European Union

EASA narrows warning to airlines over flying in Persian Gulf airspace amid renewed US-Iran strikes

EASA also extended its recommendations that airlines not operate in the airspace of Iran, Iraq and Lebanon until the end of September.

A Boeing 737 aircraft from the Irish low cost company Ryanair takes off from Toulouse Blagnac airport, in Toulouse, southern France, on May 20, 2026; Illustrative.
Tourists queue for a hot dog from Baejarins Beztu Pylsur stand ahead of a referendum on whether Iceland should resume accession negotiations with the European Union, in Reykjavik, Iceland, August 29, 2026.

Iceland rejects EU membership plan in referendum, after almost all votes were counted

An Icelandic flag flies outside Reykjavik City Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland, on August 27, 2026, two days ahead of a national referendum on whether Iceland should resume European Union accession negotiations.

Iceland votes on whether to start EU membership talks, results too close to call

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar hold a press conference at the ministry's offices in Jerusalem, May 22, 2025.

Israel hits back at 15 countries, EU over criticism of UNRWA compound seizure


Ben-Gvir banned from France, French FM Barrot says, demanding sanctions against far-right minister

"As of this day, Itamar Ben-Gvir is banned from accessing French territory," said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, as he demanded EU sanctions against the far-right minister.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir speaks to the media outside the Supreme Court in Jerusalem, April 15, 2026.

Ukraine's Zelensky says proposal of associate EU membership 'unfair'

"We are defending Europe – fully, not partially, and not with half-measures," said Zelensky. "Ukraine deserves a fair approach and equal rights within Europe."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrives to attend an informal European leaders' summit in Ayia Napa, Cyprus April 23, 2026.

Czech FM vows to block EU sanctions against Israel after meeting with FM Sa'ar

“The Czech Republic will stand by Israel from this moment on, we will not allow any more trade sanctions, even if we have to block it as a single country,” Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka stated.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Czech Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Petr Macinka holding a joint press conference in Prague on May 20, 2026.

Europe, Israel should launch commission with Trump’s help - opinion

President Trump ended eight conflicts, and the EU should ask him to lead a Truth and Reconciliation Commission that would halt the over 2,000-year-old European-Israeli conflict.

The Simon of Trent blood libel: Illustration in Hartmann Schedel’s Weltchronik, 1493

Europol intercepts tens-of-thousands of incidents tied to IRGC-related terrorist content

The IRGC, designated a terrorist group by the EU in February, had created an online presence to spread propaganda, recruit supporters, and raise funds.

This general view shows the exterior of the European Union (EU) police agency Europol headquarters in The Hague on March 28, 2026.

Turkey’s strategy for long-term dominance in the Middle East - opinion

After Assad’s fall, Turkey is quietly building a new sphere of influence across Syria.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accompanied by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, meets with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Ankara, last April. Ankara is quietly assembling the architecture of permanent regional power, the writer says.

Russia's parliament passes bill giving Putin more power to invade foreign countries

A bill proposed by Russia's Duma would let the Kremlin send troops abroad to “protect” Russian citizens who are facing arrest, detention, or any other form of perceived persecution.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting on economic issues in Moscow, Russia, May 15, 2026.

Israel just united Europe together to oppose settler violence - opinion

Europe remains Israel’s largest trading partner and one of its most important scientific and cultural partners. Alienating Europe carries tangible costs.

An Israeli flag flutters, with Ma'aleh Adumim is visible in the background, in the West Bank, August 14, 2025.

Delegitimization in action: EU’s distorted narrative on settler violence - comment

Europe can criticize Israel, just as Israel can criticize Europe. But when that criticism crosses the line into moral distortion, it loses credibility.

View of the settlement of Sa-Nur in the West Bank, April 19, 2026.

EU aviation agency extends its recommendation against flying to Israel, Gulf states

The EASA cited risks of "ongoing military activity" in the region, recommending a halt on flights to Israel and the Middle East and Persian Gulf region as a whole. 

An Airbus A320-271N aircraft by German airline Lufthansa city prepares to land at the Frankfurt International Airport, Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on May 6, 2026.