EUR News
LAST UPDATE: July 22, 2025
EU must strengthen Asian security ties despite US pressure, says Kaja Kallas
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged deeper EU security cooperation with Asian democracies—Australia, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN—arguing that supply‑chain and maritime risks require it even amid U.S. calls to focus on Europe.
Insight
Kallas’ stance points to a strategic pivot toward Indo-Pacific engagement, reflecting EU ambition for a global security role independent from U.S. priorities amid growing geopolitical complexity.
EU Is Racing to Secure US Trade Deal and Preparing for Worst
The EU is accelerating negotiations for a U.S. trade agreement before the August 1 tariff deadline, while simultaneously preparing retaliatory measures—tariffs and countermeasures—if an accord fails.
Insight
This reflects EU pragmatism: eagerness to strike a deal, but readiness to protect its economic interests. The approach shows calculated diplomacy amid rising U.S. trade protectionism.
Turkey wants new arrangement with Iraq over suspended oil pipeline
Turkey has proposed a new agreement to Iraq to resume and modernize the Kirkuk‑Ceyhan oil pipeline, suspended since 2023 after an arbitration ruling. Talks on a fresh multi‑sector energy deal are underway.
Insight
Ankara’s initiative shows proactive energy diplomacy aimed at reviving a strategic route. Success hinges on resolving legal disputes but could improve regional energy ties.
Nigel Farage pledges to deport serious offenders
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage unveiled a £17.4 billion crime package, including deporting 10,400 serious foreign offenders to countries like El Salvador, recruiting 30,000 police officers, and building “Nightingale” prisons.
Insight
The plan taps into public anxiety over crime with hardline measures, but raises legal and human rights issues—especially regarding deportation and outsourcing prison sentences overseas.
Slovakia Looks to Tap More Russian Gas Under EU Exemption
Slovakia’s state-owned gas company plans to import up to 100% of its gas needs from Russia under an EU exemption, reversing earlier EU supply diversification efforts.
Insight
Slovakia’s move highlights intra‑EU divergence over Russian energy dependence. The exemption may shield it from shortages but complicates the bloc’s strategy to reduce reliance on Moscow.
Romania to buy Israeli anti-aircraft systems for $2.3 bln
Romania announced a $2.3 billion contract to procure Israeli air-defense systems, strengthening its missile defense amid growing regional threats.
Insight
The deal marks Romania’s push to build independent defense capability, deepen ties with Israel, and address regional security amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Germany, Norway vow to step up North Atlantic surveillance
At a Norway–Germany naval forum, defense ministers pledged enhanced maritime surveillance in the North Atlantic to counter growing strategic competition, particularly involving Russia.
Insight
This marks a coordinated NATO‑aligned effort to bolster maritime security amid high‑latitude great‑power rivalry, underscoring urgency in deterrence capability.
Rising unemployment not necessarily a bad sign, Starmer says
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer explained that rising unemployment, now at 4.7%, may reflect more people entering the labor force, as economic inactivity fell from 22% to 21%, and employment reached 75.2%. He pledged to reform Jobcentres to better connect job seekers with vacancies.
Insight
Starmer’s framing highlights a more engaged workforce rather than labor market weakness, portraying rising joblessness as a temporary side effect of participation growth. It suggests a proactive labor strategy and sets a narrative of positive economic restructuring.
