EU and donors launch 883.6 million euro fund for Gaza
The initial funding will clear rubble and restore water, sanitation, health, energy, agriculture and food services.
The Straits Times, Republika +1
Subject
#Brussels
EU clears US tariff pact before Trump’s July 4 deadline
What’s new: The deal adds EU safeguards, including a suspension option and a sunset clause at the end of 2029.
Bloomberg, The Straits Times
ECB holds to measured path as Lagarde cools bets on bigger rate move
What's new: Traders cut year-end hike bets to 33 basis points from 37, while Germany's 2-year yield fell 6 basis points.
European Union opens direct diplomatic channel to Russia on Ukraine
New: Brussels rejects a mediator role, while the direct-contact plan exposes divisions among EU leaders.
Republika, Antara News
Hegseth orders 6-month review of US forces in Europe at NATO
What's new: He tied the review to how quickly European allies assume more of the continent's defense burden.
NPR, Tribunnews +2
Hegseth opens 6-month review of US troop presence in Europe
Why it matters: The Pentagon tied future US forces and NATO funding to whether allies meet higher defense-spending goals.
Costa’s Kremlin outreach splits EU leaders at Brussels summit
Why it matters: The dispute highlights how the EU remains divided over whether to test direct contacts with Moscow as the Ukraine war drags on.
Bloomberg, The Straits Times
EU weighs tariffs and new trade tools as China deficit tops €1 billion a day
What's next: EU leaders meeting June 18 in Brussels are set to map out trade talks with Beijing and supply-chain moves in critical sectors.
NATO moves to modernize nuclear forces and planning capacity
Why it matters: The step reinforces the alliance’s deterrence posture as ministers call nuclear forces the top guarantee of allied security.
Hegseth opens 6-month Europe force review, presses NATO on spending
What's new: NATO says Europe and Canada will spend more than $90 billion extra on defense in 2025, up nearly 20% from 2024.
The Straits Times, CNBC
NATO allies move to replace US force cuts ahead of July summit
What's new: US commitments to NATO reportedly drop across jets, drones, tankers, ships and bombers as Europe and Canada add assets.
Bloomberg, The Straits Times
NATO to cut Kosovo peace mission troop levels over next year
What's next: The reductions will track troop rotation cycles and can be reversed if security conditions worsen.
EU orders Meta to reopen WhatsApp to rival AI bots within 5 days
Why it matters: Brussels can fine Meta up to 10% of annual turnover if it defies the interim antitrust order.
EU weighs 3-source rule to curb China supply dependence
What's next: EU leaders are set to discuss economic security on June 18-19 as the Commission reviews tougher trade defenses.
Bloomberg, The Straits Times