EU Weekly Roundup: Major Non-Entertainment News Events That Shaped the European Union

The European Union continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global policy, environmental strategy, technological regulation, and human rights. Last week, the continent witnessed a series of developments that carried significant weight — from Hungary’s controversial judicial decision to robust commitments to digital transparency and climate responsibility. While mainstream entertainment dominates much of the media cycle, these non-entertainment stories deserve focused attention. Here’s a human-centered recap of the EU’s key actions, challenges, and milestones from last week.

EU Faces Renewed Trade Tensions with Trump

• Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on all EU imports, citing a $235.6 billion trade deficit in 2024 and accusing the EU of exploiting the U.S. through unfair trade practices. EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Maroš Šefčovič, condemned the move, emphasizing a preference for negotiation over confrontation and warning of a detrimental trade war.

Austria Calls for Overhaul of EU Asylum Rules

• Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker has called for a complete overhaul of the EU's asylum rules, arguing that they are outdated and contribute to the rise of far-right anti-immigration sentiments. His government has enacted stricter immigration measures, such as limiting family reunifications for refugees, citing concerns over youth crime and pressure on schools. Human rights groups criticize these claims as exaggerated and oppose Austria’s attempt to derogate from EU asylum standards.

EU Invests $566 Million to Attract Global Scientists

• In response to U.S. budget cuts in science funding, the EU unveiled the "Choose Europe for Science" initiative, allocating $566 million from 2025 to 2027 to attract foreign researchers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron announced the plan at Sorbonne University, emphasizing the EU's commitment to becoming a global hub for scientific research and innovation.

EU & Ukraine Deepen Space Cooperation

• The EU and Ukraine signed an agreement enabling Ukraine’s participation in three key components of the European Union Space Programme: Copernicus, Space Weather Events (SWE), and Near-Earth Objects (NEO) subcomponents. This step further strengthens the longstanding partnership between the EU and Ukraine in the domain of space.

EU Launches €800 Billion Defence Initiative

• The EU announced "Readiness 2030," a strategic defence initiative aimed at enhancing the EU's military capabilities. The plan seeks to mobilize up to €800 billion to strengthen Europe's defence infrastructure in response to geopolitical threats, notably the ongoing war in Ukraine and uncertainties over U.S. military support.

EU Takes Legal Action on Energy Policy Compliance

• The European Commission initiated infringement procedures against several member states, including Denmark and Estonia, for failing to fully transpose EU rules accelerating permitting procedures for renewable energy projects. Additionally, reasoned opinions were sent to multiple countries, including Belgium, Bulgaria, and Spain, for not fully implementing the revised EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS) directive.

Political Turmoil Continues in Slovakia

• Large-scale protests erupted in Slovakia following Prime Minister Robert Fico's surprise visit to Moscow and subsequent allegations of a potential coup attempt. Fico claimed that his political opposition was coordinating with foreign entities to orchestrate the overthrow of his government. Opposition leaders and protest organizers categorically rejected these allegations, characterizing them as attempts to intimidate the Slovak population.

Belgium's New Prime Minister Sets Ambitious Agenda

• Bart De Wever was officially sworn in as Prime Minister of Belgium on 3 February 2025, becoming the first Flemish nationalist and eurosceptic politician to serve in this role. His government plans to focus on welfare and tax reform, stricter immigration policies, reductions in EU regulations, expanding nuclear power, and increasing Belgium's defence spending to 2% of GDP by 2029 to meet NATO commitments.

Hungary Moves to Withdraw from International Criminal Court

• On May 20, 2025, the Hungarian National Assembly approved a bill to initiate the country's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), marking Hungary as the first EU member state to take such action. The decision has sparked concerns among EU officials and human rights organizations about Hungary's commitment to international justice and the potential implications for the EU's collective stance on human rights enforcement.

German Intelligence Labels AfD as Right-Wing Extremist

• Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution designated the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a right-wing extremist organization on May 2, 2025. In response, the AfD filed a lawsuit on May 5, accusing the agency of violating constitutional rights and suppressing legitimate political discourse. This development intensifies the debate over political extremism and freedom of expression within Germany and the broader EU.

EU and Côte d’Ivoire Implement Timber Trade Agreement

• The European Union and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire have announced the entry into force of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) on forest law enforcement, governance, and trade in timber products. This agreement aims to ensure that timber exported to the EU complies with legal and sustainable practices, reflecting the EU's commitment to combating illegal logging and promoting environmental sustainability.

European Health Data Space Regulation Comes into Effect

• The European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation officially entered into force on March 26, 2025. This regulation aims to empower EU citizens with greater control over their personal health data and facilitate access to health data for research and policy-making purposes. By standardizing electronic health records across member states, the EHDS seeks to enhance interoperability and support advancements in healthcare delivery and innovation.

EU Proposes New Road Safety & Emission Regulations

• The European Commission has proposed new regulations to improve road safety and reduce air pollution across the EU. Key measures include mandatory periodic technical inspections for electric vehicles, digitalization of vehicle registration processes, and the implementation of advanced emission testing methods to identify high-emitting vehicles. These initiatives aim to modernize transportation infrastructure and promote environmental sustainability.

EU Fines Apple and Meta for Digital Markets Act Violations

• The European Commission has fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million for failing to comply with obligations under the EU Digital Markets Act. The fines underscore the EU's commitment to enforcing regulations that prevent large digital platforms from abusing their market power and ensure fair competition within the digital marketplace.

EU Commits Over €300 Million to Ocean Conservation

• At the Our Ocean Conference held in Busan, the European Union pledged over €300 million towards ocean conservation efforts. The funding will support initiatives aimed at protecting marine biodiversity, combating pollution, and promoting sustainable fisheries, reflecting the EU's dedication to environmental stewardship and global ecological responsibility.

Estonia Expresses Readiness to Support Ukraine with Deterrent Force

• Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced on April 30, 2025, that Estonia is prepared to contribute to a European deterrent force in support of Ukraine. The assistance could include deploying a combat unit, military trainers, and staff officers, demonstrating Estonia's commitment to regional security and solidarity with Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

EU Hosts Cybersecurity Innovation Event in Vienna

• On May 15, 2025, the National Coordination Centre of Austria organized a community event titled "Innovation in Cybersecurity: From Research to the Market" in Vienna. The event focused on facilitating the transfer of cybersecurity research into practical applications, featuring keynotes, success stories, and discussions on funding opportunities. It highlighted the EU's efforts to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

While headlines often spotlight domestic politics or cultural events, these less publicized yet powerful developments reflect the EU’s broader mission — one that balances democratic values, digital integrity, environmental sustainability, and collective security. From reinforcing human rights to holding tech giants accountable, last week's actions show the European Union is deeply engaged in both internal reforms and international leadership. Each event, distinct yet interconnected, signals that Europe is preparing not just for the challenges of today but for the future it wants to lead.

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