EU Weekly Update: Security, Sanctions, and Shifting Policies Across Europe

Last week was a defining moment for the European Union, as the region navigated major developments in security, environmental regulation, technology, and geopolitical tensions. From decisive moves on frozen Russian assets and border defense strategies to disputes over chemical regulations and alleged foreign election interference, the EU demonstrated both its challenges and its resilience. Each of these events carries significance not only for Europe but also for its role on the global stage.

EU pushes for use of frozen Russian assets to assist Ukraine

• A major flashpoint this week was the EU’s plan to redirect up to €200 billion from frozen Russian funds toward supporting Ukraine’s war effort. Germany—long cautious about outright seizure—began expressing openness to this idea, signaling a shift in posture.

• The proposal aims to issue EU-backed bonds funded by the frozen assets’ capital, rather than using just the interest. That way, the bloc hopes to avoid legal entanglements linked to outright confiscation.

• The move reflects mounting urgency: with pressure rising on U.S. support and with EU member states looking for ways to sustain military and reconstruction backing for Ukraine, the assets plan might become a central tool.

Drone wall: EU advances border air-defense plans

• Bordering Russia and Ukraine, several EU countries have experienced repeated incursions of drones and low-flying military craft. In response, EU defense ministers agreed to press ahead with a “drone wall”—a layered system to detect, track, and intercept such aerial threats using radars, acoustic sensors and counter-drone technologies.

• This defense measure was formally endorsed during a recent meeting among 10 Central and Eastern European states plus Ukraine. It now enters a phase of funding, procurement planning, and deployment.
  Alongside that, discussions are underway for a €140 billion interest-free loan to Ukraine, financed through returns on frozen Russian central bank assets—distinct from seizing the principal.
  The drone wall and the financing proposal are slated to be key agenda items at the next informal EU summit in Copenhagen.

Apple escalates pressure on EU’s Digital Markets Act

• Last week, Apple publicly demanded the repeal of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a landmark EU law aimed at regulating the dominance of major tech firms. Apple argues that compliance with interoperability, app routing, and third-party access clauses has delayed feature rollouts—for instance, functions in Maps, AirPods, and iPhone linking across devices.

• The tech giant warns that the DMA stifles innovation and poses privacy and security risks (for example, from sideloading). In response, the European Commission has opened a review period for the DMA’s effectiveness and possible revisions.

• Meanwhile, pressure from U.S. political and business circles is mounting—some voices threaten retaliatory trade measures if the DMA is perceived to unfairly burden American technology companies.

EU delays its anti-deforestation regulation again

• Another substantive policy shift: the EU has postponed the launch of its anti-deforestation law by one more year. Originally planned to restrict imports of commodities (like palm oil, soy or beef) tied to deforestation, the legislation is now deferred amid trade, industry, and enforcement challenges.
  According to the Environment Commissioner, complications in supply chain certification, trade partner objections, and concerns about competitiveness are among the causes for the deferral.

EU reaffirms multilateralism at U.N. General Assembly

• Between 21 and 25 September, EU leaders participated in the 80th United Nations General Assembly, using the platform to reaffirm their commitment to international cooperation, human rights, and climate action.

• President von der Leyen announced a €200 million contribution for school meals in Ukraine, spoke on protecting children online, and engaged in bilateral talks, including with China’s premier. EU representation was broad and coordinated.

EU contemplates accelerating ban on Russian LNG under new sanctions

• As part of its next sanctions package (the 19th), the European Commission is exploring a sooner-than-planned ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. Currently, some EU countries still rely on Russian LNG, though the share has fallen since 2022.

• This step would tighten energy dependence dynamics, especially for nations like Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands, which still import Russian gas in certain volumes.

EU strengthens legal cooperation on cross-border crime

• Last week also saw movement on the judicial front. Specialized prosecutors convened through Eurojust to coordinate strategies against human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Parallel efforts led to an agreement between the EU and Ecuador on combating serious transnational crime and a political accord tightening the role of Europol in handling migrant smuggling cases.

EU institutions reach provisional deal to update water pollution rules

• On 23 September 2025, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament struck a provisional agreement to revise the list of priority substances in surface waters and groundwater. The updated list will now include more pesticides, pharmaceuticals, bisphenols, and several PFAS (so-called “forever chemicals”). Member States will have to monitor and eventually limit these newly listed pollutants. However, the timeline for compliance is extended: many states will not be required to meet stricter thresholds until 2039, with possible delays until 2045 under certain conditions.

Poland bans Moldovan pro-Russian politician Irina Vlah

• On 25 September 2025, Poland announced it would bar Irina Vlah, a Moldovan politician, from entering its territory for five years. The Polish foreign ministry accused Vlah of participating in Russian interference efforts in Moldova’s upcoming parliamentary elections. Vlah leads the pro-Russian Heart of Moldova Republican Party and is a figure in the Patriotic Electoral Bloc. She has already been banned from Canada and Lithuania on similar grounds.

Raids and detentions in Moldova over alleged Russian election financing

• In the days ahead of Moldova’s parliamentary election, authorities conducted more than 30 raids, detaining at least one person in connection with alleged Russian funding of a political party.
  The National Anticorruption Center and prosecutors in the city of Bălți say they uncovered cryptocurrency transfers later converted into cash. The total funds under investigation run into millions of Moldovan lei.

Moldova’s prime minister accuses Russia of attempting to “take power.”

• 3 days before the election, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean publicly accused Russia of mounting an interference campaign to influence the outcome of the vote.
  He claimed tactics included cyberattacks, vote-buying, disinformation, and plans for public unrest, and linked these efforts to fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, who he says is coordinating pro-Russian influence operations.

EU regulatory body under scrutiny over “forever chemicals” consultant ties

• The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has come under fire for employing Ramboll, a consultancy that simultaneously had business relationships with chemical manufacturers that oppose stricter PFAS regulation. Critics argue this presents a conflict of interest: Ramboll had previously produced reports for firms like 3M, Honeywell, and Plastics Europe, raising questions about neutrality in advising ECHA.

EU scales back plan for PFAS ban, triggering criticism

• In the past week, the EU published a revised roadmap on PFAS regulations, substantially loosening the earlier ambitions. The new proposal includes 86 exemptions and allows continued PFAS use in sectors deemed under “controlled” risk.

• Several major industrial and military applications are excluded from the stricter rules. NGOs and scientists have criticized the changes as a weakening of environmental protection efforts.

The European Union stands at a crossroads where security, sovereignty, and sustainability intersect. The past week revealed a continent taking bold steps to protect its borders, confront hybrid threats, and define its regulatory path amid pressure from both corporations and foreign powers. While some policies show delays or compromises, others signal Europe’s determination to lead on defense and governance. The decisions made now will shape not only the Union’s future but also the global balance of power and environmental accountability in the years ahead.

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