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Orban Faces Toughest Election Test as Hungary Votes on April 12

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Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban will face his strongest electoral challenge in 16 years when the country holds parliamentary elections on April 12. The vote is being closely watched across Europe, as Orban has been a key figure among far-right leaders and maintains close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia despite the Ukraine war.

Orban, who has ruled since 2010, has reshaped Hungary into what he calls an “illiberal democracy,” often clashing with the European Union over media freedom, migration and LGBTQ rights. His Fidesz party is campaigning on stability and security, promising to keep Hungary out of the Ukraine conflict and stop illegal migration, while also trying to revive an economy hit by high inflation and a cost-of-living crisis.

Challenging him is Peter Magyar, a former government insider whose Tisza party has surged since entering politics in 2024. Recent polls show Magyar ahead among decided voters, as he campaigns on fighting corruption, restoring EU ties and unlocking frozen European funds to boost the economy. With many voters still undecided, the election outcome remains uncertain and could reshape Hungary’s role in Europe.

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French Farmers Step Up Protests Against Mercosur Trade Deal by Targeting Imports

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French farmers intensified their protests on Monday by stopping trucks and checking imported food at key transport hubs, including the country’s largest container port at Le Havre and on a major motorway north of Paris. The actions were aimed at opposing the EU-Mercosur free-trade deal, which farmers say would expose them to unfair competition from cheaper agricultural products imported from South America and beyond.

The pressure has grown since most European Union member states approved the deal last week, despite France voting against it. Farmers’ unions argue that imported goods often do not meet the same environmental, health and labour standards required of European producers, making it difficult for them to compete on price. Protesters at Le Havre said they had already spotted products such as mushrooms and sheep offal from China entering the supply chain.

Protests also spread to other parts of the country, with farmers blocking fuel depots, ports and transport routes in regions including La Rochelle, Bayonne and the French Alps. Unions plan to bring tractors into Paris for a major demonstration, followed by another rally in Strasbourg later this month, as they seek to persuade the European Parliament to reject the Mercosur agreement.

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French Farmers Block Paris Over Mercosur Trade Deal

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French farmers staged a pre-dawn blockade of roads and landmarks in Paris to protest the European Union’s proposed trade agreement with South American Mercosur nations. Members of the Coordination Rurale union, joined later by FNSEA and young farmers’ groups, drove tractors along the Champs Élysées and around the Arc de Triomphe, causing traffic jams stretching up to 150 km, while police maintained a calm presence.

Protesters voiced concerns that the Mercosur deal would flood Europe with cheap food imports, undermining domestic agriculture, and criticized the government’s handling of the lumpy skin disease outbreak, advocating vaccination instead of culling. Senior union member Stephane Pelletier described farmers as feeling abandoned and betrayed by the trade accord.

The demonstration adds pressure on President Emmanuel Macron ahead of an EU member vote expected Friday. While Paris secured some concessions, the deal remains politically sensitive, with municipal elections approaching and strong opposition from the far right. France has vowed to continue opposing the agreement in the European Parliament if it is approved.

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Bulgaria Enters Euro Zone, Bids Farewell to the Lev

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Bulgaria officially joined the euro zone on Thursday, marking a historic shift as the euro replaced the lev as the country’s currency from midnight. Celebrations took place across the capital Sofia, with euro coin projections lighting up the central bank’s facade and fireworks welcoming the milestone. Bulgaria becomes the 21st member of the euro area, increasing the number of Europeans using the common currency to over 350 million.

The move grants Bulgaria a seat on the European Central Bank’s Governing Council, allowing it to participate directly in euro zone monetary policy decisions. Successive governments have pursued euro adoption since Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007. While public opinion remains divided, businesses have largely backed the transition, citing easier trade, travel and financial stability within the EU.

Many citizens expressed cautious optimism, saying the currency change would simplify travel and everyday transactions. However, concerns remain among some Bulgarians about potential price rises and broader political instability, following the government’s recent resignation amid protests over proposed tax hikes. Despite these worries, officials say euro adoption represents a major step toward deeper European integration.

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Poland Approves Cohabitation Bill to Improve Rights of Same-Sex Couples

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Poland’s government has approved a bill introducing “cohabitation contracts” for couples living together, offering limited legal recognition to same-sex unions in a country with some of the EU’s most restrictive LGBT+ laws. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s administration, allows any two adults, regardless of gender, to formalise their relationship through a notary.

The bill grants rights related to housing, alimony, access to health information, health insurance, care leave, joint tax returns and certain tax exemptions. However, it stops short of legalising same-sex marriage, which remains banned in Poland. Equality Minister Katarzyna Kotula said the government believes the proposal has enough support to pass both houses of parliament.

Reforms on LGBT+ rights have faced resistance from conservative coalition partners and veto threats from right-wing presidents. While LGBT advocacy groups welcomed the step as progress, they expressed disappointment over its limited scope, calling it a modest response to long-standing demands. Despite growing public support, Poland remains one of the most restrictive EU countries on LGBT+ rights.

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EU Approves €90 Billion Loan for Ukraine, Sidesteps Use of Frozen Russian Assets

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European Union leaders have agreed to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan to support its military and economic needs over the next two years, following intense negotiations at a summit in Brussels. The funding will be backed by the EU’s common budget after member states failed to reach consensus on using frozen Russian assets. European Council President Antonio Costa said the deal demonstrated unity and commitment, calling it a delivery on promises made to Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had pushed for the use of around €200 billion in frozen Russian assets, most of which are held in Belgium. However, concerns over legal risks and liability-sharing prevented agreement, with Belgium seeking guarantees that other EU countries were unwilling to provide. While expressing gratitude for the loan, Zelensky stressed that Russian assets should remain immobilised and said the support would significantly strengthen Ukraine’s resilience at a critical time.

The loan offers a vital lifeline as Ukraine faces a looming cash crunch, with EU estimates suggesting the country needs €135 billion over the next two years and could begin running short of funds by April. European leaders said the agreement avoided division within the bloc, while Germany’s Chancellor said it sent a strong signal to Moscow. The decision comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts, including upcoming US-Russia talks and continued discussions between Ukrainian and US officials on security guarantees.

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EU Scrambles to Secure Italy’s Support for Mercosur Trade Deal Amid Growing Opposition

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The European Union and Germany are making an urgent push to persuade Italy to support a long-delayed free trade agreement with South America’s Mercosur bloc, warning the deal could collapse if it is not signed soon. The pact, negotiated over 25 years, would be the EU’s largest trade agreement in terms of tariff reductions, but faces resistance from several member states, according to a senior EU lawmaker.

While Germany, Spain and Nordic countries back the agreement, arguing it would boost exports hit by U.S. tariffs and reduce reliance on China for key raw materials, opposition is mounting elsewhere. France and Poland have raised strong objections, citing concerns that cheap agricultural imports—particularly beef—could harm European farmers. With Poland firmly opposed and France seeking delays, attention has shifted to Italy as the decisive swing vote.

European Parliament trade committee chair Bernd Lange said the deal would fail without Italy’s backing, noting high-level talks involving Italy’s prime minister, Germany’s chancellor and the European Commission president. Although Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hopes to sign the deal in Brazil this weekend, approval from EU governments is still required. Lawmakers warn that if the agreement is not finalised this year, Mercosur countries may abandon negotiations and seek partnerships elsewhere.

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France Pushes to Delay EU Mercosur Trade Deal Vote Amid Farmer Protests

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France is urging the European Union to delay a vote on ratifying the EU–Mercosur free trade agreement, citing strong opposition from farmers and recent protests across the country. The deal with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, signed a year ago but not yet ratified, aims to open new markets for European exporters facing pressure from U.S. tariffs and Chinese competition. However, French farmers fear an influx of cheaper agricultural imports produced under less stringent environmental standards.

As Europe’s largest agricultural producer, France is trying to build a blocking minority of EU member states to halt or postpone the vote in Brussels. While the European Commission has proposed safeguard measures for farmers, Paris has dismissed them as insufficient. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has called for delaying the vote until after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s planned visit to Brazil later this month, arguing that farmers’ concerns have not been adequately addressed.

The debate has exposed divisions within the EU, with countries such as Poland, Hungary, Austria and Ireland expressing sympathy for France’s stance, while Germany and business groups warn against missing a strategic trade opportunity. Italy’s position could prove decisive, as its industrial sector supports the deal but its farming community opposes it. At home, resistance in France is being fuelled by political pressure, livestock disease outbreaks and broader discontent in rural areas, making the Mercosur agreement a highly sensitive issue.

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EU Poised to Hit Back at U.S. Tariffs with Countermeasures on $28 Billion Worth of Imports

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The European Union is preparing to approve a package of retaliatory tariffs on up to $28 billion worth of U.S. imports in response to President Donald Trump’s sweeping trade duties, including 25% tariffs on steel, aluminium, and automobiles. The proposed EU counter-tariffs target a wide range of U.S. goods—from chewing gum and dental floss to meat, wine, and clothing—and will likely be implemented in two phases starting April 15. This marks a significant escalation in global trade tensions, with the EU joining China and Canada in pushing back against Washington’s protectionist measures.

EU leaders will meet in Luxembourg this week to finalize a united response, aiming to send a strong message to Washington while still leaving room for negotiation. The bloc is particularly concerned about the economic fallout of a potential trade war, with President Trump’s tariffs affecting around 70% of the EU’s annual exports to the U.S., valued at €532 billion. Notably, the proposed 50% tariff on bourbon has stirred intra-EU tensions, with countries like France and Italy wary of U.S. retaliation against European wines and other key exports.

While some EU nations, like France, advocate for a broader economic strategy—including halting investments in the U.S.—others, like Ireland and Italy, urge a more measured approach. The European Commission is working to ensure broad support across the 27-member bloc to maintain unity and pressure the U.S. into talks. Final approval of the initial counter-tariffs is expected on Wednesday unless a qualified majority votes against it, which remains unlikely.

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Italy Launches Controversial Migrant Camp in Albania

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Italy, the European Union’s top destination for migrants, is beginning a new chapter in its migration policy by opening its first camp in Albania, part of a plan to “offshore” the migrant challenge. This initiative allows Italy to house up to 3,000 migrants per month who are rescued while attempting to reach its shores. The Shengjin camp, now operational, is set to manage migrants picked up in international waters, though it excludes women, children, and vulnerable individuals.

The Italian government has fully funded the construction of these facilities, which will operate under Italian and European legislation, according to Fabrizio Bucci, Italy’s ambassador in Albania. Once in the camp, migrants can apply for asylum in Italy; those whose requests are denied will be sent back to countries considered safe.

The agreement between the Italian and Albanian governments is set for five years, with the possibility of extension if successful in alleviating Italy’s migration burden. This year, Italy has seen about 31,000 sea arrivals, down over 50% from 2023, signaling a shift in migration trends. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who campaigned on strict migration policies, has made the Albania initiative a cornerstone of her administration.

However, the plan has faced scrutiny over its estimated cost of over €650 million (£547), with critics like MP Riccardo Magi calling it excessive for detaining a limited number of migrants. Concerns have also been raised about the ability to adequately screen rescued individuals for vulnerabilities.

Despite criticism, the initiative has garnered support from 15 EU member states, who see it as a potential model for addressing migration. As Albania seeks EU membership, the agreement could bolster its international standing, though some remain skeptical about the motivations behind it. If successful, this model may pave the way for similar arrangements with other countries in the future.

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