Teacher in Hungary facing criminal charges for organising Pride event

European ministers are convening to discuss stricter migration policies, including measures against smuggling and deportations, amid rising influence from far-right parties and criticism from Donald Trump. The EU is also preparing a significant overhaul of its asylum system, which has sparked debates about human rights implications.

Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Europe, labeling it as 'weak' and 'decaying' during a recent interview, coinciding with the release of a new U.S. national security strategy that challenges European leaders' expectations regarding the Ukraine conflict and calls for an end to NATO expansion.

Tensions between Donald Trump and European leaders have escalated following his recent remarks labeling Europe as 'weak' and 'decaying.' This criticism comes in the wake of a Ukraine peace plan drafted without EU consultation, further straining transatlantic relations. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell characterized Trump's comments as a 'declaration of political war,' highlighting the seriousness of the rift.

Germany's far-right party, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), has responded to claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Europe's 'civilisational erasure' by advocating for a nationalist revival across the continent. Party spokesperson Markus Frohnmaier emphasized their commitment to a conservative renaissance and announced upcoming meetings with U.S. MAGA Republicans.

The European Commission has proposed to exempt AI gigafactories and datacentres from mandatory environmental impact assessments, marking a significant shift in EU environmental policy aimed at accelerating critical project approvals. This proposal is part of a broader initiative to dismantle existing green regulations, which has raised concerns among environmental advocates.

The UK has aligned with several hardline European governments in advocating for the constraining of human rights laws, aiming to facilitate Rwanda-style migration agreements and increase the deportation of foreign criminals. This unofficial statement has been signed by 27 of the 46 Council of Europe members, including Hungary and Italy, and seeks to redefine what constitutes 'inhuman and degrading treatment'.

American executives, including former President Donald Trump, have expressed agreement that European regulations are overly burdensome, presenting an opportunity to influence EU policy as the bloc aims to reduce red tape.

Thirteen Labour MPs voted in favor of initiating discussions on the UK potentially rejoining the EU customs union, as part of a bill proposed by the Liberal Democrats. The vote resulted in a tie, with 100 MPs supporting and 100 opposing the measure, highlighting a divided stance on this issue within Parliament.