COGNICURRENT

Joaquín Almunia, former Vice President of the European Commission, expresses concerns about Europe's challenges and the need for greater defense cooperation and integration within the EU.

E-commerce platform Temu has signed an agreement with an Estonian accredited producer responsibility organization to assist its sellers in complying with electronic and battery waste management requirements.

ArianeGroup, Europe's sole ballistic missile manufacturer, aims to expand production to Germany while facing challenges from past joint projects.

The European Union has renewed sanctions against Belarus, maintaining their existing intensity and scope amidst ongoing repression and military cooperation with Russia by Belarusian authorities.

China-EU trade relations are facing challenges, but technology could offer a pathway for cooperation amid rising US-China tensions.

EU member states have supported new comprehensive cooperation agreements with Switzerland to replace existing ones in areas such as food safety, health, and electricity.

Energy ministers from Central and Eastern European countries, along with representatives from the USA, signed a joint declaration to enhance natural gas supply security in the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the crucial need for collaboration between the EU and the US to support Ukraine amidst its ongoing war with Russia.

Former Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir suggests that Iceland's relationship with the EU can be enhanced without pursuing full membership and warns against a simplistic yes/no approach in the upcoming referendum on EU membership negotiations.

Greek Minister Stavros Papastavrou emphasized Greece's emerging role in energy security and the importance of the Vertical Corridor during his visit to the US.

US ambassadors to NATO and the EU argue that restricting American defense industry participation in European procurement threatens transatlantic security and cooperation.

Hadja Lahbib, the European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, wrapped up her tour in the Great Lakes region with a visit to Goma, meeting with local leaders to secure commitments for peace and cooperation.

President Kagame of Rwanda and EU officials discussed the security crisis in eastern DR Congo, focusing on humanitarian efforts and regional cooperation.

At the Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's speech marked a significant shift in tone compared to last year's contentious address, offering European leaders a renewed sense of hope for a cooperative future.

The Estonian government's digital equipment procurement for Cuba, as part of wider EU cooperation efforts, has been frozen, resulting in no devices being delivered to Cuba in the near future.

China is enhancing its ideological diplomacy in Spain as Prime Minister Sánchez prepares for a significant visit, signaling a willingness to deepen cooperation with various Spanish political parties amid concerns from the EU.

Ursula Von der Leyen emphasizes the urgent need for a formalized European defense cooperation at the Munich Security Conference, urging the EU to create a mutual defense pact.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized Italy's role as a key partner in fostering dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Africa during her address at the African Union summit in Addis Ababa.

Friedrich Merz called for the US and Europe to rebuild trust at the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing the need for renewed transatlantic cooperation amid growing global tensions.

The European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) advocates for the abolition of regional shipping regulations in the EU in favor of a global decarbonization agreement from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The article discusses the EU's recent push towards military independence from the US amidst changing geopolitical dynamics, emphasizing the need for Europe to assert its own decision-making power.

Italy and Germany are advocating for increased cooperation within the EU to address industrial competitiveness, while tensions between political leaders remain evident.

Giorgia Meloni expressed support for eurobonds at an informal European leaders' summit, highlighting the need for Italo-German cooperation to enhance competitiveness within the EU without undermining other nations.

The EU is committed to maintaining energy cooperation with the USA while diversifying its energy sources away from dependence on Russian imports.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the importance of German-Italian cooperation before the EU summit on competitiveness, stating that it is not directed against any other country.

Norway's reliance on EU space activities raises concerns about the implications of losing access post-2027.

EU foreign ministers will meet to discuss military support and defense cooperation with Ukraine's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Ukraine's war is central to the EU Defense Ministers' Council meeting in Brussels, where the new Ukrainian Defense Minister will outline urgent military needs and discuss a significant financial aid package.

The EU and Australia have reportedly completed negotiations for a defense and security pact that may coincide with an ongoing free trade agreement.

Lithuania's Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas will attend the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels to discuss additional military support for Ukraine and strengthen defense cooperation between Ukraine and the EU.

The article discusses Spain's role as a medium power in the changing global order and emphasizes the need for strategic cooperation within the EU and beyond.

Ukrainian investigators are collaborating with approximately ten jurisdictions, including EU countries, in the high-profile Midas corruption case involving a close associate of President Zelenskyy.

Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu has arrived in Kyiv to discuss solidarity and cooperation with Ukraine.

European Parliament members are calling for EU institutions to be involved in the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes, highlighting the need for international cooperation.

The EU and India are deepening their partnership, establishing a free trade area that benefits both parties economically and signifies the strength of rule-based cooperation.

The European Commission is proposing that member states collaborate on projects without needing unanimous agreement, potentially leading to a multi-speed Europe.

Germany is forming a group of six countries to foster deeper European defense cooperation, suggesting a multi-speed integration approach amid disagreements among EU member states.

The European Union and Bolivia are entering a new phase of relations through a multi-year cooperation program worth billions of euros, marking a shift in Bolivia's foreign policy towards Europe and the USA following two decades of socialism.

The United States, European Union, and Japan established a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the supply of critical minerals essential for industries such as automotive, defense, and digital technology.

The United States, European Union, and Japan have announced a strategic partnership aimed at improving the supply of critical minerals essential for sectors like automotive, defense, and digital technology, enhancing economic and national security.

The Kremlin has expressed support for a new EU policy towards the Arctic focused on international cooperation, while cautioning against confrontational approaches.

The article discusses the unification of Europe in the face of challenges posed by external threats, particularly highlighting efforts led by figures like Trump and Draghi to strengthen European identity and cooperation.

The European Union is preparing to collaborate with the United States to reduce dependency on China for critical minerals by outlining key points of cooperation and addressing challenges in the metals market due to sanctions on Russia.

The European Union plans to propose a partnership with the USA on critical minerals in order to reduce China's influence.

EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas emphasizes the need for stronger defense and greater independence for Europe, while Norway actively participates in EU defense plans and cooperation, particularly focusing on increasing defense efforts in the Arctic.

The wording related to cooperation with the EU has been officially changed, prompting new actions based on this revision.

Italy is requesting the European Commission to join as a civil party in a legal proceeding in Switzerland, emphasizing the importance of judicial cooperation and economic interests.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković met with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Benjamin Haddad to reinforce defense cooperation between Croatia and France within the EU and NATO frameworks.

The most read articles last week included a discussion on Tomislav Tomašević's reduction of Winter Service teams compared to his predecessor, an interview with skiing legend Janica Kostelić on parenting, and articles on the SNV's opposition to EU-Israel scientific cooperation.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed satisfaction with the approval of the historic EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which she eagerly anticipates signing in Paraguay, marking the creation of the world's largest free trade area after 25 years of negotiations.