EUR News
LAST UPDATE: June 10, 2025
Poland’s new president hopes for good relations with Hungary’s Orban
Reuters
Newly elected Polish President Karol Nawrocki emphasized his desire to strengthen cooperation within the Visegrád Group and build good ties with Hungary’s Viktor Orban in his first foreign interview.
Insight
Nawrocki’s overture signals a strategic pivot away from his predecessor’s pro-EU posture toward a regional, more conservative bloc, potentially revitalizing Visegrád cooperation. His alignment with Orban could bolster cooperation on defense and regional security, but his opposition to Ukraine’s EU bid may introduce friction within EU policy discussions.
UK restores winter fuel payments to millions of pensioners in major U-turn
In response to political backlash, the UK government has reinstated winter fuel payments for around 9 million pensioners earning under £35,000, reversing last year’s cuts and allocating £1.25 billion in funding.
Insight
The policy reversal reflects political pragmatism under pressure from party dissent and Reform UK’s influence. It seeks to protect vulnerable pensioners during the cost-of-living crisis, but means-testing leaves higher earners excluded. Funding this move via fiscal reallocations rather than borrowing highlights the government’s caution. However, future budget constraints may limit room for other public services.
Russia and Ukraine exchange group of younger and wounded prisoners of war
Russia and Ukraine completed the first phase of a planned prisoner-of-war exchange on June 9, repatriating POWs under 25 years old and severely wounded combatants, following agreements from the June 2 Istanbul peace talks.
Insight
This initial exchange represents a modest but important humanitarian step amid stalled broader peace negotiations. It provides emotional relief to families and maintains limited channels of cooperation, although accusations of delays persist. The move demonstrates both sides’ capacity to fulfill humanitarian commitments even amid deep mistrust.
