European Union

Commissioned by Sweden's conservative government, history professor and author Lars Trädgårdh has put together and presented a proposal for a Swedish "cultural canon": a list of 100 major achievements in the areas of literature, theatre, cinema, music, religion, business and inventions. Sweden's press is divided over the significance and purpose of the list.

Swiss food company Nestlé has dismissed its CEO Laurent Freixe with immediate effect just one year after he took office. Freixe was dismissed for having an undisclosed 'romantic relationship' with a female employee who reported directly to him, according to the company. The board of directors saw this as a clear violation of Nestlé's code of conduct and internal guidelines.

While most of Europe was already off holidaying, the European Food Safety Authority quietly released its long-awaited scientific opinion on the welfare of mink, foxes, raccoon dogs and chinchillas kept for fur production.

In today's edition: Donald Trump saying he's "very disappointed" in Vladimir Putin as peace talks stall, Slovak PM Robert Fico set to pass on "several messages" to Kyiv after meeting Russia’s leader, and the Commission preparing to formally propose the EU-Mercosur deal

The European Parliament’s latest Eurobarometer survey reveals citizens’ high expectations regarding the EU and its post-2027 budget.

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The European Parliament’s latest Eurobarometer survey reveals citizens’ high expectations regarding the EU and its post-2027 budget.

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Visiting India, Johann Wadephul looks the other way as Modi hugs dictators

Poland and Sweden cement growing military ties with a new defence pact, as Swedish Gripens and troops boost NATO’s eastern flank amid rising regional tensions

After a private talk with Putin in China, Slovakia’s Fico says he’ll deliver the Russian leader’s “messages” to Zelenskyy – stirring diplomatic unease ahead of their first face-to-face meeting

As President Nawrocki makes his diplomatic debut in Washington, Poland eyes a seat at the G20 table – backed by record GDP and quiet coordination between Tusk’s government and the presidency

As Sánchez heads to London, Spain and the UK prepare to sign a landmark post-Brexit pact deepening ties on trade, climate and migration—marking a turning point in bilateral relations

If Europe started the year with a long to-do list, at least there was optimism for a "European Moment". That hope now seems further off than ever