Iceland, Rattled by Trump, Weighs Joining the E.U.

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Iceland has stood apart from the rest of Europe. But President Trump’s threats to Greenland have provoked a reconsideration.

Iceland is in Europe. But it is not in the European Union.

For a long time, that was just fine for Iceland, which has fiercely protected its independence — and its control over its fishing industry.

Not so much anymore. In recent months, the top of the world has felt precarious as President Trump repeatedly threatened to “get” Greenland, Iceland’s closest neighbor. And the 400,000 or so Icelanders have been seriously debating the once unthinkable: Has the time come to try to join the bloc?

“The Greenland crisis definitely hit a nerve,” Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir said in February, in an interview at her office in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital.

Now, she said, foreign policy is more prominent in voters’ minds: “Things have definitely shifted.”

Iceland is heading toward a referendum as soon as this summer on whether to plunge into exploratory talks with the European Union about membership. The process could take years, but the fact that there is a big debate signals a real change. » | Amelia Nierenberg | Visuals by Sergey Ponomarev | Amelia Nierenberg and Sergey Ponomarev sailed with cod fishers, flew with the Coast Guard and visited with officials, hot dog vendors and others across Iceland to report this article. | Tuesday, May 26, 2026

EU and Mexico Seal Trade Deal to Reduce Reliance on US | DW News

May 23, 2026 | Facing pressure from Donald Trump’s tariffs, the European Union and Mexico are turning to each other. A newly finalized trade pact aims to cut barriers and boost investment—but also signals a broader effort to reduce reliance on the United States. The deal reflects shifting global alliances, though Mexico must tread carefully as it renegotiates its crucial trade relationship with Washington.

Clearly They Don’t Like…’: Kallas Blasts Vance, Trump for ‘Profound Hostility’ to Europe

May 18, 2026 | EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas torched Trump and Vance for their ‘profound hostility’ toward Europe, warning that divisions between the US and EU only benefit Russia and China. Watch the explosive exchange on Ukraine, Orbán, and EU unity.

No ‘Tailor-made’ Deal for UK If It Wants to Rejoin Bloc, Say Former EU Brexit Officials

THE GUARDIAN: Britain likely to face ‘warm, welcoming stance’ if it seeks re-entry but also a ‘hard-headed one’ – with no special deals

Britain would not be able to rejoin the EU on the special terms it enjoyed in the past, veterans of the Brexit negotiations have said.

The warnings came as senior Labour politicians jostling for the leadership of their party and country talk openly about wanting to return to the union at some point in the future.

Georg Riekeles, a former adviser on the EU’s Brexit taskforce, said he expected member states would take “a very warm, welcoming” stance but also a “hard-headed” one to a British membership application.

“There is a strategic need for the EU and the UK to work together, but I don’t think there would be an appetite for opening up new decades of British exceptionalism,” he said. “The price of re-entry would be membership on normal terms.”

During its 47 years of EU membership, the UK achieved an unprecedented special status: opt-outs from core policies, such as the single currency and the Schengen passport-free zone, as well as a rebate on EU budget payments, while carving out an agenda-setting role.

Sandro Gozi, Italy’s Europe minister from 2014-18, said “certainly we will start” with those standard terms, when asked about the euro and Schengen zone membership in any re-entry negotiations. “It is clear that the tailor-made suit is gone, and it is clear that the negotiation of the UK should tackle all the issues which are foreseen for any candidate.” » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels and Kiran Stacey | Monday, May 18, 2026

Streeting: We Should Rejoin the EU

Screenshot from this Telegraph article. | Wes Streeting speaking for the first time since he quit the Cabinet | Credit: Jaimi Joy/Reuters
THE TELEGRAPH: Wes Streeting has called for the UK to rejoin the European Union, saying that “Britain’s future lies with Europe”.

The former health secretary said that leaving the EU was a “catastrophic mistake” as he confirmed he will run to replace Sir Keir Starmer at the next Labour leadership election.

Speaking on Saturday at a conference organised by the Labour pressure group Progress, Mr Streeting said: “In 2026, the British people increasingly see that in a dangerous world, we must club together, both to rebuild our economy and trade, and improve our defence against the shared threats from Russian aggression and America First.

“The biggest economic opportunity we have is on our doorstep. We need a new Special Relationship with the EU, because Britain’s future lies with Europe – and one day back in the European Union.”

Mr Streeting’s remarks on the EU signal his first policy position since quitting Cabinet, as he launches a bid to become the next Prime Minister. » | Dominic Penna Senior Political Correspondent. Sabrina Miller Whitehall Correspondent. Camilla Turner Sunday Political Editor | Saturday, May 16, 2026

At last! A politician with the courage to say what needed to be said! We ARE Europeans and our place is right in the heart of Europe. It's our undeniable and inevitable destiny. — © Mark Alexander

ADDENDUM:

I was never a fan of Wes Streeting. Especially as the Health Secretary. But now he comes out with the need for the UK to rejoin the EU, showing his determination to take us back into the Union, he has shown that he is wiser than his youthful appearance would imply. Go for it, Wes! It’s what the young and forward-thinking people of this nation want. Ignore the pleadings of the fossils! — © Mark Alexander

EU Prepares to Ban Social Media for Children

THE TELEGRAPH: Brussels poised to ‘delay’ use of online services after Australia barred under-16s

The European Union could announce a ban on social media for children as soon as this summer, Ursula von der Leyen has said.

France is set to be the first EU country to follow Australia, which has a minimum age of 16, in outlawing the technology for children in September. It plans to stop children under 15 using the services. Brussels could now propose legislation for an EU-wide ban sooner than that, after a panel of experts finishes deliberating online child safety, Mrs von der Leyen said.

“I believe we must consider a social media delay,” the European Commission president said at a conference in Copenhagen.

“Depending on the results, we could come up with a legal proposal this summer,” she said on Tuesday.

She praised Australia for its ban and added: “We are witnessing the lightning speed at which technology is advancing – and how it penetrates every corner of childhood and adolescence.

“Childhood and early adolescence are formative years, and I believe we should give our children more time to become resilient in this vulnerable phase.” » | James Crisp, Europe Editor | Tuesday, May 12, 2026

We are living in the banning age! Recently, it was announced that, soon, British adults are to be infantilised by banning the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to adults, the age of whom is to rise year upon year. Until eventually, no adult will ever be able to buy cigarettes legally.

Now, the EU is proposing to ban social media to children. So now, one has to ask oneself, and have fear of, what is to be banned next? The consumption of sugar? The imbibing of alcohol? Or perhaps something else that we might enjoy. The concept of ;joie de vivre’ is truly no longer en vogue.

In years gone by, encouraging good, sensible, healthy behaviour was the remit of good parents and one’s family. In the case of children, good parents would keep a keen eye on their children's behaviour and habits. Similarly, with adults in the family when smoking. If one smoked too many cigarettes, one's family members would soon let one know!

These days, however, we have governments taking over the reins on all behaviours and lifestyle habits. One cannot help being reminded of George Orwell's dystopian novel entitled 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'! — © Mark Alexander

ADDENDUM:

“Childhood and early adolescence are formative years, and I believe we should give our children more time to become resilient in this vulnerable phase.”

As someone qualified in education and childhood development, I should like to draw the following to your attention, and to the attention of other politicians and lawmakers, too.

This, Madam President, is why a mother’s place is in the home, caring for her children, not out in the workplace. A mother’s first duty is to her children; it is not to the economy! And a politician’s responsibility is to bring about the economic circumstances on which this state-of-affairs is made possible once again. Politicians should just look around them and observe the low standards that have ensued because mothers have prioritised the workplace over the raising of their children. Fact is: Children do not, and cannot, bring themselves up! They need to be brought up. — © Mark Alexander

Carney Pulls Canada Closer to Europe as Both Struggle With Trump

THE NEW YORK TIMES: At a summit of European leaders, the Canadian prime minister was a special guest offering deals and friendship to jittery allies.

Screenshot taken from this NYT article. | Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada arriving for a meeting of the European Political Community on Monday in Yerevan, Armenia. | Anthony Pizzoferrato/Associated Press
Canada and the European Union are turning commiseration and anxiety over their turbulent relationships with the United States under President Trump into a deepening bond.

On Monday, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada joined a summit of European leaders in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, putting his country at the heart of some of Europe’s biggest priorities. He was the first non-European head of government to be invited to the gathering, known as the European Political Community summit.

Mr. Carney’s relentless pursuit of new, expanded alliances to lessen Canada’s dependence on the United States coming as Mr. Trump threatens to unravel decades of economic integration, has effectively led Canada to be welcomed as something of an honorary European Union member.

“Integration is being used as a weapon by some, and the rules are not constraining the hegemons,” Mr. Carney said on Monday at the Yerevan summit — hinting at, but not mentioning, the United States — in comments that echoed his landmark speech in Davos, Switzerland, in January. » | Matina Stevis-Gridneff | Matina Stevis-Gridneff reported from Yerevan, Armenia, while traveling with Prime Minister Mark Carney. | Monday, May 4, 2026

Trump Tears Up EU Tariff Deal and Raises Some Import Duties

THE GUARDIAN: US president says tariff on cars and lorries will rise to 25% and accuses European Union of non-compliance

Donald Trump has said he is tearing up part of the tariff deal he struck with EU leaders at his golf course in Scotland last summer, criticising Brussels for taking so long to ratify the deal.

Blindsiding Brussels late on May Day bank holiday on Friday, he announced that he would be increasing tariffs on cars and lorries imported into the US from the EU from 15% to 25% from next week.

Vehicles made in the US by EU companies would be exempt from the increase, he wrote on Truth Social.

“I am pleased to announce that, based on the fact the European Union is not complying with our full agreed to Trade Deal, next week I will be increasing Tariffs charged to the European Union for Cars and Trucks coming into the United States,” Trump said. » | Lisa O’Carroll | Senior correspondent | Friday, May 1, 2026

This poor man should be put out of his misery and locked up! I strongly suggest he be sectioned! 😊 — © Mark Alexander

Ed Davey Is Throwing Away the Lib Dems’ Big Opportunity

THE TELEGRAPH: Why haven’t they come out as the all-out ‘rejoin the EU’ party or shouted from the rooftops about changing the electoral system?

Listening to the political debate ahead of the local elections in England next week, you could be forgiven for imagining that they were all about what damage Reform will do to the Tories and how the Greens will destroy Labour.

But if, like me, you live in a leafy part of south-west London there is a different narrative entirely. Reform is nowhere to be seen and neither are the Greens. Some of the boroughs, like Richmond and Kingston, are virtual one-party fiefdoms; and that party is the Liberal Democrats.

It is surprising how little the Lib Dems feature in discussions since they are the third-largest party in the Commons with 72 seats. They occupy dozens of former Tory constituencies in the South and South West. In 64 of the 72 Lib Dem seats, the Conservatives are second. Only in two are Labour the runners-up. » | Philip Johnston | Tuesday, April 28, 2026

I have written several comments on this blog since Brexit, stating that I have been rather astonished that the LibDems have not gone into elections promising what no other party has been prepared to offer: a return to our friends in the European Union. The LibDems have had a golden opportunity to put clear blue water between the LibDems and all other, then generally pro-Brexit parties. But Ed Davey has lacked the courage to do so. Although I know that he is actually very pro-EU and Britain’s place in it.

This morning, I have been further disappointed in Sir Ed Davey, since I learnt that he voted in favour of that ridiculous illiberal generational smoking ban! How on earth can a man who heads up the Liberal Party be in favour of such a profoundly illiberal policy? Has the gentleman forgotten the true meaning of what it means to be “liberal”.

When I read this morning that he voted in favour of Starmer’s folly and autocratic. Freedom-stealing, ridiculous policy, I had to pinch myself! Was I, perhaps, mistaken? So, I decided to check out what Google AI had to say on the meaning of “liberal politics”. This is what it came up with:

“Liberal politics is a broad political ideology centered on protecting and enhancing individual freedom, autonomy, and rights under the rule of law. It emphasizes democracy, limited government intervention in personal life, civil liberties, and free enterprise, aiming to secure personal dignity and voluntary cooperation over coercion.” [Source: Google AI]

Even though I am no longer a smoker, I consider this legislation to be PROFOUNDLY ILLIBERAL and PROFOUNDLY UNDEMOCRATIC. I shall therefore no longer support the party in its present form. This, of course, renders me politically HOMELESS. The Conservatives Party, my original natural political home, is a party which I can no longer support because of that ridiculous Brexit referendum.

British politics is totally and utterly messed up! — © Mark Alexander

EU Formally Approves €90bn Ukraine Loan and 20th Sanctions Package against Russia

THE GUARDIAN: Ursula von der Leyen hails ‘good news’ after Hungary’s lifting of vetoes allows leaders to sign off on agreements

Screenshot taken from this Guardian article. | António Costa, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Photograph: Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters
EU leaders have welcomed the end of diplomatic deadlock over a long-awaited €90bn (£78bn) loan for Ukraine, after the bloc completed the agreement along with a 20th sanctions package against Russia.

After weeks of delay, the EU signed off on the loan on Thursday, in time for a summit in Cyprus that began in the evening and will include talks over a dinner with the Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media: “We are on our way to Cyprus with good news.” The European Commission president welcomed both agreements, finalised after Hungary lifted its veto.

Von der Leyen said: “While Russia doubles down on its aggression, we are doubling down on our support to the brave Ukrainian nation, enabling Ukraine to defend itself and putting pressure on Russia’s war economy.” » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Thursday, April 23, 2026

EU’s Top Court Finds Hungary’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Law in Breach of Key Values

THE GUARDIAN: ECJ says law passed in 2021 is discriminatory and ‘contrary to the identity of the union’, in early test for new PM

Screenshot taken from this Guardian article. | A Pride parade in Budapest in July 2021, the year Hungary passed its so-called child protection law. Photograph: János Kummer/Getty Images
The EU’s highest court has found Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ law to be discriminatory, stigmatising and in breach of basic democratic values, setting up an early test for the incoming government when it takes power next month.

In a wide-ranging judgment, the European court of justice said the 2021 law that bans content about LGBTQ+ people from schools and primetime TV was at odds with a society based on pluralism and fundamental rights, such as prohibition of discrimination and freedom of expression.

Péter Magyar won a landslide election victory last week after promising to root out corruption and improve living standards, but the incoming prime minister has been muted on whether he will roll back the anti-LGBTQ+ policies introduced by Viktor Orbán, who was defeated after 16 years in power.

He has vowed to “bring home” EU funds intended to help Hungary develop its economy, some of which were frozen over the anti-LGBTQ+ law. A larger part was suspended over risks to academic freedom, breaches of the right to asylum, and concerns about corruption and lack of judicial independence. » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Tuesday, April 21, 2026

More Than Half of Britons Support Rejoining EU 10 Years On from Brexit Vote

THE GUARDIAN: Experts say Labour’s ‘halfway house’ approach risks losing support from progressives and ‘red wall’ voters

Support for rejoining the EU rather than simply rejoining the single market is growing among British voters, with more than 80% of Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green party supporters favouring this option, according to research mapping voter attitudes 10 years after the Brexit referendum.

Labour’s “muted” approach to the issue means it risks losing support among progressive voters and in “red wall” constituencies, experts have said as part of research by Best for Britain.

While 61% of all voters supported the government’s current approach to EU relations, only 19% did so “strongly”, the research showed.

A full return to the EU was supported by 53% of all voters with support at 83% among Labour voters, 84% Liberal Democrat and 82% Green, the polling found.

Of Conservative and Reform voters, 39% and 18% backed the policy respectively, Best for Britain found. » | Lisa O’Carroll | Friday, April 17, 2026

Rob Groves: BREXIT - 63% Now Want Back In. Thanks, Trump!

Apr 11, 2026 | Ten years ago, 52% of voters chose to leave the European Union, on the basis of lies painted on a bus and a campaign bankrolled by dodgy money. A decade on, the bill keeps arriving. Haulage companies going bust at twice the pre-Brexit rate, food prices rising, trade barriers grinding away at the economy, and a so-called special relationship with America that turned out to be a vassal state telling itself a flattering story.

Meanwhile, the latest YouGov polling shows 63% of Britons would now vote to rejoin the EU. Among 18-25 year olds, that figure is 86%. Even among retirees, 60% say they'd vote to rejoin. The tide has turned. The argument has been won. The question now is: what happens next?

JD Vance’s Claims about Orbán, the EU and Hungary Fact-checked

THE GUARDIAN: US vice-president said bloc tried to ‘destroy’ country’s economy, despite it being a net recipient of EU funds

During his visit to Budapest, where he heaped praise on the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, days before the country’s decisive election, JD Vance claimed the EU was responsible for “one of the worst examples of election interference” he had ever seen.

Standing alongside Orbán on Tuesday, the US vice-president said: “The bureaucrats in Brussels have tried to destroy the economy of Hungary. They have tried to make Hungary less energy-independent. They have tried to drive up costs for Hungarian consumers. And they’ve done it all because they hate this guy.”

How do these claims stand up? » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Thursday, April 9, 2026

JD Vance must be just as ill-informed as his boss. He is certainly just as odious. — © Mark Alexander

UK Needs ‘Ambitious’ New EU Ties amid Iran War, Starmer Says

THE GUARDIAN: PM to focus on European defence and economic partnership for ‘dangerous world’ in pivot away from US

Britain’s long-term national interest requires closer partnership with the EU, Keir Starmer has said, citing war in the Middle East and the increasingly volatile international situation.

The prime minister indicated that the conflict had refocused the government on “ambitious” new ties with Europe, economically and in defence, and said how Britain emerged from the crisis “would define us for a generation”.

Starmer also used the address at Downing Street to announce that the foreign secretary would host a meeting of other countries later this week on how to unblock the vital strait of Hormuz. » | Ben Quinn | Political correspondent | Wednesday, April 1, 2026

'We Learned the Lesson...': EU Chief Makes Shocking Admission During Speech at Australian Parliament

Mar 24, 2026 | World News: In a striking moment at the Australian Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made a candid admission, saying “we learned the lesson…” during a major speech that touched on global security, economic resilience, and shifting geopolitical realities. Her remarks have sparked widespread attention, as she reflected on past challenges and the need for stronger international cooperation in an increasingly unstable world.

Addressing lawmakers, the EU chief highlighted lessons drawn from recent global crises, emphasizing the importance of unity, preparedness, and strategic independence. The speech underscores Europe’s evolving stance on global partnerships and its approach to emerging threats. Watch the full address as Ursula von der Leyen delivers a powerful message on lessons learned, future strategy, and the changing world order.

Switzerland’s New Deal with the EU Explained

March 21, 2026

Trump and the Death of the Atlantic Partnership

Mar 14, 2026 | From detained tourists and phone-searching ICE agents to Steve Bannon dismissing Britain as "pre-Islamic", the Special Relationship is exposed as the diplomatic fiction it always was. With the FIFA World Cup heading to Trump's America, British fans need to think hard. And so does Keir Starmer. It's time for the UK to stop turning up on Washington's doorstep with flowers, and start building something real with the neighbours who actually share our values. Europe is right there. It always has been.

I am in total agreement with the sentiments expressed in this video. My regular visitors will know that I have been saying similar things in my comments for a very long time. These things need to be said over and over. The concept of the so-called, one-way, and often very elusive “Special Relationship” is almost indelible in the psyche of the average Brit, because it has been repeated so many times. But the fact remains that any relationship with the USA is always lobsided and always on the side of being pleasing to America. It is not, and never could be, a relationship between two equals. Further, the undeniable fact of the matter is that Brits are Europeans, whether we are in the European Union or not, so our sensibilities and perceptions are fashioned by European mores and thought.

It is high time that we stopped harping on about this elusive special relationship, turned our backs on it, and rejoined our family and friends in Europe.

Naturally, we need to maintain good relations with America, but our future lies in and with Europe. The sooner we accept this incontrovertible fact, the better. — © Mark Alexander

Iceland to Hold Referendum on Full EU Membership | DW News

Feb 26, 2026 | Iceland's Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir says her country will hold a referendum in the coming months on joining the European Union.

Back in 2013, Iceland abandoned talks about joining the bloc, but Russia's invasion of Ukraine and growing global instability have increased support for becoming a full member state. Iceland already works closely with EU countries and is part of Europe's passport-free travel area.

British Public Want Deeper Economic Ties with EU, Business Secretary Says

THE GUATDIAN: Peter Kyle signs cooperation deal on competition and says it is not a case of being nostalgic for pre-Brexit past

The British public are “not nostalgic” for the pre-Brexit past but are pragmatic and want to move forward and “deepen” ties with the EU on trade and the economy, the business secretary, Peter Kyle, has said.

Signing an agreement in Brussels to cooperate closely on competition issues, Kyle said he thought the deal was “a real vindication of the reset and the relationships that have emerged between the EU and the UK” since Labour came to power.

He said it marked an alignment on strategies on issues such as mergers and acquisitions, the result of frequent conversations the two sides were now having.

The European Commission executive vice-president Teresa Ribera said it was “a privilege” to sign the deal, which was “reinforcing the current good cooperation” with the UK. » | Lisa O’Carroll | Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Let’s get down to brass tacks here! We should never have left the European Union in the first place. Doing so was ridiculous. Only someone who understood no economics would ever have proposed such an absurd idea!

Ergo, this country needs to rejoin the European Union at the very earliest convenience. However can this country hope to achieve economic growth, cut off from the biggest single market the world has ever known?

We Brits are Europeans, and we belong in the European Union. Anyone who argues differently is ignorant of the facts.

The successful politician of the future will be the person who will take us back into the European Union as full members. Everyone wants to join the European Union, from Ukraine to Iceland. We Brits should be no different. — © Mark Alexander