Brussels is navigating a complex web of diplomatic tensions as France publicly rebukes the European Commission over its participation in a US-led initiative, while simultaneously grappling with energy disputes and internal divisions over support for Ukraine. The fallout from the Commission’s attendance at the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” in Washington has ignited a sharp exchange with Paris, highlighting fundamental disagreements over the EU’s foreign policy autonomy and institutional balance.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot asserted on X (formerly Twitter) that the Commission “never should have attended the meeting” as it lacked a mandate from the Council of the EU, the body representing member states. Barrot further emphasized the need for the Commission to “meticulously respect European law and institutional balance under all circumstances.” This criticism echoes concerns raised during an ambassadors’ meeting in Brussels earlier this week, where France questioned the legitimacy of the Board and its potential to undermine the United Nations’ role in peace efforts.
Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon also voiced concerns, stating that the Commissioner lacked the authority to act on EU foreign policy matters independently. The Commission maintains it attended the meeting as an observer, aiming to be “at the table” to influence Gaza’s future recovery, rather than simply being a “payer and not a player.” However, photographs from the meeting revealed a display of EU member state flags alongside those of Board members, suggesting a more substantial level of engagement than Brussels publicly acknowledges. According to a report by journalist Jorge Liboreiro, 14 EU member states were represented at the meeting, their flags displayed prominently.
Beyond the dispute over the Board of Peace, the EU is also contending with a growing energy standoff between Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Budapest and Bratislava suspended diesel supplies to Ukraine following a Russian attack on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which transports Russian crude oil through Ukrainian territory. Hungary and Slovakia accuse Kyiv of deliberately delaying repairs for political reasons. The European Commission has called an emergency meeting of its Oil Coordination Group next Wednesday, including Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia, to address the disruption and explore alternative supply routes. Hungary has requested that the Commission facilitate the transfer of seaborne Russian oil through Croatia’s Adriatic pipeline, a request that has been rejected by Croatia.
Meanwhile, the Commission is facing intense lobbying over its “Made in Europe” plan, designed to bolster European competitiveness against China and the United States. The proposal, which would prioritize European-made products in public procurement, has sparked debate over its potential protectionist implications and the definition of “made in Europe.” Nordic and Baltic states have cautioned that a strict regime could hinder investment and limit access to technologies from non-EU countries. A leaked draft of the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) outlines strategic sectors targeted for a European preference, including chemicals, automotive, AI, and space, with proposed origin thresholds for various materials. The IAA’s presentation has been delayed, reflecting the ongoing disagreements among member states.
On a separate note, the European Parliament is considering a request from the far-right Patriots for Europe group to hold a minute of silence in memory of Quentin Deranque, a French far-right activist who died after being attacked during a political altercation in Lyon. The request comes amidst planned demonstrations in Brussels and a broader political debate in France surrounding the incident. The plenary session was originally scheduled to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Elsewhere, the US military is reportedly preparing for a potential strike on Iran, according to US officials cited in multiple media reports. This development coincides with ongoing negotiations in Geneva regarding Iran’s nuclear program, which have reportedly revealed significant gaps in positions.
In other news, seven Ukrainian women who survived Russian imprisonment, torture, and sexual violence have shared their stories in a documentary film, “Traces,” screened at the Berlinale film festival. The film highlights war crimes, dignity, and the pursuit of justice.
The EU is also closely monitoring several upcoming events, including a meeting of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas with E5 defence ministers in Krakow and a visit by European Commissioner for humanitarian aid Hadja Lahbib to the Great Lakes region of Africa, specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.
The ongoing 20th round of sanctions against Russia also remains a key focus for Brussels, with a full ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers proving to be a sticking point. While the EU aims to approve the package by the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine next Tuesday, disagreements persist between member states like Greece and Malta, who fear the ban could empower a “shadow fleet,” and G7 allies, whose willingness to adopt similar measures remains unclear. A senior diplomat indicated a willingness to proceed even without US support, stating that “the overwhelming majority” of member states recognize the need for action.
Finally, the arrest of former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office has sent shockwaves through the United Kingdom and internationally. King Charles has issued a statement affirming that “the law must take its course,” while declining to answer further questions from journalists. The arrest is reportedly linked to information contained in the January Epstein files, detailing Prince Andrew’s relationship with the late Jeffrey Epstein.
