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In today's news from The Capitals :
BERLIN
German plans to boost defence spending face strong resistance . Germany's likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, is pushing for billions of euros in extra defence spending before an EU defence summit on Thursday, but his timing and majority are in jeopardy. Read more.
WESTERN EUROPE
VEIN
Austria's new government backs greener farm subsidies and food origin labels. Under the coalition agreement of the newly appointed government, Vienna will redouble efforts for a more sustainable EU agricultural policy. Read more.
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HAGUE
Dutch criticise Commission for 'harmful' tobacco delays. The Dutch health minister is calling on the Commission to introduce “comprehensive restrictions on flavours, maximum nicotine levels and plain packaging” for e-cigarettes and other nicotine products, according to a letter seen by Euractiv. Read more.
UK AND IRELAND
DUBLIN
New Irish genomic testing kit to speed up treatments for rare diseases The newly launched Irish genomic testing kit aims to streamline genetic testing across Ireland, providing patients with more accurate and timely diagnostics, expanding treatment options and supporting the growing role of genomic medicine in healthcare. Find out more.
SOUTH OF EUROPE
ATHENS
Predatorgate: Commission notes rule of law concerns as Greece fines broadcaster “We do not comment on individual cases or decisions of national courts or authorities. We closely follow developments related to media freedom and pluralism in all Member States, including in the context of the Rule of Law Report,” a European Commission spokesperson told Euractiv about the decision of the Greek National Council of Radio and Television (NCRTV), the broadcasting regulator, to fine Mega TV for defaming a former prime ministerial aide. Read more.
EAST EUROPE
WARSAW
New evidence has emerged of shootings on the Polish-Belarusian border. Ballistic analysis and 3D reconstruction confirm the legitimacy of charges against two soldiers accused of endangering lives during a border incident in March 2024, when shots were fired to intimidate migrants near the municipality of Dubyče-Cerkiewne. Read more.
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PRAGUE
Czech government: EU emissions target still too tough for carmakers. The Czech government has called on the Commission to extend the reporting period for carmakers to meet emissions targets to five years. Read more.
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BRATISLAVA
European prosecutor: Fico reforms have had a negative impact on fraud investigations. The reform of the criminal code and the dissolution of the anti-corruption agency in Slovakia have slowed down investigations and even stopped prosecutions entirely, says Slovak European prosecutor Juraj Novocky. Read more.
NEWS FROM THE BALKANS
SOFIA
UNESCO session in Bulgaria under threat due to government inaction. The 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled for July 6-16, 2025 in Bulgaria, could be disrupted due to government inaction, MPs have warned. The Minister of Culture admitted that the organization is significantly behind schedule. More details.
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BUCHAREST
Extremist parties delay laws allowing Romania to shoot down Russian drones. Romania's three extremist parliamentary parties — AUR, SOS Romania and POT — challenged in the Constitutional Court (CCR) on Monday bills passed by parliament that would allow the country to shoot down drones that illegally enter its airspace. The appeal is blocking the laws from being passed. Read more.
AGENDAS:
- EU : Informal meeting of telecom ministers expected to focus on current cybersecurity challenges;
- Commission President Ursula von der Leyen takes part in the Strategic Dialogue on Steel;
- Enlargement Commissioner Kaja Kos holds meetings with the Standing Rapporteur on North Macedonia, Head of the EU-Montenegro Delegation and Greens/EFA Shadow Rapporteur on Kosovo Thomas Waites, EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Ambassador Peter Sørensen;
- Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius receives Albanian Defence Minister Pirro Venga;
- Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič receives Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat; holds a video conference with New Zealand Minister of Trade and Investment Todd McClay;
- Commissioner for Financial Services and the Union of Savings and Investments Maria Luis Albuquerque receives the Governor of the National Bank of Moldova Anca Dragu;
- Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Cadis delivers opening remarks at the European Ocean Days: Mission 'Restore our ocean and waters';
- Parliamentary Speaker Roberta Metsola speaks at the EPC Thought Leaders Forum.
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[Edited by Vas Panagiotopoulos, Daniel Ek, Sofia Mandilar]
Source: euractiv.com
