Key facts
- The US and Iran have engaged in reciprocal strikes, increasing regional tensions.
- The EU is strengthening security partnerships in the Horn of Africa.
- The European Commission will publish its annual Rule of Law Report.
- The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled in favor of Spain's amnesty law.
- Preparations are underway for the World Cup final.
Middle East tensions have intensified with the US and Iran exchanging strikes, abandoning a prior ceasefire agreement. This escalation is a central focus as Europe also turns its attention to security and the rule of law.
In the Horn of Africa, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visited Ethiopia and Djibouti to bolster the bloc's security partnerships and support naval operations in the Red Sea. Concurrently, the European Commission is preparing to release its annual Rule of Law Report, which will assess democratic principles, judicial independence, and media freedom across the EU.
Further legal developments include the Court of Justice of the European Union's decision to uphold Spain's amnesty law, a ruling that could impact the legal proceedings against former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont. On the sporting front, anticipation is building for the World Cup final, with EU Sport Commissioner Glenn Micallef expected to discuss the tournament's global influence.