European Council

European Union institutions are debating the creation of a payment system made in Europe, an effort to reduce dependence on US-owned card networks such as Visa and Mastercard. The Council of the EU has highlighted the question publicly, drawing significant attention as the EU moves forward with the digital euro project and weighs strategic autonomy in financial infrastructure.

A Geneva-based commentary argues that the UN Human Rights Council cannot meaningfully address anti-gay laws around the world without also condemning their colonial origins. Many statutes criminalising same-sex relations were introduced under European colonial rule and remain on the books after independence. The piece calls on the council to acknowledge this history when tackling LGBT rights.

Germany's Foreign Minister has reaffirmed the country's commitment to the Council of Europe, according to an announcement by the Strasbourg-based organisation. The pledge signals continued German support for the pan-European body's work on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Beyond the reaffirmation itself, no further details about the timing, occasion or specific initiatives announced have been made available.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has held a debate on how European countries can provide systemic, long-term support for Ukrainian veterans of the war with Russia. Discussions centred on coordinated European frameworks for medical care, psychological rehabilitation and social reintegration. The session reflects growing attention across the continent to the lasting needs of wounded and demobilised Ukrainian service members.

Ukrainian human rights defenders, former civilian prisoners released from Russian captivity, and relatives of people still held by Russia addressed the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, calling on European politicians to raise the release of civilian prisoners at every negotiation with Moscow. The activists argue that the fate of unlawfully detained civilians must be a standing item on all negotiation agendas.