But first: Prepare for rising temperatures across many parts of Europe in the coming days, a trend that is prompting Brussels officials to reconsider the EU’s climate strategy, shifting focus from mitigation toward adaptation.
Meet me in Cork: Today, the College of European Commissioners, headed by President Ursula von der Leyen, will convene with Irish government representatives in Cork, reports Jorge Liboreiro on site. This traditional visit inaugurates Ireland’s six‑month rotating presidency of the EU Council; notably, Cork is the birthplace of Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
The upcoming EU budget, which Ireland must finalize before year’s end, is set to dominate discussions. Taoiseach Micheál Martin told reporters that negotiations will be “extremely challenging” and will demand “substantial” concessions from all parties.
Autumn ‘nego‑box’ expected: Crafting a seven‑year budget involves “reconciling the irreconcilable,” Martin said. In October, Ireland will unveil a revised negotiating box that emphasizes “own resources”—EU‑wide revenues designed to supplement national contributions. While all parties agree that own resources are essential to close the funding gap, there is no consensus on which mechanisms are most appropriate.
Also high on the agenda: alumina: The controversy over Irish‑produced alumina exports to Russia persists, Jorge reports. Martin stressed that considerations of employment, environmental impact, and supply‑chain security must inform any final decision. The Taoiseach pledged to disclose the results of an internal inquiry to the Commission and collaborate on a “comprehensive approach” to the core issue, though he stopped short of endorsing sanctions—a move that Kyiv has been urging.
Jorge provides a detailed analysis of the latest developments in the alumina scandal.
What else is hot in Cork? Topics on the agenda include EU enlargement, economic competitiveness, security concerns, intensifying trade tensions with China, and the newest tariff threat from Donald Trump. Discussions will also cover restrictions on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank—an issue Dublin has pursued for years but that still lacks both a qualified majority and a concrete proposal. Watch for a joint press conference later today between Ursula von der Leyen and Micheál Martin.
Also occurring today, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is scheduled to meet his Polish counterpart, Radosław Sikorski, in Warsaw to address strained Polish‑Ukrainian relations amid a diplomatic escalation.
Kyiv’s decision to rename a Ukrainian military unit in honor of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA)—a World War II formation that fought for Ukrainian independence but is remembered in Poland for the Volyn tragedy, during which tens of thousands of Polish civilians were killed—has provoked strong reactions in Warsaw.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Order of the White Eagle on June 19, prompting several senior Ukrainian officials—including Sybiha—to return Polish state honors in protest. Sikorski later described the move as “inappropriate” and argued that it humiliated Ukraine’s president.
As attention turns to the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara next week, US President Donald Trump has intensified criticism, stating on Thursday that the US relationship with NATO is “ridiculous” and “one‑sided.”
“‘Raging’ Trump: Kurt Volker, former US ambassador to NATO during Trump’s first term, told colleague Shona Murray on Thursday that Trump’s persistent complaints about European and Canadian allies are not always justified.
“Donald Trump is constantly raging about something—whether it’s European defence spending, Iran, or other issues,” Volker said in an interview with Europe Today.
“But this is unlikely to escalate into a breakdown of the NATO summit,” he added, just before Trump reiterated his long‑standing grievances with allies. “He maintains a good relationship with President Erdogan and does not wish to spoil his host’s agenda.”
Since his second inauguration, Trump has repeatedly criticized allies for insufficient defence spending, often labeling Europe as “free riders” on US military resources. Tensions reached a low after the US and Israel initiated an operation in Iran, and several nations initially denied access to bases required for the campaign.
“The current administration claims Europe wasn’t there for us,” Volker told Shona, calling the statement an exaggeration. “We had to request assistance, after which partners could choose to contribute. Moreover, we never disclosed plans to strike Iran, and then voiced disappointment that others did not join the effort.” Catch Shona’s full interview with Kurt Volker on this morning’s episode of Europe Today, the program’s flagship morning show.
Shona will be reporting from Ankara during the NATO summit scheduled for 7‑8 July.
Zelenskyy Urges Timely Delivery of Air‑Defence Systems to Save Lives
Speaking to journalists at the site of a Russian strike in Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district, Zelenskyy said that the attack underscores Ukraine’s ongoing shortage of air‑defence interceptors.
“If our partners had delivered the promised support promptly, we could have saved more homes—and, frankly, more lives,” the President said.
Zelenskyy added that Ukraine requires at least 140 Patriot missiles to counter an assault involving roughly 70 ballistic projectiles, stressing that the country is not seeking new commitments but the fulfillment of previously agreed military assistance.
Our Ukraine correspondent Sasha Vakulina has the details.
More from our newsrooms
How the Entry‑Exit System is becoming a nightmare for summer travellers across Europe: growing queues and passenger frustration have prompted airlines to call for a temporary suspension of the checks during July and August, although the Commission has so far refused to comply. Vincenzo Genovese reports.
EU institutions intensify pressure for an “ambitious” budget featuring new revenue sources: at a high‑profile conference in Brussels, representatives called on governments to endorse a long‑term budget, with Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin challenging “frugal” nations. Eleonora Vasques and Luca Bertuzzi covered the event.
A leaked EU document confirms a Hungarian espionage ring that targeted EU staff between 2012 and 2018, reigniting scrutiny of Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi and calls for his resignation. Sandor Zsiros provides details.
We’re also keeping an eye on
- European Council President Antonio Costa is attending the “Rencontres Économiques” economic forum in Aix‑en‑Provence, France, where he will share a stage with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde.
- European Commissioner for the Economy Valdis Dombrovskis continues his visit to Turkey.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joins her senior team in Cork, Ireland, as the nation commences its six‑month rotating presidency of the EU Council.
That’s it for today. We’ll be back on Monday. Sasha Vakulina, Shona Murray, Jorge Liboreiro, Marta Pacheco and Vincenzo Genovese contributed to this newsletter.