European Council

European Union institutions are debating the creation of a payment system made in Europe, an effort to reduce dependence on US-owned card networks such as Visa and Mastercard. The Council of the EU has highlighted the question publicly, drawing significant attention as the EU moves forward with the digital euro project and weighs strategic autonomy in financial infrastructure.

The EU is pushing to develop its own payment infrastructure, reducing reliance on US-operated networks such as Visa and Mastercard. The Council of the EU has highlighted the strategic importance of European payment sovereignty, arguing that dependence on foreign card schemes leaves the bloc vulnerable and costs money in fees. Debate centres on scaling up home-grown solutions like Wero and possible regulation to support a unified European alternative.

The Council of the European Union has moved to strengthen the EU's architecture for responding to threats in space. The step is part of broader European efforts to protect satellites and space infrastructure that underpin communications, navigation and security. The announcement comes as concerns grow over anti-satellite weapons, space debris and the vulnerability of critical orbital assets.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has held a debate on how European countries can provide systemic, long-term support for Ukrainian veterans of the war with Russia. Discussions centred on coordinated European frameworks for medical care, psychological rehabilitation and social reintegration. The session reflects growing attention across the continent to the lasting needs of wounded and demobilised Ukrainian service members.

A Geneva-based commentary argues that the UN Human Rights Council cannot meaningfully address anti-gay laws around the world without also condemning their colonial origins. Many statutes criminalising same-sex relations were introduced under European colonial rule and remain on the books after independence. The piece calls on the council to acknowledge this history when tackling LGBT rights.

Ukrainian human rights defenders, former civilian prisoners released from Russian captivity, and relatives of people still held by Russia addressed the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, calling on European politicians to raise the release of civilian prisoners at every negotiation with Moscow. The activists argue that the fate of unlawfully detained civilians must be a standing item on all negotiation agendas.

Germany's Foreign Minister has reaffirmed the country's commitment to the Council of Europe, according to an announcement by the Strasbourg-based organisation. The pledge signals continued German support for the pan-European body's work on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Beyond the reaffirmation itself, no further details about the timing, occasion or specific initiatives announced have been made available.

The Council of Europe presented an updated version of its Rule of Law Checklist to the European Parliament. The checklist is a practical tool used to assess how well states uphold the rule of law, covering areas such as independence of the judiciary and protection of fundamental rights. The presentation signals continued cooperation between the two institutions on rule-of-law monitoring.

EU member states have agreed a common negotiating position on the next Multiannual Financial Framework's support for the fisheries sector covering 2028-2034. The Council will now negotiate with the European Parliament and the European Commission over how future funding for fishing communities, fleet measures and sustainable fisheries will be structured under the next long-term EU budget.