European Union

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Paris and Bordeaux as both Germany and France grapple with growing right-wing pressure on their centrist governments, raising questions about the traditional Franco-German partnership.

Ukrainian long-range drones struck the Russian port of Ust-Luga, injuring three and disrupting flights. Concurrently, EU officials visited Bucha to commemorate the fourth anniversary of its liberation and reaffirm support for Ukraine.

The European Commission has warned of a severe, prolonged energy crisis due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict blocking the Persian Gulf. Officials urge citizens to work from home and conserve fuel, as oil prices could reach $200 per barrel by June.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas visited Kyiv on March 31 to reaffirm Europe's continuous military and humanitarian support for Ukraine. She also emphasized the EU's commitment to holding Russia accountable, as momentum builds for a Special Tribunal with new commitments from Sweden, Latvia, and eight other nations.

Despite 82% of Poles supporting EU membership in a January 2026 poll, rising euroskepticism and deep political polarization ahead of the 2027 elections are keeping the threat of "Polexit" alive in Polish political discourse.

Italian voters rejected PM Giorgia Meloni's proposed judicial reform in a constitutional referendum, with 54% voting against the measure. The defeat weakens Meloni's government politically and marks a victory for Italian magistrates who strongly opposed the overhaul.

For the first time, Moldova has synchronized its switch to daylight saving time with the EU and Ukraine, abandoning its previous Soviet-era schedule. The move fully aligns the nation's clock changes with European standards.