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EU Council
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- 1EU Council strengthens space threat response framework▼Council strengthens EU space threat response architecture
The Council of the European Union has announced measures to strengthen the EU's architecture for responding to threats in space. The move is part of broader European efforts to protect space-based infrastructure, such as satellites and navigation systems, which are increasingly vital to security, communications and the economy. Details of the specific measures were not immediately available, but the announcement underlines growing EU concern about vulnerabilities in orbit.
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The Council of the EU is asking whether Europe should develop its own payment system, reducing dependence on non-European card networks and platforms. The debate centres on achieving strategic autonomy in retail payments, with supporters arguing a European alternative would strengthen sovereignty and cut reliance on US-based providers like Visa and Mastercard, while critics question the cost and viability of such an ambitious project.
- 3Greece plans EU deportation centre in Africa for 2027●Griechenland will während EU-Ratsvorsitz Abschiebezentrum in Afrika einrichten Im Sommer 2027 übernimmt Griechenland den
Greece's government has announced plans to establish a European deportation centre in Africa during its EU Council presidency in summer 2027. According to reports, initial contacts have allegedly already been made. The proposal revives the contested idea of outsourcing asylum procedures and returns outside Europe, and is drawing criticism from migrant rights advocates who question its legality and feasibility.
- 4GRECO publishes compliance reports on Denmark, Hungary, Türkiye and Ukraine●Anti-corruption body GRECO publishes summaries of reports on Denmark, Hungary, Türkiye and Ukraine evaluating compliance with its recommendations
The Council of Europe's anti-corruption body GRECO has published compliance summaries evaluating how Denmark, Hungary, Türkiye and Ukraine are meeting its anti-corruption recommendations. The reports assess each country's progress on issues such as judicial independence, transparency and the prevention of corruption among elected officials. Hungary and Türkiye have repeatedly drawn criticism in past evaluations, while Ukraine's compliance is closely watched amid its EU accession bid.
- 5EU sanctions ten Russians over Yabloko election ban●Human rights violations in Russia: Council lists ten individuals over the barring of Yabloko from the State Duma elections
The EU Council has imposed restrictive measures on ten Russian individuals in response to human rights violations linked to the barring of the Yabloko party from taking part in the State Duma elections. The listings mean asset freezes and travel bans within the European Union. It is part of the bloc's global human rights sanctions regime and reflects continued EU criticism of restrictions on political opposition in Russia.
- 6Updated Rule of Law Checklist Presented to European Parliament●Presentation of the Updated Rule of Law Checklist to the European Parliament
The Council of Europe has presented its updated Rule of Law Checklist to the European Parliament. The checklist is a practical tool used to assess the state of the rule of law in states and organisations. The presentation highlights ongoing cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Parliament on strengthening rule of law standards across Europe.