Ukraine and Russia continued their mutual bombardment on Friday, with both sides reporting dozens of incoming drones and missiles. The Ukrainian air force said it intercepted 23 of 28 Russian drones overnight, while Russian officials claimed to have shot down 15 Ukrainian drones over the Bryansk and Kursk regions. No civilian casualties were immediately reported, but the exchanges underscore the enduring volatility along the front lines and beyond.
In a separate development with far-reaching implications for the continent, the European Commission formally recommended that Ukraine be granted EU candidate status. The decision, announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, marks a historic step for a country at war. "Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment to reform," von der Leyen said. "Today's recommendation is a recognition of that progress." The recommendation now goes to the European Council, where all twenty-seven member states must approve it unanimously. Diplomats expect the decision to be taken up at the next summit in late June.
Economic Shockwaves Across Europe
The conflict's economic toll continues to reverberate far beyond Ukraine's borders. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) this week cut its growth forecast for the region, citing the energy shock triggered by the ongoing Iran conflict. The EBRD now projects growth of just 2.1% for its economies in 2026, down from an earlier estimate of 3.4%. Central and Eastern European nations, heavily reliant on energy imports, are particularly exposed. Poland, which has seen its economy surge ahead in recent years, faces headwinds from rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
Meanwhile, the French cognac maker Rémy Cointreau reported a 35% plunge in annual profits, though its shares rallied on the back of a new turnaround plan. The company, based in the Cognac region of southwestern France, has been hit by slowing demand in China and the United States, as well as higher input costs linked to the energy crisis. CEO Éric Vallat said the firm would focus on premium brands and cost-cutting to restore margins.
Security and Disinformation Concerns
In France, the aftermath of Paris Saint-Germain's victory celebrations has taken an ugly turn. Misleading videos circulating online have sought to link isolated incidents of violence during the festivities to immigration, prompting condemnation from anti-racism groups. The videos, which show scuffles and vandalism, have been shared widely on social media platforms, often with false claims about the perpetrators' backgrounds. French authorities have urged caution and warned against spreading unverified information.
In the Balkans, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stirred controversy by sharing an AI-generated video of himself wearing a miniskirt, mocking social media influencers. The video, posted on his official accounts, drew mixed reactions. Some praised Rama's humor, while others criticized it as undignified for a head of government. The stunt comes as Albania continues its own EU accession negotiations, which formally opened earlier this year.
Cultural and Environmental Notes
On a lighter note, the first underwater video of a great white shark in the Mediterranean was captured during a ghost net cleanup operation off the coast of Malta. The footage, released by the Sharklab research group, shows a 3.5-metre specimen swimming near a discarded fishing net. Environmentalists say the sighting is a reminder of the Mediterranean's fragile marine ecosystems and the need to combat plastic pollution.
In Warsaw, a theatre production based on the short stories of Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk has opened to critical acclaim. The play, titled Playing with the Dead, adapts several of Tokarczuk's surreal tales for the stage, blending live performance with digital projections. The production runs through July at the Teatr Wielki.
