Trump says land swaps key to possible Ukraine-Russia peace deal
U.S. President Donald Trump said any peace deal between Ukraine and Russia would require both sides to cede territory, ahead of his planned talks with...
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled a bold €2 trillion (about $2.3 trillion) EU budget proposal that includes new taxes on large corporations, tobacco, and electronic waste—setting the stage for intense political battles over the bloc’s financial and strategic priorities.
The plan aims to reshape Europe’s financial future, increasing defence spending fivefold, tripling border and migration funding, and doubling research investments—35% of which would go to climate and biodiversity efforts.
“It is a €2 trillion budget for a new era ... that confronts Europe’s challenges, that strengthens our independence,” she told reporters at a news conference.
A €100 billion (around $116 billion) fund is also earmarked for Ukraine, labelled by the EU's Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin, as the EU's “most strategic partner.” But backlash followed swiftly.
Environmental groups and Green MEPs criticized the elimination of the only dedicated nature protection fund, calling it a dangerous move amid the biodiversity crisis.
Farmers and members of the European Parliament were similarly alarmed by a proposed merger of flagship policies such as agricultural and regional funds, warning of severe risks to farming stability.
However, EU officials argued that €300 billion (around $349 billion) in direct payments to farmers remain untouched.
Von der Leyen said the new taxes would ease pressure on national budgets, but countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden criticized the plan as too costly.
Adding further tension, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán condemned the proposed Ukraine funding, insisting EU support should focus on farmers.
From 2028, the EU must start repaying its €750 billion ($872 billion) pandemic recovery loans, costing up to €30 billion ($35 billion) annually—double the current research budget.
The proposal requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states and the European Parliament.
The world’s biggest dance music festival faces an unexpected setback as a fire destroys its main stage, prompting a last-minute response from organisers determined to keep the party alive in Boom, Belgium.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
A resumption of Iraq’s Kurdish oil exports is not expected in the near term, sources familiar with the matter said on Friday, despite an announcement by Iraq’s federal government a day earlier stating that shipments would resume immediately.
'Superman' continued to dominate the summer box office, pulling in another $57.25 million in its second weekend, as theatres welcome a wave of blockbuster competition following a challenging few years for the film industry.
Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino on Monday reaffirmed his country’s commitment to safeguarding global trade and marine resources, warning that criminal networks would not be allowed to exploit Panama’s ship registry or maritime routes.
More than half of Indonesia’s individual stock market investors are below the age of 30, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) announced Monday, underscoring a youth-driven surge in market participation.
Colombian Senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe, who was shot in the head during a campaign rally two months ago, died early Monday at the age of 39, the hospital treating him announced.
President Donald Trump announced the deployment of 800 National Guard troops to Washington and placed the city’s police under federal control, citing what he called a surge in violent crime despite official data showing a sharp decline.
The text of the Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia has been made public.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment