EUROPE DIPLOMATIC

Kallas demands more funds for defence

Brussels 28.01.2026 The European Union must improve its defence and make Nato “more European to maintain its strength”, because the U.S. has changed the transatlantic relationship to its foundation, the EU’s top diplomat has said. We want strong trans-Atlantic ties.But Europe needs to adapt to new realities. It is no longer Washington’s primary centre of…

BRAFA 2026: optimistic outlook

Brussels 26.01.2026 As a barometer for the art market, the opening days of the 71st edition of BRAFA indicate an utmost promising start to 2026. The atmosphere among the 147 exhibitors is exceptionally positive and, during the first three days – by invitation only and reserved for the fair’s most loyal collectors – several major…

U.S. fleet in Gulf of Oman

Brussels 26.01.2026 A United States aircraft carrier strike group is heading towards the Gulf while tensions build with Iran. The U.S. military last deployed a major build-up in the Middle East in June last year days before striking three Iranian nuclear sites during Israel’s 12-day war against Ayatollah’s regime. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (#IRGC)…

Belligerent EU doubts Board of Peace?

Brussels 25.01.2026 The EU’s diplomatic service (EEAS) points to legal concerns about the charter underpinning Donald Trump’s new Board of Peace initiative, according to Reuters news agency. Trump has billed his new intergovernmental organisation, signed into existence on January 22 in Davos, Switzerland, as a forum for resolving global conflicts, but there was a lukewarm…

Mark Rutte “Trump whisperer”

Brussels 25.01.2026 This week in Davos Finnish President Alexander Stubb was asked at the World Economic Forum (WEF) who or what can release rising tensions between the U.S. and its NATO allies over President Trump’s intention to take over Greenland, the world’s largest island beloning to the Kingdom of Denmark. NATO chief cements "Trump whisperer"…

Donbass in focus of Abu-Dhabi talks

Brussels 23.01.2026 The diplomatic talks startted today in Abu Dhabi and are scheduled to continue over two days, as part of ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis,” the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said territorial disputes would be a central issue…

BRAFA 2026: celebrating masterpieces

Brussels 22.01.2026 An anniversary celebrated through masterpieces and stories. Two reasons to celebrate for the King Baudouin Foundation: the Foundation is not only turning fifty in 2026, but was also invited to be the guest of honour at the 71st edition of the prestigious BRAFA art fair. A remarkable accolade for the King Baudouin Foundation…

Greenland: EU Ambassadors Emergency meeting

Brussels 18.01.2026 Today, following president’s Trump’s intentions to impose tariffs on allies, opposing the takeover of Greenland, the European Union called an emergency meeting for 17:00 in Brussels (16:00 GMT) on Sunday. The meeting will involve ambassadors from the EU’s 27 countries. President Donald Trump intentions to impose fresh tariffs on eight allies opposing to…

Paraguay: EU-Mercosur free trade singed

Brussels 17.01.2026 European and South American officials have signed a major free trade agreement, paving the way for the European Union’s largest-ever deal amid tariff threats and deepening uncertainty around global cooperation. [ES] 🤝 Comunicado Conjunto sobre la firma del Acuerdo de Asociación entre el MERCOSUR y la Unión Europea [PT] 🤝 Comunicado Conjunto sobre…

Greenland: Rubio heading to Copenhagen

Brussels 12.01.2026 Trump administration officials are going to meet with Danish officials about Greenland this week. The meeting, which has not been officially announced, occurs after Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress last week that President Trump is interested in purchasing the Danish territory. The White House also said Tuesday officials are discussing a…