The EU lacks the technological depth and investment needed to fully wean itself off American technologies. Instead of chasing digital autarky, Europe should aim for sovereign interdependence, writes Ilona Khmeleva, international lawyer and secretary of the Economic Security Council of Ukraine. Pooling technological resources with EU members and trusted partners would make Europe both more secure and more cost-effective. Read the full argument: buff.ly/1Uv0fvC

The EU has unveiled the first use of its freedom-of-navigation sanctions regime, targeting Iran over its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The move signals Europe's frustration but is unlikely to change Tehran's behavior. Rather, it's yet another reminder that Europe remains largely powerless in a conflict that is driving inflation, straining growth and complicating its push for greater strategic autonomy. More on that in this week's newsletter. Click the link to find out what else we're writing and reading, and hit subscribe! buff.ly/NIGtizX

For two decades, the @EUDefenceAgency was Europe’s underused defense coordinator. Now, as the EU embarks on its biggest rearmament drive in decades, the capitals are betting on the EDA to help close capability gaps, coordinate procurement and boost innovation. But can it finally receive the political backing it needs? Read the full story on our website: buff.ly/50D42KS

Small modular nuclear reactors are increasingly touted as a way to deliver reliable, low-carbon electricity and bolster Europe’s energy security. Yet their economic viability hinges on one critical factor: large-scale serial production, argue MEP @MatejTonin and Malwina Qvist, director of the Nuclear Energy Program at @cleanaircatf. Read their argument: buff.ly/nFVaRdb

France, Germany, and several other EU countries are reportedly pushing for a major overhaul of the European External Action Service. Amid growing geopolitical challenges, officials argue that the diplomatic body headed by Kaja Kallas has become "dysfunctional" and needs structural reform. After corruption allegations surfaced in December, @fed_disario examined the political and institutional problems facing the EU's diplomatic arm. Read the full story on our website: buff.ly/nlXMooO

The EU is slowing the rollout of its AI Act, pushing back deadlines for high-risk AI systems. But the bigger development may be a new exemption for industrial AI in sectors like automotive and semiconductors. A delay is temporary. A carve-out could signal where Europe's AI policy is really heading. Read the full story by @pedersschaefer: buff.ly/PpxivIW

The EU is scaling up efforts to diversify its trade relationships. The push is chiefly a result of U.S. hostility and entrenchment, as highlighted by the recent Turnberry deal. "It's a bad agreement, it's very asymmetrical, it's humiliating," former European trade commissioner Cecilia Malmström said in an interview with The Parliament. According to Malmström, the Commission pushed for the deal to ensure predictability for European businesses and preserve Trump's support for Ukraine. "Both of those reasons are not there anymore," she said. Read more: buff.ly/swwd0KL

Reinventing the European Defence Agency As it expands its research, innovation and acquisition functions, the @EUDefenceAgency is gunning for a bigger role in European defense cooperation. Could it become the focal point for joint procurement? Read the full interview with Claude-France Arnould, who led the agency between 2011 and 2015, and is now Senior Fellow for European Defense at @BIGEurope. Read the full story here: buff.ly/uU7lsr3

Last week the European Commission unveiled a tech sovereignty package meant to chart a clear path to Europe's tech independence. Instead, the muddled package left analysts and lawmakers with more questions than answers, as the Commission punted on the most sensitive questions of financing and the implementation of pivotal 'Made in Europe' rules. Read the full story by @pedersschaefer: buff.ly/x1121kX

For much of the past 18 months, Europe has searched for signs that the transatlantic relationship would eventually return to normal. Since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, many European officials have viewed the turbulence in EU-U.S. relations through the lens of personality politics: an unpredictable president whose term will eventually end. But what if the more consequential shift has little to do with Trump himself? In our cover story this month, Peder Schaefer profiles Elbridge Colby, one of the architects of the Trump administration’s Europe policy. The portrait that emerges isn’t one of impulsive decision-making, but of a coherent strategic worldview. Read a preview of The Parliament’s June edition and the full cover story here: buff.ly/A9vcCnU

Can the EU claim that Ukraine's fate is existential while continuing to welcome hundreds of thousands of Russian tourists each year? Read Carl-Johan Karlsson’s take in this week’s newsletter, and find out what else we’re writing and reading: buff.ly/UGyHmuj

Is Europe's security architecture still fit for purpose? With war on the continent, Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius says Europe needs new institutions and stronger coordination to overcome fragmented defense policies and spending. Could a European Security Council be next? Read the article and watch the full interview on our website: buff.ly/ys2HXyU

As part of its rearmament plan for 2030, the European Union has proposed four flagship defense projects, including a continent-wide air defense shield and a drone and counterdrone system. The technology exists. The money is beginning to follow. So, can member states act collectively when their military ambitions demand it? Read the full story here: buff.ly/aUXwOJ2

Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby is a principal driver of Washington’s Euroskeptic turn during President Donald Trump’s second term and a figure key to understanding how Washington's turn toward geopolitical realism is transforming the transatlantic relationship. He's an architect behind the U.S. troop pullback from Europe, and even sees the European Union as a possible continental hegemon that could deny the U.S. access to European markets and military bases. Read the full profile by @pedersschaefer: buff.ly/ueKkf1v

Janez Janša has returned for a fourth term as Slovenia's prime minister. After securing support from a fragile coalition ranging from Christian democrats to far-right populists, Janša is preparing a political agenda that could create new challenges for the EU, argues MEP Matjaž Nemec. According to @MatjaNemec, Janša "might also seek the removal of Slovenia's European commissioner, Marta Kos." Read the full article here: buff.ly/wi1rrTB

June marks the midpoint of a consequential year for EU trade. Alongside the entry into force of the Mercosur agreement, the European Commission has intensified efforts to diversify the EU's trade strategy and advance agreements with partners including India and Australia. Brussels has also concluded an asymmetric trade deal with the U.S. and faced growing pressure from China as Beijing continues to weaponize trade. How successful have the first six months of 2026 been in reshaping the EU's commercial strategy? And what should we expect from the second half of the year? Read out latest policy report: buff.ly/q892cl0

Europe’s longstanding ties to Washington, combined with the vast resources and networks of U.S. companies, trade groups and institutions, have long given U.S. actors an unrivalled presence in Brussels. New data from AI intelligence firm MEP Analytics suggest that influence hasn’t only endured under Trump, but is growing, write Margherita Dalla Vecchia and Federica Di Sario here: theparliamentmagazine.eu/new…

The EU this week reached a deal on a crucial piece of its migration regulation that will allow member states to set up migrant return hubs in non-EU countries. But outsourcing migration management could create new long-term risks, including weaponized migration and stranded populations vulnerable to exploitation, some experts warn. Read the full story by Margherita Dalla Vecchia: buff.ly/is4pii1

Europe is entering a new era of defense. As geopolitical tensions rise and security threats evolve, one question is becoming increasingly urgent: Can Europe's industrial base support its defense ambitions? This year's European Industry Forum brings together policymakers, industry leaders and experts to discuss how Europe can strengthen defence production, secure critical supply chains, ensure affordable and reliable energy access and build the industrial capacity needed for long-term resilience. If you're interested in the future of European defence, industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy, join us in Brussels on June 3. Register here: buff.ly/Wz4SUVZ More information about the programe available here: buff.ly/vfUTCam

Liquified gas tankers equipped to travel through the iced-over waters of Russia's high north are bringing rising quantities of Russian gas into the European Union, even as an import ban is set to come into effect next year. A Danish shipyard is also continuing to service the ships, even as the Danish government and the EU stand opposed. Read the full story by @pedersschaefer: buff.ly/GwktUSJ