Author: staff
The leaders of Poland, Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary are gathering for the first proper Visegrád Group summit in more than two years. Meetings of these four countries have essentially been frozen since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine — in large part because of former PM Viktor Orbán. With the Hungarian leader’s ouster, the format is back, but can the group actually work together? Plus, we’re checking on the U.K., where Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned yesterday and looks likely to be replaced by former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. But what does this transfer of power mean for EU-U.K. relations?…
Published on 23/06/2026 – 5:49 GMT+2 US Vice President JD Vance said his lengthy talks with senior Iranian officials in Switzerland created a “good foundation for a successful final deal” as they seek a permanent end to the war that the US and Israel started in late February. Vance and US officials claimed progress on multiple fronts, including the establishment of “mechanisms” to ensure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy shipments, stays open and to address fighting between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon, where a ceasefire appeared to be holding. The interim deal…
In Phoenix, that means putting guardrails in place early. The city has already implemented zoning rules that direct this infrastructure away from residential areas and into industrial areas, and define basic protections, including for fire safety. Growth is continuing, but it is being shaped to reflect the broader needs of the community. In Melbourne, we are developing guidance that promotes best practice in site planning, design and operation of data centers and other AI infrastructure. Melbourne is engaged with the state and federal governments to strengthen regulations to ensure measurable community and climate benefits. Across the C40 Cities network, mayors…
The U.K. also wanted to use the meeting as a launchpad to expand talks on taking the U.K. closer into the EU’s economic orbit, with details of any plan expected to be confirmed at the meeting. Starmer’s successor, widely expected to be Manchester regional mayor Andy Burnham, could take office as soon as July 17 or 18 if there is no leadership race. The summit date was set only last week when Starmer met Costa at G7 summit in France. Costa told a press conference at the EU-Moldova summit on Monday: “We have been working very hard and in a…
The constitutional amendment is the latest move in the fight between the prime minister and Sulyok. Magyar’s Tisza Party won an overwhelming parliamentary majority in April on a mandate to turn the page on Orbán, and Magyar promised on election night to oust Sulyok. The president has since vowed not to step down, turning to legal maneuvers to remain in office. “If anyone asks why it is necessary to restore constitutionality and the rule of law in Hungary, why it is necessary to restore the credibility of the Office of the President of the Republic, and why a ‘purge’ is…
But Starmer’s red lines failed to win over many Leave voters at all: 85 percent of those who would eventually back the party in 2024 wanted to rejoin the EU outright, according to the British Social Attitudes Survey, a regular comprehensive academic survey of public opinion. Labour’s coalition was if anything more pro-EU than when Starmer took over from Corbyn. The Labour leader was also wrong about needing to win over Brexit supporters to reach Downing Street in the first place. The Tories, who had governed for 14 years straight, had imploded — and Labour was returned with a vast…
Japan is preparing its biggest visa fee increase in nearly half a century, making tourist visas five times more expensive for most foreign visitors entering the country. The decision was approved at a government cabinet meeting on 19 June 2026 and will take effect on 1 July 2026. It is the first revision of Japan’s visa fees since 1978. The most immediate impact will be felt by tourists and business travellers from countries that require a visa to enter Japan. Under the new pricing structure, the fee for a single-entry visas will rise from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000. A multiple-entry visa,…
Belgian authorities summoned the former commissioner to testify almost a year ago, but he did not show up, said the second senior Greek official. Former member of the European Parliament Pier Antonio Panzeri, former MEP Eva Kaili and her husband Francesco Giorgi were arrested and are facing charges of corruption, money laundering and participation in a criminal organization as part of the Qatargate investigation. They have been released from jail pending trial, but there has been little progress in the case over the last couple of years. Avramopoulos — who is currently a member of the Greek parliament and served…
Honduras is planning to purchase drones from Ukraine as part of its efforts to combat drug trafficking and strengthen border security, President Nasry Asfura said on Monday. The announcement comes as the country grapples with organised crime, gang violence and narcotics trafficking networks that continue to pose major security challenges. Asfura met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv last week. During their talks, Zelensky offered cooperation in military technology, particularly drone systems, as Ukraine seeks to expand partnerships beyond Europe while showing-off capabilities developed during its war with Russia. Speaking to AFP in Panama City during the General Assembly of…
After pledging to remain in post until a successor is confirmed and to give that successor “unequivocal support,” the PM fought back tears as he said: “When I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job, being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children who are my pride and my joy.” After the PM returned through the famous black door of No.10 Downing Street…