Russia has once again targeted Kyiv with a devastating combination of missiles and drones, killing at least eight people and wounding dozens more. The attack comes just days before a NATO summit in Ankara where Ukraine is expected to press for stronger military commitments and clearer signals on eventual membership. The assault underscores the urgency of Kyiv's dual-track strategy: securing immediate defensive capabilities while advancing its long-term integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.
Ukraine's Ambassador to the European Union, Vsevolod Chentsov, joined Europe Today to outline the country's expectations. He stressed that Ukraine needs not only more air defence systems but also a political framework that recognises its progress. “We are not asking for favours; we are asking for what we have earned through sacrifice and reform,” Chentsov said. The ambassador also highlighted the importance of the EU's upcoming decision on opening accession negotiations, a step that would mark a historic shift in the bloc's enlargement policy.
EU Enlargement Reforms Take Shape
The European Commission is preparing a set of reforms to the enlargement process, aimed at making it more predictable and merit-based. Euronews' Luca Bertuzzi reported that the proposed changes would introduce phased integration for candidate countries, allowing them to access certain EU benefits—such as single-market participation or funding—before full membership is finalised. This approach is designed to maintain momentum and incentivise reforms, even when political hurdles delay final accession.
The reforms come at a critical moment. Ukraine, Moldova, and several Western Balkan states are at various stages of the candidacy process, and the war has injected new urgency into the debate. The Commission's initiative, as detailed in EU Commission Drafts Enlargement Reforms to Reclaim Initiative from Member States, seeks to reclaim the initiative from member states that have often stalled progress due to bilateral disputes or domestic politics. By offering tangible rewards along the way, Brussels hopes to keep reform processes on track even when unanimity for full membership remains elusive.
However, the plan faces scepticism from some capitals. France and the Netherlands have historically been cautious about further enlargement, while countries like Poland and the Baltic states advocate for a faster track for Ukraine. The Commission's proposal will need to navigate these divisions, as well as the broader geopolitical context of Russia's war.
German Protests Against Far-Right AfD
In Germany, thousands of protesters gathered in Erfurt to demonstrate against the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) during the party's annual conference. The demonstrations reflect growing concern over the AfD's rising poll numbers and its increasingly radical rhetoric on immigration, European integration, and Russia. The party's co-leaders have called for a “Dexit” referendum and have been accused of downplaying Nazi crimes.
The protests in Thuringia's capital were largely peaceful, but they highlight a deepening societal divide. The AfD has capitalised on discontent over energy prices, inflation, and migration, particularly in eastern Germany. Yet mainstream parties and civil society groups are mobilising to counter its influence, organising rallies and legal challenges. The outcome of this struggle will have implications not only for Germany but for the EU's political direction, as the AfD's allies in other member states—such as France's Rassemblement National and Italy's Fratelli d'Italia—gain ground.
World Cup Roundup and Iberian Clash
On a lighter note, the FIFA Women's World Cup continues to deliver drama. Norway reached the quarter-finals for the first time in its history, while England advanced after a tense match. Tonight's highly anticipated Iberian derby between Spain and Portugal promises to be a highlight of the tournament. Euronews' João Azevedo and Christina Thykjaer previewed the clash, noting the tactical battle between Spain's possession-based game and Portugal's counter-attacking style. The match is expected to draw huge audiences across the continent, underscoring football's role as a unifying force in European culture.
Europe Today airs live every weekday at 8 am Brussels time on Euronews and digital platforms. The show offers a concise 20-minute format covering the key stories shaping the EU and beyond, available also as a newsletter and podcast.
