eu foreign ministers

European Union foreign ministers have imposed new sanctions on Israeli settlers and organizations for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, ending Hungary's previous blockade. This move, targeting extremist settler groups and their leaders, comes amid rising violence and settlement expansion. Israel has condemned the sanctions, calling them morally bankrupt and antisemitic.

The European Union was expected Monday to agree new sanctions on Israeli settlers over violence against Palestinians, the bloc's top diplomat said, as a change of government in Hungary ends months of blockage. "I expect political agreement on the sanctions on violent settlers, hopefully we will get there," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said ahead of a meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Netherlands for the second leg of his five-nation tour, aiming to deepen bilateral ties. He will hold talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, call on King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, and address the Indian community.

India and Sweden have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership, signing an action plan for 2026-2030 covering green transition, technology, trade, and defence. Prime Minister Modi emphasized shared democratic values and innovation, highlighting growing defence cooperation moving beyond a buyer-seller dynamic. Discussions also explored strengthening supply chains and sustainable mobility.

Europe Day, celebrated on May 9th by the EU and May 5th by the Council of Europe, commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 1950. This pivotal proposal by Robert Schuman aimed to foster peace by uniting France and West Germany's coal and steel production, laying the groundwork for the modern European Union.

Government sources indicate no immediate plans to hike gold and silver import duties, despite calls to curb non-essential gold purchases. Meanwhile, India anticipates US trade talks addressing pending issues, including a Section 301 probe, though a comprehensive deal remains distant. India has contested US allegations of structural overcapacity, urging the termination of the investigation.

In a landmark decision, the European Union has greenlit an impressive €90 billion loan to Ukraine alongside a new wave of sanctions targeting Russia, effectively breaking a prolonged deadlock. This vital financial support, designated for military and fiscal stability, follows Hungary and Slovakia's recent agreement to resume oil flows through a major pipeline.

France is ditching Microsoft Windows for Linux, a significant step in Europe's push for digital sovereignty and reduced reliance on American tech giants. This move, aimed at regaining control over data and digital infrastructure, aligns with broader EU efforts to lessen dependence on foreign technology. The initiative begins with government digital agencies, signaling a strategic shift in national digital policy.

Jaishankar said on X he raised Global South’s concerns about energy challenges, fertiliser supplies and food security in the session on global governance. “The uncertainties arising from the conflict in West Asia only make a stronger case for more resilient trade corridors and supply chains,” he said. Jaishankar said on X India’s FTAs with the EU, EFTA members and the UK have enhanced the utility of IMEC.

Hungary's prime minister said Wednesday that Budapest would phase out gas deliveries to Ukraine, the latest salvo in the feud between the two countries over a damaged pipeline transporting Russian oil. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose country is a major gas supplier to Ukraine, has accused Kyiv of delaying repairs on the pipeline, effectively stopping the flow of Russian oil to Hungary and its neighbour Slovakia.

The UN General Assembly recognized the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity,” aiming to confront historical injustice and advance reparatory justice. The resolution passed with 123 votes in favor. The US, Israel, and Argentina voted against it, while the UK and EU member states abstained over legal and reparations concerns, despite acknowledging slavery’s history. Ghana emphasized accountability, reparations, and long-term consequences for victims and their descendants.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar hailed direct talks with Iran as the most effective way to resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has allowed Indian-flagged vessels to pass, demonstrating the success of diplomacy over potential military action. This approach offers a potential model for other nations grappling with disrupted energy supplies.

Israel planned to galvanise opposition to the Iranian government to spark a collapse. Now, the belief that Israel and the US could help instigate widespread revolt in Iran seems to be a foundational flaw in the war

Trump side-stepped diplomacy on way to war in Iran. Now, he wants all to help. But even if even if he can assemble a major coalition, although unlikely, it could prove very hard to end Iran's blockade. Here's why

As Middle East tensions escalate, Russia is quietly positioning itself to benefit from the ensuing chaos. While global powers focus on the conflict, Moscow is leveraging diplomacy and energy markets to expand its influence. The crisis has boosted Russia's energy revenues and shifted international attention away from Ukraine, creating a strategic advantage for Moscow.

Global leaders voiced varied reactions to coordinated US-Israel strikes on Iran, with the EU urging maximum restraint and respect for international law. Spain called for de-escalation, while Malaysia condemned the actions, fearing regional catastrophe. Australia backed US efforts against Iran's nuclear program, but Norway questioned the strike's legality. Russia criticized US involvement.

European Union foreign ministers will meet in an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the situation in Israel and the region, the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said in a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Britain will not join a wider Middle East war, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, despite collaborating with allies on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized restoring shipping flows and global market stability, ruling out a NATO mission. Starmer stressed the need for a collective, viable plan, not a direct military conflict.

eu foreign ministers on Tuesday will discuss a raft of options for action against Israel over the war in Gaza -- but likely will not agree on any. "I'm sure not any of them will be adopted by the EU member states," said the foreign minister.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell proposes sanctions against Jewish settlers responsible for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The proposal comes after eu foreign ministers discuss their response to the Middle East crisis triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel. European officials express concern about rising violence in the West Bank. Borrell suggests a special sanctions program to target Hamas, but also highlights the need to act against violent Israeli settlers. UN figures show increased settler attacks since the Hamas attack. Borrell plans to propose sanctions for human rights abuses against individuals known for attacks on Palestinians.

eu foreign ministers have called on Israel not to disrupt the supply of water, food, or electricity to Gaza amid the recent hostilities with Hamas. They stressed the importance of respecting international and humanitarian law. Additionally, the EU ministers advocated for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to aid those trying to escape the conflict in Gaza by crossing into Egypt.