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 Atlantic Council argues Europe needs a new strategy to counter Russian grey zone aggression, meaning hostile actions below the threshold of open war such as sabotage, disinformation and cyberattacks. The analysis, published on its Ukraine Alert blog, warns that current responses are inadequate and calls for a coordinated European approach to these destabilising tactics amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The European Union is pressing ahead with plans to build a homegrown payment system, reducing reliance on US-dominated card networks like Visa and Mastercard. The initiative, promoted by the Council of the EU, aims to give Europe strategic autonomy over financial infrastructure, ensure cheaper transactions within the bloc, and protect against geopolitical shocks. The push has drawn wide attention and debate about cost, practicality and whether a European scheme can win over consumers and merchants.

The Atlantic Council argues that Europe lacks an adequate response to Russia's grey zone tactics, such as sabotage, disinformation, cyberattacks and other deniable actions below the threshold of open war. The think tank calls for a new European strategy to deter and counter these operations, prompting debate over how NATO and EU members should coordinate their defenses against hybrid threats.

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.

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.

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.