President Donald Trump threatens to impose a ‘big tariff’ on the UK unless it scraps the 2% digital services tax on US tech companies. EU member states with similar taxes (France ‘GAFA tax’, Italy, Spain) watch closely as transatlantic strain deepens.
EU foreign ministers adopt new sanctions targeting officials involved in deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. Von der Leyen has repeatedly cited ‘thousands of Ukrainian children’ allegedly transferred during the conflict, though Russian sources dispute the scale.
The EU-Mercosur trade agreement entered provisional application on 1 May 2026, opening EU exporters to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay. Cars, pharma and agri-food tariffs cut. Von der Leyen calls it ‘the largest free trade zone in the world’.
The Pentagon announces it will withdraw roughly 5,000 troops from Germany, with Italy and Spain potentially next. German Defense Minister Pistorius calls the move ‘anticipated’ but warns Europe must shoulder more burden of its own defense.
Europe Day 9 May 2026 marks 76 years since the Schuman Declaration, 40 years since Spain and Portugal joined and 40 years of the EU flag and anthem. Celebrations across the bloc against a backdrop of the Iran war and transatlantic strain.
EU-Mercosur trade agreement starts being provisionally applied 1 May 2026 after 25 years of negotiation. Cuts tariffs on cars, pharmaceuticals, most agri-food. Opens Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay markets to EU exporters from day one.
Europe Day on 9 May 2026 marks 76 years since the Schuman Declaration, 40 years since Spain and Portugal joined the EU and 40 years of the EU flag and anthem. Eurobarometer shows majority of citizens see the EU as pillar of stability and security.
Europe Day on 9 May 2026 marks 76 years since the Schuman Declaration, 40 years since Spain and Portugal joined the EU and 40 years of the EU flag and anthem. Eurobarometer shows majority of citizens see the EU as pillar of stability and security.
Romania hosts on 13 May 2026 the Bucharest 9 (B9) Summit with Nordic countries at Cotroceni Palace under theme Delivering More for Transatlantic Security. NATO SG Mark Rutte invited.
EU agenda 4-17 May 2026: ECOFIN agrees on VAT fraud rules, EU-Mexico summit on 22 May, COP30 preparations, defence file, and informal European Affairs ministers meeting.