Latest news with #ForeignAffairsCouncil
Budapest Times
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Budapest Times
FM: It was ‘an honor' for foreign ministry to coordinate second Hungarian research space mission
Tibor Kapu's return to Earth on Tuesday marked the end of the stage of the mission that the Hungarian research astronaut spent on the International Space Station. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said on Tuesday that it was 'an honor' for the foreign ministry to coordinate the completion of the second Hungarian research space mission after 45 years. Tibor Kapu's return to Earth on Tuesday marked the end of the stage of the mission that the Hungarian research astronaut spent on the International Space Station, Minister Szijjártó said during a break in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, according to a ministry statement. 'We are proud that Hungary is among the countries that have been able to become a frontrunner in global technology, space exploration and the space industry by placing a research astronaut mission at the top of their space exploration and space industry programme,' Minister Szijjártó said. 'This Hungarian research astronaut mission gave us the opportunity to carry out several scientific experiments that could only be conducted on the ISS, and which will ensure more serious growth and breakthrough opportunities for the Hungarian economy,' the minister said. Minister Szijjártó said it was 'an honour' for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to be chosen by the government seven years ago to carry out the space mission. 'It was an honour for us to be able to successfully complete this complex, often doubtful task,' Minister Szijjártó said. 'It was an honour to work with all the candidates who felt the courage and willingness to carry out this important mission as the second Hungarian research astronaut.' 'We thank Tibor Kapu for completing the preparation and taking on this mission, representing 15 million Hungarians,' the minister said. 'It was an honour for all of us at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to coordinate the second Hungarian space mission.' 'I hope the entire Hungarian nation is proud that from this day, Hungary can say that it has completed two successful space missions within half a century,' he added.
Politico
16-07-2025
- Business
- Politico
US businesses brace for impact of all-out trade war
But on Tuesday, the president struck a slightly less confrontational tone, dismissing the idea that the EU may go through with their proposed retaliatory tariffs. That's a much different reaction than when he threatened to put a 200 percent tariff on European wine and spirits in March. 'Well, I don't know how they can retaliate,' Trump told reporters at the White House, when asked about the EU's new trade war preparations. 'You know, they've made a lot of money. They've treated us very badly, but now they're treating us very nicely, and I think we'll end up, I think everybody's going to be happy with the EU.' Some EU countries, however, are not in the mood to make nice after Trump once again upended the negotiations, sending a blunt weekend letter saying he planned to raise tariffs on the bloc to 30 percent. 'We are partners, and we must reach an agreement,' French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said at a Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels Tuesday. 'The European Union is the United States' largest trading partner, but it is not destined to become a vassal of the United States.' The letter also outraged some in Japan, which has not, to this point, threatened any retaliation to Trump's tariffs. 'We may have to rethink whether being nice, polite, diplomatic, is something that would move President Trump,' a former Japanese official said last week. 'It appears that leverage is the only language that will be understood by the White House.' Domestic companies fear the increasingly harsh rhetoric could escalate into soaring tit-for-tat tariffs next month, which is especially alarming for those that have been in the cross-hairs of a Trump trade war before. Despite months of lobbying from Ireland and France, the EU included bourbon among its tariff targets, in a repeat of Europe's tariff strategy during Trump's first administration. The previous retaliatory tariffs, aimed at the signature industry of then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), caused American whiskey exports to Europe to drop by 20 percent between 2018 and 2021, according to the Distilled Spirits Council, a trade group representing the liquor industry. 'This is devastating for the bourbon industry,' said Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.). 'We don't have to guess, we can just look at what happened last time.' This time, the bourbon industry has also taken a hit in Canada, where the government-controlled liquor stores have pulled 'Made in the USA' products like bourbon from the shelves in response to Trump's threats to make Canada the 51st state.
Euronews
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Georgia's visa-free regime with EU at risk over 'backsliding' concerns
The EU plans to reintroduce its visa regime with Georgia if Tbilisi does not curb what the 27-member bloc and its institutions described as "backsliding of democratic principles," Brussels announced on Tuesday. The European Commission is to send a letter to the executive in Tbilisi, suspending the visa liberalisation regime in place since 2017, by 31 August. "The assault on democracy by Georgian Dream (the ruling party) is growing more severe," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said at the final press conference following the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. "What can we do? This includes suspending the visa-free regime, the association agreement and sanctions," she explained. The possible suspension of the visa-free regime creates concerns among member states. Controversial measures Some ministers who attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels fear that the restrictive measure may harm the Georgian people without affecting the country's leadership, and may backfire against the EU's interests. In Georgia, 80% of the public is pro-European, whereas, according to the EU, the current government of the South Caucasian country is serving the interests of Moscow. "We think that restrictions should be put on those who are responsible for repression and not on the people of Georgia," Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski commented at the end of the Council. For Kallas, the EU should be consistent with its political principles and needs. "So far we have got this position that we don't want to hurt Georgian people. And taking away the visa-free regime, it's really having an impact on them, but at the same time it's also an issue of credibility of the EU," Kallas said. According to Georgian Dream, the ruling party controlled by millionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, the EU seeks to influence and intimidate Georgian public opinion, given the municipal elections scheduled for next October. Kakha Kaladze, Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the Georgian Dream Party, slammed the threats of a possible suspension of Georgia's visa-free regime. "All of this is part of the blackmail we have been seeing in recent years, especially since (Russia's) war broke out," Kaladze said. 'Georgia did not submit to (EU and NATO) demands, did not join the sanctions, did not allow a 'second front' to open in the country". Is the EU losing Georgia? The European Parliament adopted last week in Strasbourg a strongly worded resolution against what the EU legislators call 'the self-proclaimed authorities established by the Georgian Dream party following the rigged parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024." According to the Georgian Dream, the opposition is working against the national interest along with the EU. "They (the opposition) were defeated in the October parliamentary elections. Their actions are beyond any decency, and now we hear these statements. However, when it comes to the country and its interests, compromise is unimaginable,' concluded Kaladze. Last autumn's elections sparked a wave of protests that lasted more than six months, primarily against the government in Georgia, amid accusations of election fraud. The EU is highly concerned by the wave of detentions carried out by the Georgian authorities against journalists and some members of the opposition. The authorities arrested at least seven opposition figures in recent months. Tobias Cremer, a German MEP from the Socialist and Democrats (S&D) group, was one of the principal authors of the European Parliament's resolution on Georgia. Cramer told Euronews that the democratic backsliding in Georgia is occurring intentionally with the support of Russia and its allies within the Georgian executive, legislative, and judicial systems. "We also have to look at those in the system who are unlawfully trying to divert the cause of justice", he said. No agreement on sanctions Recent arrests and convictions of political activists and journalists have raised alarm in the EU about the Georgian justice system. This is why targeted sanctions against specific judges and government officials have been proposed, so far without success, as there is no consensus among the member states. On 24 June, politician Giorgi Vashadze of the centrist Strategy Aghmashenebeli party was sentenced to eight months in prison for refusing to testify in an official probe that Georgian Dream's critics call an act of political revenge. The day before, three other opposition figures were handed comparable sentences after refusing to cooperate with the same parliamentary inquiry investigating alleged wrongdoings by the government of former President Mikhail Saakashvili, who is still in prison. Last month, Kaladze dismissed allegations that any of the arrests had been politically motivated, saying politicians aren't exempt from the law. "I think we all know very well why these people are detained. They broke the law, they didn't appear at the commission. The status of a politician or any other person cannot be an incentive to break the law," he said. Georgia applied for EU membership in March 2022, along with Ukraine and Moldova, and was granted candidate country status in December 2023. Just months later, growing concerns and disagreements between Brussels and the Georgian government prompted the two sides to freeze the enlargement process. As a result, the financial support from the European Peace Facility, worth €30 million, was suspended in 2024, and no support is planned for this year. Meanwhile, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told Euronews in May that his country plays a 'vital role for Europe." 'Everyone should recognise Georgia's strategic importance for Europe, especially for the eurozone. Our role in the region is significant, and that's why the need for dialogue with Georgian leaders is increasingly acknowledged,' he added. Georgian troubled decades Russian troops attacked Georgia in August 2008, just three months after a crucial NATO summit in Bucharest that welcomed Tbilisi and Kyiv's aspirations to open membership talks. The Russian army occupied South Ossetia and Abkhazia within a few weeks. These two regions are still under Moscow's control. Since the 2008 war, the Georgian government has had to find a balance between the EU aspirations of almost 80% of its population and the understanding of the strategic priorities of its northern neighbour, Russia, especially after it started its all-out war against Ukraine in early 2022. In fact, despite its EU candidacy, Tbilisi has not aligned with EU sanctions against Russia. In 2024, the Georgian parliament passed the foreign agents law, a legislative measure that significantly restricted the activities of foreign-funded NGOs in the country. Kallas has also threatened to suspend the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, which entered into force in 2016. Association treaties are binding agreements between the EU and third countries that establish enhanced trade, economic and political cooperation in return for political and legislative reforms compatible with the principles of the Union. The benefits for the contracting countries may also include the trade most-favoured-nation clause, as the association agreement often provides for a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement. Similarly, the EU expressed concerns when Georgia ratified a free trade agreement with China in 2018.
Euronews
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Hungary seeks EU sanctions after death of Hungarian in Ukraine
Hungary has called for European Union sanctions against Ukrainian officials following the reported death of a Hungarian citizen during military mobilisation in Ukraine. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán claimed last week that József Sebestyén, a 45-year-old ethnic Hungarian from Ukraine's Transcarpathia region, was beaten to death for refusing to join the Ukrainian army. Ukrainian authorities have firmly denied the allegations, stating the mobilisation was lawful and that Sebestyén died of a pulmonary embolism with no signs of bodily harm. "The Hungarian government has initiated the inclusion of Ukrainian leaders responsible for József Sebestyén's death on the EU's human rights sanctions list," Orbán announced via Facebook. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Brussels on Tuesday that Hungary would formally request sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, which targets individuals involved in serious human rights abuses. 'We will officially propose that all Ukrainian military leaders responsible be placed on the EU sanctions list,' Szijjártó stated during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting. Hungarian media, aligned with the government, reported that Sebestyén was beaten with iron rods during a forced mobilisation and died three weeks later. A video posted by his sister showed him on his knees speaking in Ukrainian, fuelling further outrage. Ukraine rejected the allegations, identifying the man as Shebeshten Yosip Yosipovich, a Ukrainian citizen. As Ukraine does not recognise dual citizenship, he was not officially considered Hungarian. Kyiv added that the man had abandoned military training and was later treated for acute stress in psychiatric care. Authorities pledged a transparent investigation and warned Hungary against disseminating unverified, emotionally charged claims. Rising Tensions The incident has heightened already strained relations between Hungary and Ukraine. Budapest summoned the Ukrainian ambassador and escalated its criticism of Kyiv. Orbán, who has long opposed Ukraine's EU accession, cited the death as further evidence of Ukraine's unfitness to join the bloc. Following a non-binding poll in which 95% of Hungarian respondents opposed Ukraine's membership, Orbán warned of 'economic and security disaster' should accession proceed. The Hungarian government recently launched a billboard campaign featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alongside opposition leader Péter Magyar, implying the opposition serves foreign interests. Hungary also continues to veto EU military and financial support for Ukraine, calling instead for an immediate ceasefire.
See - Sada Elbalad
15-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Foreign Affairs Council: Press Remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas Upon Arrival
Yara Sameh We have a very intensive day coming up with the Foreign Affairs Council, many topics [on the agenda]. First, of course, Ukraine. We really welcome the news that comes from the United States that they will provide weapons to Ukraine, so that they can defend themselves. Of course, we hope to reach also a political agreement on the 18th sanctions package. We are very, very close. I hope it comes today. Then, we have the Middle East. On the Middle East, of course, we talk about Gaza and the situation there. We have reached a common understanding with Israel to really improve the situation on the ground. But it is not about the paper, but actually about the implementation of the paper. We see some positive signs when it comes to border crossings opening, we see some positive signs of them reconstructing the electricity lines, providing water, all also more trucks of humanitarian aid coming in. But of course, we need to see more in order to see real improvement for the people on the ground. Then, we are going to discuss Iran as well. Of course, it is in our interest that we resume to the diplomatic track and negotiations. We are ready to do so, and we have also from the JCPOA, the snapback deadlines coming up. And then we will discuss Georgia. We see some serious backsliding in Georgia and we will discuss what more we can do. There are all options on the table, including suspension of the visa free regime and other elements that could make the Georgian government to change the calculus. Of course, there are a lot of other issues that are happening in the world, but in a nutshell, these are the main things. Q&A. Q. Has Israel done enough, do you think [inaudible]? The situation is still very, very bad in Gaza. It is catastrophic – the humanitarian situation. As long as it has not really improved, then we have not all done enough. It is clear that we are in this situation where we do not have a ceasefire, and that is why it is so much harder to provide that aid. But we really need to work for that to help the people, because we do not know how far the ceasefire really is. Q. The options you presented to Member States, is there one that is getting more traction among them? The options inventory is presented, and we will have a discussion on that. But I cannot predict how the discussion will go. I think the last time we had the discussion, then the main focus was that we really needed to improve the situation of the people on the ground. That was the main goal. So, I think that is the main focus. Q. [inaudible] when can we expect [inaudible]? Yes, we are hoping that it is either today or tomorrow that we adopt the 18th package of sanctions. I hope it is today but there is still some work to do, and well we hope to have good cooperation with the new government of Ukraine like we have had with the previous one. Q. On Georgia, can we expect some decision? And also, can you confirm that you will propose a list for targeted sanctions, and this list also includes judges? Yes, we have proposed a list, and because we see these sentences also for young protesters being really, really out of proportion. So, it is clear that the judicial system is also part of the apparatus. So yes, there are two judges in the sanctions package. We will discuss that, as you know, before we have had blockage, but we will also discuss, in relation to that, our working methods, and we will continue with that later on. Q. [inaudible] Well, we try, but if we cannot overcome the blockage, then we do not. But what we will have today is a letter sent to Georgia also regarding the visa fee free regime, so they have certain conditions that they had to comply with. And if these conditions are not met within that deadline, then we will have to suspend the visa fee free regime. Q. [inaudible] On Moldova, please. [What will be] the main topics for Moldova? Moldova is in a situation where they have the elections coming up on in September. So, we will discuss about the foreign malign influence and interference in the elections and what more we can do to build the resilience of Moldova. So, it is also for the Foreign Ministers to learn what the is situation, what the main threats are, what the issues are. Q. Any decisions [inaudible], sanctions? Yes, there were two elements on Moldova also in the sanctions package. Q. High Representative, about the situation in Gaza, we heard the Israeli minister yesterday. He is almost sure that nothing from the EU side will happen. Can you count on the Israeli will uphold [inaudible] For us, the main thing is really right now – because the situation is so catastrophic – to improve the situation on the ground. We have been really focusing on that, so that we have a concrete understanding with the Israelis. And we see also positive signs of the fulfilment of that understanding. But we need to see more, that is very clear. I have presented the options paper to the Member States, and it is up to the Member States to decide what they want to do with this. Q. How did you convince [inaudible] to vote for the sanctions? This is the European Union. It is 27 democracies, and that means a lot of negotiation all the time, and lot of compromises as well. So, it is hard sometimes, but eventually we will come to the decisions, which is important. Q. [inaudible] do you think that Mr. Trump's decision will be a game-changer [inaudible] to let European Union to buy [inaudible]? It would be good if, with all those promises that also the Biden administration has given to Ukraine, the weapon deliveries will continue, and they will get all what they have been promised. Of course, we, on our European side, want to do more. It is also a good sign that we see from United States. They have also realised that Russia does not really want peace. So, in order to have peace, we need to support Ukraine, and we need to put the pressure on Russia. And I also hope that Americans will move also with their sanctions package, or tariffs, so that pressure is on Russia to really stop this war. Q. But would you provide EU funding to [inaudible] for Ukraine? We are providing a lot of funding for Ukraine to buy whatever weapons and ammunition they need. We need to see what more we can do together. But I would very much like to see all our partners also actually contributing if we want this war to stop. Q. On the oil price cap, is it alive? Yes, it is alive. Q. Do you think the United States will support the oil price cap? We are working on this oil price cap. It is alive. Hopefully we will get an agreement now. Like I said to you before, even if the Americans are not on board, but the other G7 countries are on board, then we will move on with this. Q. Should we expect decisions on Georgia? Well, like I said, we are working on this. We have made proposals, but it is a question whether we can overcome the veto of one Member State or not, but we are trying to work on that. Q. [inaudible] The options are sanctions and, like I said before, it is also the suspension of the visa free regime and all the elements that we on the topic. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
