Bart De Wever

EU weighs direct Putin talks as frustration grows over U.S. peace push

EU leaders are preparing to launch formal accession negotiations with Ukraine within weeks to months, marking a significant geopolitical shift as the war-torn nation seeks integration into Western institutions amid ongoing Russian conflict.

Belgium's Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot urged the EU to impose stricter sanctions on Israel, including partial suspension of their Association Agreement, citing human rights violations and settlement expansion, though Germany and Hungary block consensus measures.

The EU may change its diplomatic approach due to internal issues undermining its foreign policy effectiveness.

US President Donald Trump announced a message to the Iranian people. Europe is battling a fresh energy shock after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz.

EU leaders refused to join the US-Israel military campaign. The conflict has caused rising oil and gas prices.

European leaders' meeting focuses on US-Iran fallout. The meeting was initially about the economy. A discussion on the Iran attack is now front and center.

The EU has rejected US calls to deploy naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz. EU foreign ministers stressed no intention of engaging militarily with Iran. A diplomatic solution is prioritized.

Russia deployed Tu-95MS and Tu-160 bombers to launch cruise missiles into Ukraine. The attack occurred on the night of March 13 and early morning of March 14.

Belgium's Constitutional Court suspends stricter asylum rules, citing potential harm to migrants and families, in a blow to the government's migration policy

The Netherlands is pushing EU negotiations to deploy €210 billion in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's defense, backed by Baltic and Nordic states, though Belgium, France, Italy, and others resist due to legal and retaliation concerns.

EU Commission to draw up blueprint for invoking mutual assistance clause

Orban lost Hungary's election, but his ideology remains.

EU leaders agreed Friday to provide Ukraine a $105 billion interest-free loan from capital markets through 2027, choosing to borrow funds rather than use frozen Russian assets, amid complex legal and political concerns from Belgium and other member states.

US President Donald Trump called NATO countries 'cowards' for refusing to send forces. Trump wants to secure oil transit in the Strait of Hormuz. He warned them he will 'remember' the rejection.

Hungary's Viktor Orban blocks a key Ukraine loan. The loan is stalled as Russia's war continues. A resolution is pending at the EU summit.

The European Union is addressing rising oil and gas prices due to the Middle East war. Prices are soaring.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever called for the EU to normalize relations with Russia. He stated that an agreement with Moscow is the only viable solution.

Belgium's minister Bart De Wever asked the EU to instruct member states to negotiate with Russia. This comes after Moscow failed to end the war with Ukraine.

Belgium halted its nuclear reactor decommissioning and will negotiate state takeover with operator Engie, reversing the 2025 exit decision to secure energy independence and reduce fossil fuel reliance.

EU leaders met in Cyprus to discuss easing Iran sanctions if the country reopens the Strait of Hormuz, addressing global energy price spikes caused by Iranian threats blocking crucial oil and gas shipping routes.

Multiple EU states, led by Germany and Sweden, are pushing to eliminate the unanimity rule that allows any single member to block foreign policy decisions, citing Hungary's repeated vetoes on Ukraine aid and Russia sanctions as demonstrating the urgent need for reform.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for strengthened European and NATO defense capabilities, citing the Gaza ceasefire and Russian threats, while proposing using 140 billion euros in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukrainian weapons as Europe must assertively exercise its collective power.

EU leaders refused to join the US-Israel military campaign. The conflict has caused rising oil and gas prices.

EU leaders refused to join US and Israel's military campaigns. They met in Brussels to address rising oil and gas prices. A concrete next step is not specified.

Europe is caught in the Iran conflict. The US requested support, but Europe refused. Europe faces challenges as the conflict prolongs.

Belgian Prime Minister warns EU of unfavorable deal if excluded from Ukraine peace talks. EU risks losing negotiating power.

The EU has extended sanctions against Russians. Six people were killed in attacks on Ukraine. The EU is maintaining pressure after the US lifted sanctions on Russian oil exports.