Threads
Stories that unfold over weeks: where things stand, what has changed and what comes next.
Latest changes
Wednesday 15 July
Euro area industrial production declined in May
Eurostat reported that industrial production in the euro area fell by 0.2% in May compared to April, reversing some of the previous month's gains. This decline highlights the persistent fragility in the manufacturing sector.
Macron's party sues Marine Le Pen over campaign slogan
President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party filed a lawsuit against Marine Le Pen regarding her 2027 presidential campaign slogan, arguing it infringes on Macron's messaging and could mislead voters. This introduces a new legal challenge to her candidacy.
ECB raises interest rates by 25 basis points
The European Central Bank's Governing Council raised key interest rates by 25 basis points, citing persistent inflation pressures from the Middle East conflict and a deteriorating economic outlook.
EU leaders fail to adopt 21st Russia sanctions package
EU member states failed to adopt a proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia, preventing consensus on new measures targeting Russian energy exports and related financial channels. This stalemate raises concerns about the effectiveness of the EU’s sanctions regime.
Illinois adopts state-level AI safety law
Illinois passed a law requiring frontier AI developers to undergo annual third-party audits and report serious incidents. This marks one of the first sub-national attempts to impose binding safety obligations on advanced-model developers.
US reimposes naval blockade on Iranian ports
The US military has officially reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas, barring vessel traffic. The move accompanies a fourth consecutive night of US airstrikes aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Zelensky nominates Serhiy Koretskyi as Ukraine's prime minister
President Volodymyr Zelensky nominated Naftogaz CEO Serhiy Koretskyi to be Ukraine's next prime minister, citing the need for winter preparedness. A parliamentary vote on the nomination is expected on July 16.
Hungary adopts constitutional amendment targeting President Sulyok
The Hungarian parliament adopted a targeted constitutional amendment designed to remove President Tamás Sulyok from office.
Australia establishes federal Office of AI
Australia's Prime Minister announced the immediate establishment of an Office of AI within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to coordinate a single national framework for AI policy across various sectors.
Trump overrules ICE decision to suspend vehicle stops
President Trump publicly demanded that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents continue conducting roadside checks, overriding an internal directive to suspend most vehicle stops after fatal shootings.
Trump reverses Hormuz toll, seeks Gulf investment deals
President Trump scrapped a proposed 20% fee on Hormuz shipping after protests from Gulf leaders. He instead demanded investment deals, shifting to bilateral arrangements for security funding in the region.
US senators propose revised Russia sanctions bill
A bipartisan group of 26 US senators proposed a reworked bill that would impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five importers of Russian oil and gas. The proposal scales back an earlier 500% suggestion to gain White House support.
Iran strikes US-used facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain
Iran launched missile and drone attacks against US-used facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, including Azraq air base. These strikes are in retaliation for renewed US attacks and demonstrate a widening of the conflict's geographical scope.
EU panel recommends age limits for AI companions
A Special Panel on child safety online recommended harmonized EU-wide age restrictions for digital services, including AI companions, for children under 13, citing emerging risks like dependence and mental health harms.
US senators unveil sweeping Russia sanctions bill
A bipartisan group of US senators announced a Russia sanctions package that would tighten measures on Moscow and allow tariffs on countries continuing to import Russian oil, potentially impacting EU buyers.
Meta sued by employees over AI layoff tools
A group of 26 current and former Meta employees filed a federal lawsuit in Oakland, California. They allege the company used internal AI systems to select roughly 8,000 workers for termination, disproportionately targeting those with disabilities or on protected leave.
EU allows Ukraine to use defense loan for Chinese drone components
Brussels has granted Kyiv a derogation to use part of a €6 billion EU loan tranche for purchasing Chinese-made drone parts, addressing urgent needs when EU components are unavailable. This pragmatic response acknowledges the rapid tempo of drone warfare.
Ukraine opens foreign, security, and defence policy chapter in accession talks
Ukraine opened the chapter on foreign, security, and defence policy in its EU accession talks, aligning its legal and strategic frameworks with the EU. This is part of the largest enlargement package since 2004, tying wartime sovereignty to EU integration.
Book publishers sue Google over Gemini AI model training
Multiple US and European publishing houses filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging the company copied millions of books without permission to train its Gemini AI models. The complaint seeks damages and stricter limits on copyrighted material use for AI training.
Thinking Machines Lab releases Inkling open-weight AI model
The San Francisco-based startup Thinking Machines Lab launched Inkling, an open-weight AI model with 975 billion parameters. The model targets enterprise customization and incorporates Chinese AI techniques.
India and EU agree to strategic technology alliance
At the third ministerial meeting of the India–EU Trade and Technology Council, ministers announced a strategic technology alliance, including expanded cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, high-performance computing, and 6G.
EU and Ukraine agree to drone production deal
The European Union and Ukraine sealed a deal to combine Ukraine’s battlefield expertise with European industrial capacity, aiming to establish joint projects and expand drone output.
Poland's PiS party bans members from political associations
The Law and Justice party's presidium adopted a resolution prohibiting membership in politically active organizations, giving members until July 22 to resign or face expulsion. This move impacts associations linked to prominent party figures.
Ukraine hits 20 Russian tankers in Black Sea
Ukrainian drones struck 20 Russian tankers in the Black Sea overnight, continuing Kyiv's systematic campaign against Russian maritime logistics and economic enablers. This action targets Russia's ability to transport oil and supplies.
Poland's cabinet approves stripped-back short-term rental bill
Poland's Council of Ministers adopted a short-term rental bill, but removed provisions allowing municipalities to ban such lets, sparking a public feud between deputy prime ministers. The decision impacts local control over housing markets and coalition stability.
Poland's cabinet approves short-term rental bill
The Polish Council of Ministers adopted a short-term rental bill on 15 July 2026, but removed clauses that would have allowed municipalities to create zones free of such rentals. This decision triggered a public disagreement between deputy prime ministers.
EU seeks US tariff exemptions on key industrial products
The European Commission has compiled a list of EU products, including industrial robots and electrical equipment, for which it seeks tariff exemptions from the US under the Turnberry trade agreement. This aims to protect European manufacturing from protectionist shocks.
Meta sued over AI-driven layoff targeting employees on leave
A group of 26 Meta employees filed a lawsuit alleging that an AI-based system used for layoffs disproportionately targeted staff on medical or family leave. The complaint seeks class-action status and changes to Meta's use of AI in HR processes.
Ukraine's parliament accepts Prime Minister Svyrydenko's resignation
Ukraine’s parliament approved the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and the entire cabinet. This move follows reports that President Zelensky seeks a new team better adapted to the protracted war and ongoing reforms.
US imposes new 25% tariffs on Brazilian imports
The Trump administration imposed new 25% duties on most imports from Brazil, covering a wide range of industrial and consumer goods, in what officials described as the "first shots" in a renewed tariffs push.
EC President signs EU-Ukraine Defense Industrial Partnership
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed an agreement in Kyiv for a new EU-Ukraine Defense Industrial Partnership. This initiative aims for joint production of drones, anti-drone systems, and anti-ballistic missiles, with EU funding and industrial cooperation.
Trump administration tables new EU and Mexico tariff proposals
The Trump administration has tabled new tariff proposals on goods from the European Union and Mexico, set to take effect from August 1. The move adds fresh uncertainty to global trade as part of a broader escalation strategy.
EU population projected to peak at 453 million in 2029
The European Union's population is projected to reach 453.3 million by 2029 before beginning a historic peacetime decline, with the median age rising to 51.5 by 2100. This demographic shift will see the old-age dependency ratio double, posing long-term challenges to economic competitiveness.
US launches new series of strikes against Iranian port cities
The United States launched a new series of strikes against Iranian port cities including Bushehr and Bandar Abbas, as well as Qeshm Island, expanding its targeting of Iranian military infrastructure. This action intensifies the ongoing confrontation between the two nations.
US imposes new sanctions on IRGC support networks
The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on seven people and entities accused of supporting weapons procurement networks for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
German Chancellor Merz rules out coalitions with AfD
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the AfD cannot be treated like other nationalist parties and must be excluded from governing coalitions, pledging to prevent their entry into government.
Hungarian parliament votes to remove President Sulyok
Hungary's parliament, with a two-thirds majority, passed a constitutional amendment ending President Tamás Sulyok's term, introducing MP term limits, and capping judges' age.
US imposes 25% tariffs on Brazilian goods
The United States Trade Representative announced new 25% tariffs on Brazilian goods, following a Section 301 investigation into alleged unfair trade practices.
UK and EU to sign Gibraltar border agreement
The UK and EU are preparing to sign a treaty that will lift immigration controls at the Gibraltar–Spain land border. This agreement will integrate Gibraltar into the Schengen-style circulation zone for border crossing purposes.
EU and Ukraine launch joint Defense Industrial Partnership
The European Commission and Ukraine unveiled a new Defense Industrial Partnership in Kyiv, centered on a "Drone Deal" to jointly produce drones, anti-drone systems, and anti-ballistic missile capabilities by 2028. This aims to integrate Ukraine's battlefield experience with EU industrial capacity.