标签： Europe

KYIV, Ukraine — European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos expressed unwavering confidence during a visit to war-torn Ukraine that the nation’s accession to the bloc remains unstoppable, despite objections from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Speaking at a severely damaged thermal power plant in western Ukraine, the Slovenian diplomat dismissed concerns about Hungary potentially derailing Ukraine’s EU membership path. “I’m not worried,” Kos told reporters amidst the wreckage of critical energy infrastructure targeted by Russia’s systematic campaign. “I would be concerned only if there were legitimate substantive reservations.”

Kos characterized Ukraine’s eventual EU integration as “inevitable” and described it as a “political anchor of security guarantees,” emphasizing that “There has never been a war on the territory of the European Union.” Her remarks came as she convened an informal meeting of European affairs ministers to prepare for the next phase of accession negotiations.

While Ukraine aspires to join the bloc by 2030, Prime Minister Orbán has opposed initiating membership talks during ongoing hostilities. Kos directly addressed these objections, stating, “We do not require Orbán’s approval to implement the reforms essential for Ukraine’s EU membership.”

The Commissioner suggested the accession process could accelerate based on reform implementation, noting, “The pace of this journey depends entirely on Ukraine’s progress with necessary transformations.”

Her visit included an inspection of a devastated power facility operated by private utility DTEK, where heavy machinery stood blackened, control panels melted, and structural damage revealed gaping openings to the sky. Turbine operator Andrii, who requested partial anonymity for security reasons, recounted the chaos of recent attacks: “The initial sensation is an overwhelming adrenaline surge. Thick smoke, deafening noise, and intense pressure create disorientation amid escaping steam and high-temperature feedwater.”

Kos praised the extraordinary resilience of Ukrainian energy workers and citizens, declaring, “No nation worldwide demonstrates greater fortitude than Ukrainians. Putin anticipated a week-long conquest, yet nearly four years later, you stand as victors.”

BRUSSELS (AP) — In a significant policy shift reflecting Europe’s evolving political landscape, 46 member states of the Council of Europe have initiated deliberations that could substantially reinterpret human rights protections for migrants. The discussions, held Wednesday in Strasbourg, France, signal a growing consensus toward modifying the application of the European Convention on Human Rights—a foundational document established post-World War II.

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset characterized the 75-year-old convention as a ‘living instrument’ while acknowledging nations’ responsibility to ‘safeguard national vital interests such as security.’ This development emerges as mainstream political parties across Europe increasingly adopt stricter migration policies to counter far-right political advances, despite data showing a 22% decrease in irregular border crossings into the EU this year.

The movement gained momentum last year when nine nations signed a letter seeking to curtail the powers of the European Court of Human Rights—the council’s independent judicial arm. Critics, including Italy, Denmark and the United Kingdom, argue the court’s interpretations hinder their ability to deport migrant criminals and ensure national security. On Wednesday, 27 nations endorsed a separate statement advocating for less restrictive legal interpretations.

Andrew Forde, co-founder of the AGORA legal academic group and former council employee, noted this represents the first time in the Council of Europe’s history that member states have explicitly identified a specific population segment for reduced rights protections.

Concurrently, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged in Brussels to dismantle human smuggling networks, declaring: ‘Our goal is simple. We want to bankrupt their businesses through all means available.’ This commitment came during the second anniversary observance of the EU-led Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling.

Paradoxically, while migration dominates political discourse, European nations simultaneously invest in programs to attract foreign workers to address aging populations and labor shortages, highlighting the continent’s complex relationship with migration policy.

In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed Wednesday that he had engaged in substantive discussions with European counterparts regarding potential pathways to end the Ukraine conflict. The phone consultation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron addressed what Trump characterized as “pretty strong terms” for a settlement, with a proposed follow-up meeting this weekend involving U.S. and Ukrainian representatives.

The negotiations have reached what European leaders describe as “a critical moment” as Washington pursues a swift compromise to conclude hostilities that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. This American urgency has reportedly constrained Kyiv’s diplomatic flexibility, placing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a delicate position where he must simultaneously safeguard national interests while demonstrating willingness to compromise to the Trump administration.

Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine was preparing to submit its latest peace framework to U.S. negotiators, coinciding with planned virtual discussions Thursday with approximately 30 supporting nations dubbed the “Coalition of the Willing.” These allies have reinforced Zelenskyy’s efforts to ensure any settlement both addresses Ukrainian sovereignty and deters future Russian aggression while accommodating European security concerns.

The Ukrainian leader outlined two primary documents under development: a comprehensive plan for postwar reconstruction and economic development, plus a separate 20-point framework specifically addressing conflict resolution. In a notable shift, Zelenskyy expressed conditional openness to holding presidential elections within 60-90 days if international partners can guarantee security during wartime and necessary legislative adjustments are implemented. This responsiveness follows Trump’s previous questioning of Ukraine’s democratic processes, which echoed similar Russian criticisms.

The diplomatic landscape is further complicated by the Trump administration’s recently released national security strategy, which explicitly seeks improved relations with Moscow and “reestablished strategic stability with Russia” while characterizing European allies as weak. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised Trump as “the only Western leader” demonstrating “understanding of the reasons that made war in Ukraine inevitable.”

Meanwhile, military assistance to Ukraine has declined significantly since the Trump administration mandated that NATO countries fund any further U.S. weapons transfers. According to data from Germany’s Kiel Institute, foreign military aid dropped sharply through 2025, with total support falling to €32.5 billion compared to the €41.6 billion annual average from 2022-2024. While Scandinavian nations and Germany substantially increased contributions, several European countries including Spain and Italy reduced or eliminated their military support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has forcefully responded to international pressure regarding presidential elections, declaring Ukraine’s readiness to conduct a democratic vote within 60-90 days provided adequate security guarantees from Western allies materialize. This statement comes as a direct rebuttal to claims by former US President Donald Trump that Kyiv exploits ongoing hostilities to avoid electoral accountability.

The constitutional dilemma stems from the suspension of normal electoral processes under martial law imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. While Zelensky’s five-year term technically concluded in May 2024, Ukrainian law prohibits elections during military emergency periods.

In detailed remarks to journalists following Trump’s Politico interview, Zelensky announced he would request legislative proposals to enable exceptional wartime elections. He emphasized that electoral decisions remain Ukraine’s sovereign prerogative, stating: ‘The issue of elections in Ukraine depends first and foremost on our people, not the people of other countries.’

The Ukrainian leader specifically addressed what he termed ‘completely unreasonable narratives’ suggesting his administration clings to power deliberately prolonging the conflict. These allegations mirror Kremlin propaganda positioning Zelensky as an illegitimate leader and demanding elections as a ceasefire precondition.

Practical implementation challenges remain formidable according to opposition lawmakers and policy experts. Lesia Vasylenko, an opposition parliamentarian, emphasized that true electoral fairness requires inclusive participation of all citizens—including frontline military personnel and the approximately four million refugees dispersed across Europe.

Security concerns present perhaps the most significant obstacle. Hanna Shelest of Ukrainian Prism think tank noted the impossibility of securing polling stations amid ongoing missile strikes and occupation of Ukrainian territory. Historical precedent also exists—Western democracies including Britain suspended elections during World War II.

Public sentiment appears to reinforce governmental caution. A March survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology revealed 78% of Ukrainians oppose elections even after conflict resolution, prioritizing national unity over political processes during existential warfare.

The election discourse emerges as US-mediated peace negotiations continue, with Zelensky’s legitimacy becoming an unexpected bargaining point in diplomatic discussions.

Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s National Rally (RN), has expressed substantial agreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s critical assessment of Europe’s direction, particularly regarding immigration policies and cultural preservation. In an exclusive BBC Political Thinking podcast interview, the 30-year-old political phenomenon addressed his party’s positioning ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Bardella characterized Trump’s recently published National Security Strategy as validating concerns about ‘civilizational erasure’ in Europe, attributing this primarily to decades of lenient migration policies. ‘Mass immigration and governmental laxity over the past 30 years have fundamentally destabilized European societies, particularly France,’ Bardella asserted, while simultaneously emphasizing that Europe should not become ‘subservient to any major power.’

The interview revealed significant developments within France’s far-right movement. Current polling indicates Bardella leads presidential preferences with 44% support, potentially positioning him to succeed Marine Le Pen should her legal challenges prevent her candidacy. Le Pen faces exclusion from the 2027 race pending an appeal against her conviction for EU fund embezzlement. Bardella dismissed suggestions of internal tension, stating they campaign together based on ‘trust and friendship.’

Addressing the RN’s controversial history under founder Jean-Marie Le Pen—convicted multiple times for Holocaust denial—Bardella distanced his leadership from past extremism. ‘I combat caricatures of my political movement,’ he stated, claiming significant Jewish support for the RN as a ‘bulwark against extremism.’

On policy matters, Bardella pledged a national referendum on immigration if elected, despite constitutional limitations requiring parliamentary approval for such a measure. His platform includes closing radical mosques, expelling ‘hate preachers,’ and implementing stricter assimilation requirements. Notably, Bardella—whose own parents are of immigrant origin—distinguished between those who ‘reject republican institutions’ and immigrants who ’embrace French language, culture, and values.’

Economically, Bardella described France as ‘sick’ from excessive taxation and regulation, promising to remove ‘shackles’ on growth. His foreign policy stance shows nuance regarding Ukraine: while recognizing Russia as a ‘multidimensional threat,’ he opposes troop deployments favored by Macron’s government, warning such actions could trigger escalation given nuclear capabilities.

Responding to concerns about his youth and political inexperience compared to President Macron’s governmental background, Bardella remarked: ‘I’d rather be told today is too soon than tomorrow is too late.’

A landmark diplomatic initiative is underway as European nations convene in Strasbourg to potentially reshape the application of human rights law in migration cases. The high-level talks, commencing Wednesday at the Council of Europe, represent the most substantial effort in decades to reinterpret the European Convention on Human Rights in response to the continent’s migration challenges.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen have jointly advocated for modernizing the framework through which states address illegal migration, arguing that current interpretations undermine public confidence in governance systems. In a pre-meeting editorial, the leaders emphasized that ‘responsible, progressive governments must deliver the change people are crying out for’ by controlling borders to strengthen democracies.

The negotiations aim to establish a political declaration by spring 2026 that would clarify how the 75-year-old human rights convention applies to contemporary migration issues. Key discussion points include streamlining measures against human smuggling networks, creating rights-compliant ‘returns hubs’ outside Europe, and refining the application of Article 8 (right to family life) and Article 3 (prohibition of inhuman treatment) in deportation cases.

While the UK delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, maintains commitment to the convention, it seeks interpretations that don’t impede anti-smuggling operations. Domestically, Britain already plans legislation limiting privacy and family rights in removal proceedings.

The talks follow months of diplomatic preparation and mounting pressure from nine member states, notably Italy and Denmark, though Britain pursued behind-the-scenes lobbying rather than signing their open letter. Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has expressed readiness to discuss reforms while emphasizing the convention’s continuing relevance, stating the goal is ‘not to weaken the Convention, but to keep it strong and relevant.’

The outcome could represent one of the most significant modifications to international human rights law implementation since the convention’s establishment, balancing border security concerns with fundamental rights protections.