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EU’s von der Leyen on Ukraine’s EU accession: Today we open the first cluster of EU accession negotiations. This is a huge step forward. Ukraine has made remarkable reform progress. They have delivered, so now we have to deliver too.

EU's von der Leyen on Iran sanctions: We have a framework of sanctions responding to two main features: violation of human rights and weapons of mass destruction. The principle is that we need real change on the ground before we can think about lifting them. If behavior is changing credibly and verifiably, then you can lift sanctions. But as long as there is no behavioral change, you cannot lift them.

EU's von der Leyen: The agreement should open the door to wider talks and lead to the end of Iran's nuclear and ballistic programs. There can be no lasting peace while Lebanon remains in flames. We call for a genuine ceasefire and the full respect for Lebanon's sovereignty. Once again, we've seen our energy dependency being weaponized.

EU’s Kaja Kallas on Ben Gvir sanction fail: Last month, ministers agreed on sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers and Hamas figures. Many member states have also proposed to sanction Minister Ben Gvir — but no consensus on that was reached today.

EU’s Kaja Kallas on China: From distorting subsidies, growing trade imbalances, and a near monopoly of critical raw materials — the list of issues remains long. Reducing dependencies with China won't be easy or cheap, but it's necessary and urgent. We have now verified reports that the Chinese military has been training Russian military personnel to fight in Ukraine. We are carefully assessing the implications.

Germany's Chancellor Merz: In these turbulent times, the Franco-German relationship and friendship matter more than ever. Germany and France are important engines for European integration as a whole — and for our shared transatlantic relationship.

Germany's Chancellor Merz: Russia cannot win militarily. Its economy is weakened. I say this with the utmost caution: for the first time, a window for diplomacy may slowly be opening here.

EU Fails To Reach Consensus On Sanctions Against Israel's Ben Gvir The European Union failed to reach unanimity on sanctions against Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir, despite growing calls for action and pressure from several governments. clashreport.com/world/articl…

UKMTO: A tanker 111 NM southeast of Aden, Yemen, was approached by a small armed skiff carrying four crew. The skiff fired an RPG at the vessel.

Mahmoud Abbas announces Palestinian presidential elections in early 2027. Source: AFP

Somaliland opens its embassy in Jerusalem, becoming the eighth to do so.

After the U.S.–Iran deal, Tel Aviv turns red while Tehran turns green.

FIFA is proposing that Israel and Palestine play the opening match of its new Under-15 football festival in the U.S. this September. The idea follows FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s unsuccessful attempt to bring representatives from the Israeli and Palestinian football associations together at FIFA’s April congress. Source: The Athletic

Poland has not yet delivered its remaining MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine because negotiations on transferring Ukrainian drone technology are still unfinished. Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said Poland wants access to Ukraine’s battlefield drone expertise as part of the agreement. If the technology transfer is finalized, Warsaw is prepared to send the aircraft.

JD Vance on Iran: The Iranian media, especially the hardline media, is going to talk about what they get without talking about what they give. It's important for all of us to correct that record.

JD Vance on Iran: We are absolutely open to Gulf countries investing in Iran’s reconstruction, but only if Iran makes the necessary commitments.

NOW: Trump arrives in Geneva ahead of the G7 summit.

JD Vance on Iran: Trump wants to turn over a leaf with Iran.

Q: The Iranians are saying they're gonna have access to a $300 billion reconstruction fund. True or false? JD Vance: That's the sort of things they could have access to, so long as they honor their end of the obligation.

JD Vance on Iran: We already signed the deal digitally yesterday, and no money has been released. That won't change. This is a performance based thing.