Key facts
- Marine Le Pen declared her candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election despite a fraud conviction.
- US President Donald Trump suggested Greenland should be part of the United States, drawing a swift rejection from Denmark.
- European leaders are working to finalize a new package of sanctions against Russia.
- Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged NATO membership, stating the country is now a security provider.
- EU officials are discussing ways to increase European responsibility within NATO and reduce reliance on the US.
European political leaders are navigating a complex agenda at multiple summits, with significant developments in France, Turkey, and Brussels.
In France, far-right politician Marine Le Pen announced her intention to run in the 2027 presidential election, despite a recent fraud conviction being upheld by an appeals court. She stated her commitment to pursuing further appeals to prove her innocence.
Meanwhile, at the NATO summit in Ankara, US President Donald Trump reignited controversy by suggesting Greenland should belong to the United States, a proposal swiftly rejected by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Trump also criticized European allies for perceived abandonment regarding Iran and denied access to military bases. European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, emphasized the need for Europe to assume greater responsibility within the alliance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continued his push for NATO membership, asserting Ukraine's role as a security provider and requesting more air defense systems, including Patriots, while urging Europe to develop its own alternatives.
In Brussels, EU ambassadors are working towards finalizing a 21st package of sanctions against Russia, facing remaining disagreements on issues like the oil price cap and entry bans for Russian soldiers. Separately, discussions on EU enlargement are ongoing, with a focus on opening accession clusters for Serbia and North Macedonia, though progress is hampered by internal divisions and requirements for constitutional amendments.
Additional news from the European Parliament includes MEPs approving free cabin luggage and delay compensation for air passengers, and a letter calling for an investigation into FIFA's decision regarding a red card suspension.