EUR News
LAST UPDATE: June 23, 2025
Spain seeks immediate suspension of EU association agreement with Israel
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares requested immediate EU suspension of the EU–Israel Association Agreement, including arms embargoes and sanctions related to Gaza developments and human rights concerns.
Insight
Spain’s vigorous stance demonstrates deep frustration among EU members over Israeli actions in Gaza, signaling increasing friction within the bloc and potential diplomatic realignments.
Italy against suspending EU-Israel accord, foreign minister says
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani opposed Spain’s push to suspend the EU–Israel accord, stressing the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels to facilitate humanitarian aid from Gaza.
Insight
The contrast between Italy and Spain highlights a growing divide within the EU on how to balance human rights concerns and crisis-response mechanisms in its Middle East policy.
EU should use trade deals to send back migrants, says Belgian minister
Belgium’s migration minister proposed using EU trade and visa negotiations as leverage to compel migrant-origin countries to accept the return of their nationals.
Insight
This policy proposal reflects increasing impatience across EU states over migration challenges, signaling a shift toward conditional external agreements as part of migration management strategy.
UK Private Sector Grows at Fastest Pace Since Trump Tariffs Hit
The S&P Global PMI rose to 50.7 in June (from 50.3 in May), marking the fastest private-sector growth in the UK since the impact of Trump’s tariffs, easing concerns of a Q2 contraction (reuters.com, bloomberg.com).
Insight
The rebound underscores resilience in services and manufacturing, which is helping shield the economy from external trade shocks and suggesting stabilization alongside positive Q1 GDP results.
UK to Scrap Green Levies for Heavy Industry in Push for Growth
The government plans to remove specific green levies on energy bills for up to 7,000 heavy industrial firms, reducing their costs to align with EU competitors .
Insight
The move signals a shift away from carbon costs to support competitiveness—balancing industrial growth priorities against environmental concerns and potentially compromising green policy goals.
Turkey ready to act quickly to maintain market stability, Simsek says
Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek assured that Turkish authorities are ready to take swift, coordinated action to stabilize financial markets amid geopolitical uncertainties .
Insight
His readiness reflects prudent crisis management to control volatility in foreign exchange and investor sentiment, bolstering confidence during regional tension.
Romania’s new coalition faces confidence vote, hoping to end long deadlock
On June 23, Parliament prepared to vote on Ilie Bolojan’s cabinet, aiming to end months of political gridlock. The coalition includes Liberals, Social Democrats, USR, and UDMR .
Insight
Securing confidence is crucial for implementing fiscal reforms to close the EU’s largest budget deficit and avoid a ratings downgrade—though coalition unity remains fragile.
