Euro

The Pope called on Europe to return to the path of dialogue rather than pursuing military buildup, saying this is the only way to end what he described as a 'senseless slaughter'. His remarks come amid ongoing debate in Europe over rising defence spending and the war in Ukraine, positioning the Vatican against those favouring rearmament.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered a combative speech on the Ukraine war, accusing European countries of deception and reportedly declaring 'You think we'll fall for your tricks?'. He framed Europe as untrustworthy in negotiations over the conflict. The address drew wide attention as tensions between Moscow and European capitals remain high over ongoing fighting and stalled peace efforts.

Analysis from the Middle East Institute argues that the conflict in the Middle East is no longer geographically contained, with its consequences now reaching inside Europe. The piece suggests the war's effects — security, political and social — are being felt on the continent itself, framing Europe as a party affected by a distant war.

European Union member states have approved five major pan-European defence projects, a step in the bloc's effort to build joint military capabilities and reduce reliance on individual national programmes. The decision is being reported by Reuters and is drawing attention amid ongoing debate about strengthening European defence cooperation and the continent's security posture.

Friedrich Merz and the CDU are pushing for stricter migration measures at a large gathering of the European People's Party in southern France. The push comes after electoral defeats in German state elections, with an amendment proposed to sharpen the party's migration policy at the European level.

A new study finds that Europe is overwhelmingly expanding legal access to abortion, with the procedure now legal almost everywhere in the EU. However, many countries still retain criminal penalties and practical barriers to care, and some Members of the European Parliament are calling for further EU-level action to guarantee access.

The Council of the European Union has identified the first five projects of common interest under its work to strengthen the European defence industry. The designation is meant to steer EU cooperation and funding toward jointly agreed industrial capability priorities. The move reflects Brussels' broader push, accelerated by the war in Ukraine, to build a more integrated and autonomous European defence technological and industrial base.

Pope Leo said Europe must return to its Christian roots while remaining open to migrants, pairing a call for spiritual renewal with a message of hospitality. The appeal comes amid ongoing European debates over migration policy and the continent's cultural identity, and is likely to resonate with both church audiences and political leaders wrestling with how to balance border concerns with humanitarian obligations.

The Council of the European Union has decided to extend the mandate of EUBAM Rafah, the EU Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah crossing point, until 30 June 2027. The announcement was made by the European External Action Service. The mission monitors the crossing between Gaza and Egypt, and the extension signals the EU's continued commitment to a role at the border amid the ongoing situation in Gaza.

French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a speech on the European Union in Metz, with the visit coinciding with a trip to the northeastern French city by Pope Leo. The overlap of the two events put the city briefly at the centre of European attention, pairing the French president's EU message with the pope's presence in the region.

The European Central Bank appeared before the European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs for a periodic hearing, where lawmakers examine monetary policy, inflation and financial stability. Such hearings allow MEPs to question central bank officials on eurozone policy decisions and accountability.

The Council of the EU has raised the question of building a payment system made in Europe, prompting discussion about reducing reliance on non-European card networks and payment platforms. The debate touches on digital sovereignty, the cost of foreign transaction fees, and whether an EU-backed alternative to Visa, Mastercard and US-based services is realistic and worth funding.

Commentary argues EU citizens no longer back 'more Europe' as an abstract idea. Instead, they support a union that can protect, invest, anticipate, decide and act in areas where national policymaking falls short. The piece frames this as a shift in how European integration should be justified: by concrete results rather than ideology, responding to citizens' practical demands for security, investment and effective decision-making at EU level.

The Bruegel think tank argues that the European Union should lift its prohibition on paying interest on digital money, including any future digital euro. The piece contends that banning interest undermines the attractiveness of digital cash compared with bank deposits and hampers monetary policy transmission. The debate touches on how a central bank digital currency could coexist with commercial banking without draining deposits.

News coverage is highlighting Canada's efforts to build closer ties with the European Union. The reporting, under the 'DREW' banner, frames this as Canada actively courting the EU, though the evidence offers no further detail on specific agreements, meetings or statements involved.

Electric car sales in Europe have jumped 52%, with record-high fuel prices cited as a major driver. With gasoline at roughly $10 a gallon in several European markets, drivers are increasingly switching to electric vehicles. Bloomberg reports the surge as one of the strongest stretches for EV adoption in the region, and commentators are weighing how much of the boom is fuel prices versus expanding model choice and charging networks.

European electric vehicle sales surged in January, widening the gap with the slower-growing U.S. market, according to a report by InsideEVs. The strong start to the year suggests European demand for EVs remains robust despite broader auto industry headwinds, while American adoption continues to lag behind.