Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa received Aleksandar Vučić for dinner on Tuesday. This is although hundreds of thousands of citizens and students in Serbia have been taking to the streets for months against the authoritarian president and demanding his resignation. In today’s Opinion, Dušan Reljić wonders whether the EU leadership will at least speak plainly to Vučić behind closed doors.
By Stephan Israel
Further talks are to begin today, Monday, in Riyadh in the US' attempts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. For the first time, representatives of both parties to the conflict are to be present. Moscow is dispensing with top diplomats, but is sending a special FSB representative.
By Viktor Funk
The implementation of sanctions against Russia has so far been the responsibility of the EU member states. The Commission is now apparently considering centralizing some tasks. It cites an agency of the US Treasury Department as a model.
By Manuel Berkel
Europe is not well enough equipped for economic disputes with Russia, China or the new Trump administration, write the authors of a study. They propose a new network of authorities to coordinate the monitoring of sanctions, for example.
By Till Hoppe
Together with the Netherlands, most Eastern Europeans and Scandinavians, Germany supports Kaja Kallas' military aid package for Ukraine. However, France, Spain and Italy are facing difficulties in view of their empty coffers.
By Stephan Israel
Veterans of the Serbian army's special forces were among the demonstrators in Belgrade last weekend. Students showed their solidarity.
By Sarah Schaefer
In Moscow, Vladimir Putin has signaled his willingness to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. However, with reservations. In Washington, Donald Trump received NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who praised the US President for his commitment to a peace solution.
By Viktor Funk
The EU member states could back plans to increase tariffs on fertilizers from Russia and Belarus. However, resistance is coming from the agricultural sector.
By Julia Dahm
An immediate ceasefire would have no advantages for Moscow at present. Vladimir Putin's regime will drive the price higher.
By Viktor Funk
Talks on a possible ceasefire for Ukraine and its form are taking place in various formats. The issue of peacekeeping forces is becoming increasingly important.
By Wilhelmine Stenglin
