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The EU is considering new rules to limit children's social media access, with potential proposals coming this summer. An expert panel will report by July on steps to protect minors online, including a possible ban.

India and Sweden have elevated their ties to a strategic partnership, signing an action plan for 2026-2030 covering green transition, technology, trade, and defence. Prime Minister Modi emphasized shared democratic values and innovation, highlighting growing defence cooperation moving beyond a buyer-seller dynamic. Discussions also explored strengthening supply chains and sustainable mobility.

A Russian drone crashed into an apartment building in eastern Romania, injuring two people and sparking outrage. President Nicusor Dan called it the "worst incident to hit the national territory" since the war began. NATO and EU leaders condemned the "serious and irresponsible escalation," with Romania requesting faster anti-drone aid. This occurred amidst renewed Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a significant five-nation tour. He will visit the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The visits aim to boost India's engagement with Europe and the Gulf region. Discussions will focus on trade, investment, energy, and technology. This tour underscores India's growing global partnerships.

Prime Minister Modi wrapped up his tour in Sweden with a monumental advancement in India-Sweden relations, officially turning it into a Strategic Partnership. Highlights of this collaboration include a detailed action plan for the upcoming years (2026-2030) and a groundbreaking partnership on AI and quantum computing.

India is pivoting towards Europe as traditional partnerships become unreliable. The burgeoning India-Italy relationship, spearheaded by Prime Ministers Modi and Meloni, is central to this strategy. This partnership is building crucial economic architecture, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and a potential EU Free Trade Agreement, positioning Europe as India's primary strategic focus.

A ceasefire between the US and Iran is reportedly still in place despite an Iranian attack on US destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting US retaliatory strikes. Both sides accuse the other of initiating the exchange, threatening a fragile truce that ended weeks of conflict. Tensions remain high as negotiations continue.

Europe's new Age Verification app faces serious security concerns. A researcher claims to have easily hacked the system, highlighting flaws in how it stores data and bypasses security. The app, designed to protect children online, reportedly allows users to prove someone else's age, not their own. This raises questions about its effectiveness and the safety of user data.

In a landmark decision, the European Union has greenlit an impressive €90 billion loan to Ukraine alongside a new wave of sanctions targeting Russia, effectively breaking a prolonged deadlock. This vital financial support, designated for military and fiscal stability, follows Hungary and Slovakia's recent agreement to resume oil flows through a major pipeline.

Europe has launched a free, open-source app for precise age verification, aiming to shield children from harmful online content. This initiative challenges social media platforms to enhance their child protection measures, with potential fines for non-compliance. Several EU nations are also exploring national social media bans for younger teens due to mental health concerns.

The European Union’s (EU) newly appointed competition chief has sent a clear message to the Trump administration: political pressure will not derail investigations into American technology giants like Google, Meta, Apple and X, among other major US companies. Anthony Whelan, who is a former close aide to European Commission President ursula von der Leyen, has been appointed to lead the EU’s competition directorate.

France is ditching Microsoft Windows for Linux, a significant step in Europe's push for digital sovereignty and reduced reliance on American tech giants. This move, aimed at regaining control over data and digital infrastructure, aligns with broader EU efforts to lessen dependence on foreign technology. The initiative begins with government digital agencies, signaling a strategic shift in national digital policy.

European leaders may be uncomfortable with Trump’s Iran war, but won’t dare criticise him. For, US remains the guarantor of Western security. But European publics are increasingly losing patience with this hypocrisy, punishing those seen as close to Trump

European Commission President ursula von der Leyen is in New Delhi for a four-day visit aimed at strengthening India-EU ties. The trip precedes summit talks where a free trade agreement, a defense partnership, and a mobility framework for professionals are expected to be finalized. The visit underscores the deepening engagement between the two major democracies.

The European Commission President ursula von der Leyen’s appearance at the Republic Day parade, and the ensembles she has chosen since, have drawn considerable attention not only for the historic significance of the occasion, but also for her thoughtful sartorial choices during her India visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met European Commission President ursula von der Leyen in Delhi to discuss enhancing their strategic partnership. Von der Leyen, leading the EU College of Commissioners, has emphasised the importance of India as a trusted friend and ally, aiming to deepen bilateral ties.

European Union energy chief Dan Jorgensen stated that energy prices will remain high for the foreseeable future. He noted that even if peace is achieved tomorrow, a return to normal levels is not expected soon. The EU is preparing measures to assist families and businesses. Efforts are underway to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on Russian gas.

European Commission President ursula von der Leyen met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday and discussed ways to take the India-EU partnership forward and exchanged views on the impact of the Ukraine conflict. European Commission President, who is on a two-day visit, is also slated to meet President Ram Nath Kovind and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The European Commission President ursula von der Leyen’s appearance at the Republic Day parade drew attention not only for the historic significance of the occasion, but also for her thoughtful sartorial choice

European Commission President ursula von der Leyen stated that a successful India contributes to global stability and prosperity. The presence of EU leaders at India's Republic Day parade highlighted the strengthening India-EU partnership and commitment to shared values, with a new security and defense pact expected to be signed.