EU leaders remain divided over a nearly €2 trillion budget, proposed spending cuts and new levies on digital services, crypto assets and online gambling.
Finland is pressing the EU to halt Russian tourist visas, turning travel policy into a test of sanctions strategy and bloc-wide coordination.
Raids in Germany and Austria point to tougher enforcement against alleged third-country routes for vehicle exports to Russia.
Austria plans to extend mandatory military service to nine months and introduce recurring training to strengthen defense amid increased security threats in Europe.
The Communist Party of Austria solidified its leading position in Graz’s municipal elections, leveraging pragmatic housing policies and moderate discourse amid a complex political landscape.
Alleged children of Vladimir Putin and Alina Kabaeva are educated by Western governesses in a covert and costly language program, reflecting Kremlin’s private education strategy.
The EU and Mercosur provisionally launch a free trade agreement unlocking new market opportunities while facing legal, environmental, and political challenges.