COGNICURRENT

Iran has escalated its military response by bombarding energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, leading to a surge in hydrocarbon prices in European markets.

Lithuania's upcoming presidency of the EU Council in 2027 presents a unique opportunity to influence European biotech policy and innovation.

Lithuanian opposition leaders express concern over lack of representation at the upcoming Venice Commission plenary session.

The Russian Central Bank has filed a lawsuit in Luxembourg against the European Council's regulation that has frozen its assets, claiming it is illegal and denies effective remedies.

Last year, notaries in Latvia issued 99 fewer divorce certificates compared to the previous year, according to information from the Latvian Council of Notaries.

The ‘Music Hall’ event at the Vilnius Book Fair will not take place as usual in February 2027 due to Lithuania's EU Council presidency, and has been rescheduled to September 16-19, 2027.

The Estonian Foreign Affairs Committee held an emergency meeting regarding the war in Iran, where they listened to information from the Foreign Minister ahead of an EU Foreign Affairs Council.

Thorbjørn Jagland's efforts to reintegrate Russia into the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe have sparked controversy, especially from Ukrainian officials who criticize his actions.

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, has called for an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council to discuss the escalation in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting in response to escalating tensions and attacks involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa urged all parties to exercise restraint, protect civilians, and fully respect international law amidst rising tensions following an attack in Iran.

The Danish Climate Council warns that without significant changes to EU agricultural subsidies, the green transition of Danish and European agriculture could be hindered.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has called for the resumption of Russian oil supplies to Hungary through the Friendship pipeline, addressing both the president of Ukraine and the President of the European Council.

The president of the Supreme Pharmaceutical Council of Poland warns that the lifting of the advertising ban for pharmacies, following a European Court ruling, has led to dangerous and irresponsible marketing practices.

Kristrún Frostadóttir had a meeting with Donald Tusk, the former President of the European Council.

Russia has cautioned that plans by Western European nations to equip Ukraine with nuclear capabilities could lead to serious global repercussions.

Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland has been hospitalized after being indicted for corruption, which includes allegations of accepting gifts during his tenure as Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

The municipality of Helsingør in Denmark announced its intention to apply for the title of European Capital of Culture for 2032, with significant funding approved by the city council.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa have visited Kyiv to reaffirm Europe's support for Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion.

António Costa criticizes Hungary's Viktor Orbán for threatening to block EU funding for Ukraine and emphasizes the importance of respecting collective decisions made by the European Council.

The President of the European Council, António Costa, expresses dissatisfaction in a letter to Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán regarding Hungary's blockade of a financial loan for Ukraine.

European Council President António Costa has called on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to lift his blockage of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for respect towards European Council decisions.

The European Commission anticipates that Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will fulfill his commitment regarding a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine, originally discussed during a European Council meeting.

The Riga City Council has approved a budget of 60,000 euros to host the European Youth Basketball League (EYBL) Super Final for U14, U15, U16, and U20 age groups this year.

Slovakia may meet European budgetary rules even with a deficit of 6% in an election year, raising concerns over fiscal responsibility under new rules.

The European Commission stands by its decision to participate in the inaugural meeting of the US Peace Council despite criticism from France, asserting its right to accept such invitations.

A Lithuanian representative has joined the European Innovation Council (EIC) ambassadors, marking a significant milestone for Lithuania's life sciences sector.

France criticizes the European Commission's attendance at the inaugural Peace Council meeting initiated by Donald Trump.

The European Union aims to initiate membership negotiations with Ukraine promptly, as stated by European Council President Antoniu Košta.

The European Council has approved a plan granting Italy approximately 14.9 billion euros for defense as part of a larger 150 billion euro loan program named SAFE, aimed at strengthening military capabilities across multiple EU nations.

President Donald Trump's controversial Board of Peace held its inaugural meeting, attended by several leaders from invited nations, despite notable absences from key European allies.

France expresses surprise that the European Commission sent an official to the Peace Council meeting in Washington without a mandate to represent EU member states.

Rūdolfs Brēmanis, a current Riga City Council deputy, lost his appeal in the European Court of Human Rights regarding the legality of a search conducted at his residence as part of a criminal investigation.

Norwegian Prime Minister Støre and the President of the European Council held a press conference to discuss recent collaborations and future directions.

Despite Denmark's six-month presidency of the EU Council, European Minister Marie Bjerre has not gained significant public recognition.

European states are divided over the EU’s involvement in the inaugural meeting of Donald Trump's "Peace Council" for Gaza, with France leading critiques.

The inaugural meeting of Donald Trump's Peace Council will take place in Washington, focusing on peace in the Gaza Strip, supported almost globally including by the EU, yet without representation from Poland.

Donald Trump's newly proposed Peace Council is encountering unexpected opposition from Europe, particularly in light of Poland's absence from initial support discussions.

Nikolai Patrushev, head of the Russian Maritime Council, has threatened military action to protect Russian vessels from European seizures, labeling this as 'Western piracy.'

Spain is preparing to take a significant role in the next European Central Bank (ECB) council as the government eyes upcoming changes.

The Talsi region municipal budget for this year is set to be 11% higher than planned last year, as approved by the local council.

The Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan, is set to begin on Thursday due to the failure to sight the new moon as initially expected.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya discusses the importance of Belarusian independence and democracy in the context of European security during the Munich Security Conference.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that Italy has been invited to participate as an observer in the Peace Council meeting for Gaza, emphasizing the country’s commitment to aiding the region.

The European Commission announced that the EU will participate as an observer in the "Peace Council" established by former U.S. President Donald Trump, without formal membership.

The European Union will attend the opening meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump's Peace Council as an observer but will not become a council member.

The Council of the European Union is set to formally approve a €90 billion loan package for Ukraine to assist with its financial needs for 2026-2027 on 24 February.

The EU Commissioner for Mediterranean Affairs, Dubravka Šuica, will represent the EU at a Washington meeting focused on Gaza, but the EU will not become a member of the Peace Council led by Trump.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that Italy will participate as an observer in Trump's Peace Council, despite previous legal concerns and criticism from the opposition.

Italy is seeking to join Trump's Peace Council, aiming to become the third European country involved in this initiative.