Photo : Guglielmo Mangiapane, REUTERS
By Lekshmi Muthu & Farhaz Rashid Ahmed
REGIONAL
PM Meloni, President Macron and PM Fico discuss Ukraine and resolve disputes
On 03 June, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico at the Chigi Palace in Italy. The three leaders held talks about the war in Ukraine and a permanent peace deal. Meloni received Fico first, and both leaders discussed developing bilateral relations and further cooperation in the energy sector. Meloni and Macron aimed to reconcile differences over Ukraine and other issues, emphasising the importance of European unity. They addressed topics such as security guarantees for Ukraine, trade relations, and industrial cooperation, including joint projects like the Franco-Italian carmaker Stellantis. The meeting was seen as an opportunity to find common ground on various disputes. Meloni and Fico discussed their support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They also talked about Slovakia's approach to energy security. Fico, known for his pro-Russian stance, expressed skepticism about prolonged Western support for Ukraine. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine's reconstruction, particularly in anticipation of the Ukraine Recovery Conference that Italy is set to host in July 2025. (Gavin Blackburn, "Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni meets Macron and Fico with Ukraine war topping talks agenda," Euronews, 03 June 2025)
DENMARK
Denmark quits the Frugal Four and focuses on European defence
On 03 June, Denmark quits the "Frugal Four", a conservative informal group of Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark. This decision came as Denmark wants to embrace a “more flexible” approach towards the EU. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced plans to boost Denmark's defence budget and to meet NATO's spending targets in response to growing security concerns. The decision highlighted Denmark's commitment to strengthening European security and deterrence capabilities. Denmark supplies military aid to Ukraine and is a strong supporter. Frederiksen emphasised the need for EU countries to collaborate more closely on defence matters. She also suggested that collective action is essential for the continent's security. (Jorge Liboreiro, "Denmark quits the Frugal Four to focus on rearming Europe, says PM Frederiksen," Euronews, 03 June 2025)
GERMANY
German court jails pro-Assad fighter on war crimes against humanity
On 03 June, a German court in Stuttgart gave a life sentence to a 33-year-old Syrian man for committing crimes against humanity during Syria's civil war. He led a Hezbollah-backed militia that attacked Sunni civilians in his hometown of Busra al-Sham. Verily, the man faced charges of murder, torture, and forced relocation between 2012 and 2014. Witnesses testified that he raided homes, killed a student, beat detainees, and turned them over to Assad's forces to be tortured. This led to his arrest in Baden-Württemberg in December 2023. This trial took place under Germany’s universal jurisdiction laws, which detain other Syrians who commit war crimes against Europe. (Timothy Jones, “Germany jails Syrian pro-Assad fighter over war crimes,” DW News, 03 June 2025)
Lawyer responsible for the biggest tax fraud case gets a reduction in his sentence
On 03 June, former German lawyer Kai-Uwe Steck, suspended for one year and ten months due to his role in Germany’s massive “Cum-Ex” tax fraud scandal. Though he was contributing over EUR 428 million in losses, his cooperation with authorities and whistleblower role led to a reduction in his sentence. Additionally, Steck was ordered to repay EUR 24 million as a fine. Before this, he was with Hanno Berger, as the mastermind, to carry out complex share deals enabling fake tax refund claims. While Berger was sentenced to eight years, Steck’s cooperation earned him leniency. German authorities are still investigating and trying to recover billions in missing funds. (“Key figure in largest tax fraud case in Germany's history avoids jail time,” Euronews, 3 June 2025)
Chancellor Merz defends the government's migration plans despite the court ruling
On 03 June, the Berlin Administrative Court ruled that Germany's practice of turning away asylum seekers at the border is unlawful. The ruling came after the three Somali nationals were denied entry and went to Poland. The court found that Germany failed to adhere to the EU's Dublin Regulation. According to the ruling, asylum seekers must be given due process before entry. Following the court’s ruling, German Chancellor Merz defended the efforts made by the government to turn away the asylum seekers at the borders. He said that the court’s ruling could have less room for change, but rejecting asylum seekers at the borders was well within the framework of European Law. He also stated that strict border controls are necessary to prevent illegal immigration and protect public order. (Timothy Jones, "Germany updates: Merz defiant after court migration ruling," Deutsche Welle, 03 June 2025)
HUNGARY
Government bans LGBTQ+ related events
On 03 June, Budapest police denied a request to hold a pro-LGBTQ+ event. This came after the Hungarian parliament in March 2025 banned all LGBTQ+ events. In April 2025, a constitutional amendment was released that further reinforces this stance, prioritising children's rights over freedom. The new laws permitted the use of facial recognition technology to identify participants in banned events. The participants would be fined up to EUR 500 and possibly imprisoned by the organisers. (Galvin Blackburn, "Budapest police deny request to hold rainbow parade citing LGBTQ+ march ban," Euronews, 03 June 2025)
NETHERLANDS
“I signed up for the toughest asylum policy, not the downfall of the Netherlands,” says Wilders
On 03 June, Dutch Prime Minister, Dick Schoof stepped down after his far-right coalition partner, Geert Wilders announced that his Party for Freedom (PVV) is to exit from the coalition over a migration law dispute. Wilders said that his partners were not in favour of his tough asylum plans, and there were no signatures supporting the asylum plans. He told the reporters that he was all in for the toughest asylum policy and not for the downfall of the Netherlands. Schoof responded by calling the move irresponsible and is expected to offer the cabinet’s resignation to King Willem Alexander. The coalition government serves as a temporary administration until new elections can be held. Wilders presented a radical 10-point migration plan, warning that he would leave if not accepted. Erstwhile, his coalition partners were in shock and disappointment, accusing him of putting himself before the country. Seemingly, this fragile coalition was formed after PVV's win in 2023, facing tensions before collapsing, three weeks ahead of a key NATO summit in the Hague. (“Dutch PM Dick Schoof steps down after Wilders withdraws party from coalition over migration plans,” Euronews, 03 June 2025)
POLAND
PM Donald Tusk calls for a confidence motion following Nawrocki’s victory as President
On 03 June, Karol Nawrocki's victory posed a challenge to Prime Minister Donald Tusk's centrist coalition. Karol Nawrocki, a nationalist candidate, defeated pro-European candidate Rafał Trzaskowski in Poland's presidential election by securing 50.89% of the votes. In response to the election setback, Tusk has called for a parliamentary vote of confidence, which was scheduled on 11 June to reaffirm his government's mandate. Tusk's coalition faced political factions, internal disagreements, particularly over issues like abortion law liberalisation, which have hindered the government's reform agenda. With Nawrocki's presidency, the ability to veto could lead to legislative gridlocks, complicating Tusk's efforts to implement reforms and maintain EU relations. (Aleksandra Krzysztoszek, "Tusk confidence vote set for 11 June," Euractiv, 03 June 2025)
SPAIN
Spain to cancel the deal made with Israel over the purchase of Israeli arms
On 03 June, Spain cancelled a deal to buy Israeli-made anti-tank missile systems worth EUR 285 million. This decision aims to fully disconnect from Israeli military technology. The systems were to be produced in Madrid by Pap Tecnos, a Madrid-based subsidiary of Israel's Rafael Advanced Defence Systems. The deal between Spain and Israel came a few days before Hamas attacked southern Israel in 2023. The deal announcement came following Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state in May 2024 and growing tensions over Israel’s war in Gaza. Since 2023, Spain’s leftist government has put all exports of arms on hold, but some reported that there were still some shipments. Israel’s actions on Gaza were raised by European leaders, calling for tougher measures and sanctions to be imposed upon Israel. (Gavin Blackburn, “Spain spikes contract for missiles built by Rafael in bid to move away from Israeli tech,” Euronews, 03 June 2025)
REGIONAL
EU leaders and member states struggle to agree on new EPDS chief
On 03 June, the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) mandate expired on 05 December, and six months later, EU lawmakers and member states disagree on who should take over. Candidate for the EDPS Wojciech Wiewiorowski has not reached the threshold to take on the role. The selection process has been delayed multiple times, which was supposed to happen before 05 December, following the end of Wiewiorowski’s term. The hearings took place in January after the approval of the shortlist of candidates. Politicians could not agree to select a successor as the Parliament was backing Bruno Gencarelli, while member states were supporting Wojciech Wiewiórowski for another term. Special working groups were set up, which included both institutions they did not reach any agreement. Thus, concerns were being raised over Gencarelli’s independence, as the EDPS role had never been held by a former European Commission official. In the meantime, Wiewiórowski was continuing in the role, and the EDPS office still publishes opinions on EU proposals, including on migration policy (Cynthia Kroet, “Six months without a new EU privacy chief, and still no deal in sight,” Euronews, 03 June 2025)
Eurostat releases the unemployment data, showing a drop to a new record in April
On 03 June, according to Eurostat, Eurozone unemployment rates fell to 6.2 per cent in April, from 6.3 per cent in March, matching December 2024. Several businesses benefited from input prices and stabilised inflation, as the pressure of retaining staff became easier. Another contributor to the unemployment rate is the creation of new jobs through the ongoing green and digital sectors. The number of unemployed was dropped by 207,000 in April, bringing the total to 10.7 million employed. On the other hand, the youth unemployment rate fell to a four-month low of 14.4 per cent. Germany and the Netherlands showed records of the lowest rates, at 3.6 and 3.8 per cent respectively, while Spain and France saw a rise in the levels, with 10.9 and 7.1 per cent respectively. (Indrabati Lahiri, “Eurozone unemployment drops to record low levels in April,” Euronews, 03 June 2025)
Pro-Russian actors posted fake videos via Euronews
On 03 June, pro-Russian actors posing as the staff of Euronews have posted fake videos on the health and criminal issues in Moldova. These videos attribute negatively to Moldova, including the high STD rates and illegal immigration, especially from Italy. According to one of the videos, Rome has seen a rise in the number of criminal gangs, by make false documents for the Moldovan immigrants. These actors used Euronews graphics, fake social media accounts, and an AI-generated profile. These activities are linked to the 'Matryoshka' campaign, a pro-Russian operation known for spreading disinformation by impersonating reputable media outlets and institutions. Euronews clarified that it did not produce these videos and was working to remove them from social media platforms. This incident targeted EU and NATO countries, which aimed to undermine trust in Western institutions and media. (James Thomas, "Euronews targeted by anti-Moldova disinformation campaign," Euronews, 03 June 2025)
Climate refugees are stuck in a legal void
On 03 June, Swissinfo reported that the climate refugees were left without formal international protection. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), half of the world's population resides in areas that are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. More than 220 million people have been displaced due to climate-induced natural disasters like sea level rise, droughts, floods, landslides, and wildfires over the past decade. Individuals displaced by climate-related disasters are not recognised as refugees under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. Former UN Special Rapporteurs have expressed their concern over the absence of legal frameworks to protect individuals displaced across international borders due to climate change. They fall through the cracks of existing refugee protections. There is an ongoing debate underscoring the urgency of addressing this legal void. ( Rachel Barbara Haubi, "Climate refugees left in legal limbo," Swissinfo, 03 June 2025)