EU Reporter

Across Europe’s cities, young people face a growing combination of economic insecurity, housing pressure and mental health challenges that threaten their ability to build independent lives, writes Anuela Ristani, Deputy Mayor of Tirana, and Eileen O’Sullivan, Deputy Mayor of Frankfurt; Eurocities’ Shadow Commissioners for Youth. Urban areas have long been engines of opportunity, offering access to jobs, education and culture.

"We had an orientation debate, mostly on the economic impact of the crisis in the Middle East on the European Union. As we all know, for 44 days now, once again the Middle East has been engulfed in war. And these past six weeks have reminded us that peace cannot be taken for granted. In recent days, it seemed as if a pause was emerging. A ceasefire has been announced, you all witnessed that. Allow me to say a word of gratitude to Pakistan for the important role they have played to get to this point.

At a time of mounting geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global power dynamics, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has issued a stark warning about the growing fragility of the international system, urging renewed commitment to multilateralism, institutional reform, and responsible leadership.

On 28 February 2026, a total of 4.40 million non-EU citizens who fled Ukraine had temporary protection status in the EU. Compared with the end of January 2026, the total number of people from Ukraine under temporary protection increased by 22 415 (+0.5%). The EU countries hosting the highest number of beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine were Germany (1 267 475 people; 28.8% of the EU total), Poland (966 595; 22.0%) and Czechia (399 630; 9.1%).

The European Union has received €1.4 billion in windfall profits generated by the interest on the cash balances originating from immobilized assets of the Russian Central Bank (RSB), held by central securities depositories (CSDs). The receipt of this amount marks the fourth transfer of its kind, following a third tranche delivered in August 2025. It covers revenues accumulated during the second half of 2025.

The European Commission has approved a €3.7 billion Czech scheme to support the construction of biomethane production stations in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by the Commission on 25 June 2025.

The European Commission has presented an age verification app aimed at protecting minors online. Announced by the Commission President, the app allows users to anonymously verify their age when accessing online services, with the goal of blocking harmful content without compromising privacy. The initiative follows a political commitment first made in von der Leyen’s State of the Union speech in September, where she elevated child safety online as a key EU priority.

The European Commission has opened the 2026 call for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships, with a budget of €399.05 million. These fellowships support researchers holding a PhD to carry out their research activities abroad and acquire new skills in different disciplines and sectors. Researchers will benefit by working with leading scientific teams, contributing to the EU's competitiveness through their cutting-edge research.

Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, paid a working visit to Kazakhstan on April 14–15, 2026, in order to attend the 14th Term Intergovernmental Meeting of the Kazakhstan–Türkiye Joint Economic Commission (JEC) and to hold various contacts. The said visit can be considered an important diplomatic engagement in terms of deepening the economic and strategic cooperation between Türkiye and Kazakhstan, writes Ahmet Sağlam, (pictured, below).

As someone who has dealt with European politics for decades, I understand that ambiguity is, at times, an even necessary tool in policymaking. But ambiguity has no place when confronting pressing, life-and-death situations. Iran today presents precisely such a moment, writes Alejo Vidal Quadras. At a time when the country stands at a potential turning point, Europe cannot afford hesitation or misjudgment.