undocumented Afghans — either voluntarily or through […]
EU demands Ukraine’s spot before Trump-Putin talks
The European Union will hold urgent talks Monday to discuss the upcoming Trump-Putin summit. The meeting comes amid fears that a deal excluding Ukraine could force unacceptable compromises. EU foreign ministers will meet via video conference, joined by Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andriy Sybiga. They aim to ensure Kyiv and European powers are part of any […]
EU chooses deal over trade war with Trump
Brussels defended a controversial new trade deal with the United States, calling it the best way to avoid a damaging tariff war. On Monday, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said the agreement was struck under tough conditions. “I’m 100 percent sure this deal is better than a trade war with the United States,” he told […]
EU, Pakistan boost ties at 10th political dialogue in Brussels
The 10th Political Dialogue between the European Union and Pakistan was held on July 17 in Brussels, where both sides discussed strengthening their bilateral relationship and regional cooperation. The EU was represented by Olof Skoog, while Pakistan’s delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch. This high-level meeting focused on important political, security, and multilateral […]
EU calls for calm as Iran-Israel conflict heats up
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for calm after Israel struck Iran’s nuclear and military sites. She urged all sides to avoid further conflict. Kallas emphasized that diplomacy is the best way to solve the crisis. She also said she is ready to support efforts for peace. Her message came as tensions in the […]
EU and Pakistan set to boost economic ties at inaugural business forum
The first-ever EU-Pakistan Business Forum will take place in Islamabad on May 14-15. The event aims to boost economic cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union. The EU is the largest single market globally and the biggest destination for Pakistani exports. It is also the leading foreign investor, representing 42% of global foreign direct investment. […]
Steward reports Malta govt and judiciary to European Commission over EU law breaches
BRUSSELS: One of the world’s leading private healthcare providers Steward Health Care International (SHCI) has filed an unusual but critical complaint to the European Commission against the Maltese government and the country’s judiciary for the blatant infringement of European Union (EU) laws on several grounds. In its formal complaint lodged through lawyers, SHCI has lashed […]
EU ‘funded’ torture, sex slavery in Libya, UN probe finds
GENEVA: EU funding is facilitating the commission of abuses against migrants Libya, who are being systematically tortured and forced into sexual slavery, a United Nations investigation has found. The probe voiced alarm at the deteriorating human rights situation in the conflict-torn North African country, warning that the European Union was supporting some of the organisations […]