Closing summary
… and on that note, it’s a wrap!
US president Donald Trump praised the European Union for being “very nice” in recent trade talks, even as it was “in many respects much worse than China” before, and said it could get a letter with the US offer on tariffs in two days (18:38).
But as European capitals begin to weigh up what is on offer, new views are beginning to emerge (10:22, 11:51, 13:49), with Swedish finance minister calling the proposal “really bad” (11:31).
French president Emmanuel Macron declared Europeans will “never abandon Ukraine, never” (17:53) in a speech in the UK parliament, during which he insisted that faced with new threats and “hesitating alliances,” the Franco-British relation remained of critical importance for Europe’s future (18:01).
Speaking on day one of his state visit to Britain (16:01), Macron spoke of “a shared responsibility” to resolve irregular migration in the English Channel, saying “we cannot allow our country’s rules for taking in people to be flouted by criminal networks who cynically exploit the hopes of so many individuals, with so little respect for human life” (18:05).
Calling the UK’s decision to leave the EU “deeply regrettable,” he insisted that Britain, even outside the bloc, had a significant role to play in providing political leadership for Europe (18:08).
The French president also warned against Europe’s “excessive dependency” on the US and China, calling for the continent to stand up to defend its democratic model and warning against the devastating impact of social media platforms (18:12).
In some lighter comments, Macron praised historical links with the UK, and joked “I have to confess that we love monarchy, but especially when it’s not at home” (17:48), as he appealed to community leaders on both sides to “not let the English Channel grow wider” (18:16).
Separately,
A rapidly developing wildfire near Marseille, France forced the local airport to suspend its operations this afternoon, with authorities urging residents to stay indoors and over 720 firefighters battling the blaze (16:18, 16:25, 16:56, 17:14).
Separately, Spain was also tackling a wildfire in the Catalan province of Tarragona which has burned through more than 3,100 hectares of forest, farm and urban land, and led to the confinement of 18,000 people in the area (16:29).
Poland and parts of the Czech Republic were put on alert over expected heavy rainfall with fears about local flooding (16:37).
Elsewhere,
The German foreign ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador in Berlin after a Chinese warship used a laser to target a German aircraft taking part in an EU operation helping to protect shipping in the Red Sea (13:41).
Three men have been found guilty over an arson attack on Ukraine-linked businesses in London, which British officials said was ordered by Russia’s Wagner mercenary group (14:54).
Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Europe “is facing greatest challenges since 1940s” (11:04) as she outlined her country’s plans for its six-months rotating EU presidency, calling for decisive action on defence (11:15), migration (11:20), and cutting red tape (11:24),
EU finance ministers completed the final steps on Tuesday for Bulgaria to become the 21st member of the euro zone from January 2026 (14:05).
A 72-year-old man who shot and wounded Slovak prime minister, Robert Fico last year has gone on trial in Banská Bystrica (10:45).
And that’s all from me, Jakub Krupa, for today.
If you have any tips, comments or suggestions, email me at jakub.krupa@theguardian.com.
I am also on Bluesky at @jakubkrupa.bsky.social and on X at @jakubkrupa.
EU deal with US unlikely in next few days, Eurogroup chair says
An EU deal with Donald Trump over threatened tariffs is unlikely to be concluded in the next few days, the Irish minister and chair of the finance ministers group in the eurozone said before the latest Trump comments.
After a summit of finance ministers in Brussels, Paschal Donohoe, said: “Our assessment is that the negotiation is still ongoing and that we are not at the point where a deal has been done.”
“It does appear that there is a further passage of negotiation ahead, and we’re very much feeding into that in terms of my view on the agreement at the end of it.”
Nervousness and secrecy still surrounds the proposed agreement in principle.
EU economy commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said the EU was still working full speed for a deal.
“We have been working with this 9 July deadline in mind, but as I outlined, as it seems, the US have now postponed in a sense this deadline to first of August, so that gives us a bit more time, but from our side we remain concentrated.
The faster we can reach the agreement, the better, because that would remove uncertainty surrounding these tariff questions and indeed we see that it is weighing on the economy and also on investment decisions of the companies.”
As European capitals begin to weigh up what is on offer, new views are beginning to emerge.
Earlier on Tuesday the Swedish finance minister Elisabeth Svantesson described what was on offer as “really bad” while MEPs gathered in Strasbourg said they would fight against a baseline 10% tariff.
At a press briefing German MEP Bernd Lang said if the current tariffs remained EU exporters would be paying €100bn a year into US coffers compared to the current €7bn now.
“This is an income for the budget in the United States. And this is not acceptable,” he said.
For more reactions on Trump’s comments on Putin, the EU and others, head to our US live blog here:
US 'two days off' sending EU letter on tariffs as bloc is 'very nice' now, Trump says
US president Donald Trump has also been speaking about US trade with the EU in the last few minutes.
He said “the European Union has been speaking to us, Ursula and the whole group, and they have been very nice.”
He then repeats that the EU “treated us very badly until recently,” even saying the bloc was “in many respects much worse than China,” but then added:
Now they are being very nice to us and we will see what happens.
He says the US is “probably two days off from sending them [the EU] a letter” on tariffs.
'We get lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin,' Trump says
Meanwhile, speaking at the cabinet meeting in Washington DC, US president Donald Trump has just lashed out at Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Talking about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he said:
“That was a war that should have never happened. A lot of people are dying and it should end.
We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin if you want to know the truth. He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless.”
Asked if he wants to see further sanctions against Russia, he says: “I’m looking at it.”
Macron says he wants to 'renew the French people's message of friendship and fraternity'
Ah, he’s gone there (17:45): Macron jokes that the years of British-French conflicts are over, and wants them to be replaced by the two countries “bringing their futures closer,” and “replacing out battlefields with football and rugby fields.”
He thanks King Charles III, says he wants to “renew the French people’s message of friendship and fraternity,” and ends with a toast to the longevity of France and the UK.
And that’s it.
'Don't let English Channel grow wider,' Macron says
Coming back to Britain, Macron argues that even though it is not part of the European Union,
“the United Kingdom cannot stay on the sidelines, because defence and security, competitiveness, democracy, the very core of our identity are connected across Europe as a continent.”
He says:
Let’s make a wish here together: [to] not allow the [English] Channel to grow wider.
He urges the two countries to “fix” post-Brexit restrictions on mobility of students, researches, intellectuals and artists, as he warns that otherwise:
“There is a risk that our societies are growing apart, our young people do not know each other as well and may end up strangers at a time when international current events remind us on a daily basis of our common future.”
He then talks about plans for closer cooperation with British Museum, and confirms France will loan the Bayeux tapestry to Britain.
He then jokes that completing these negotiations probably took longer than Brexit talks.
Macron warns against Europe's excessive dependency on US, China
Looking more broadly at the geopolitical situation, Macron specifically warns against Europe’s “excessive dependency” on the US and China.
He says the continent needs to “derisk” itself from “these dual dependencies.”
He continues:
“We want an open world. We want to cooperate, but not to depend.
And each time we depend, each time we are not able to stand up and decide and agree to disagree, this is the beginning of our problem.”
He says that Europe needs to defend its democratic models against foreign interference, disinformation and the devastating impact of social media – surprisingly, referencing the Netflix hit “Adolescence” as bringing this issue home.
He calls for new regulations in this area.
“Otherwise, our future will be decided by those who will decide for this algorithm,” he warns.
Updated
We then gets to economy, which is just a way for Macron to mention the B word, Brexit.
He acknowledges that “our trade has been revived and even surpassed the pre-Brexit levels,” but he says “we want to do more.”
He acknowledges he is the first European leader granted a state visit since Britain’s exit from the EU, a decision he calls “deeply regrettable.”
“It took us a few years, but we have agreed on the foundations for our new relationship,” he says as he declares his support for Starmer’s “efforts to restore trust” in relations with the bloc.
He then quips:
“Just as leaving his European Union did not mean the United Kingdom left Europe, efforts to address the challenges facing all of Europe cannot be limited to the European Union alone.”
We cannot allow for migration rules to be flouted by criminal networks who exploit hopes of better life, Macron says
Macron now gets to migration.
He says “we cannot allow our country’s rules for taking in people to be flouted by criminal networks who cynically exploit the hopes of so many individuals, with so little respect for human life.”
He says the two countries have “a shared responsibility” to address irregular migration with “humanity, solidarity and firmness.”
But he says that more is also needed at the broader European level to work towards “a lasting and effective solution.”
Macron makes a commitment to work on “climate and biodiversity” and to face down “international reactionaries” who “deny science and facts.”
He also says there is need to work together on “carbon neutrality, phasing out fossil fuels, and protecting forests.”
Faced with new threats, 'hesitating alliances', Franco-British alliance is even more important, Macron says
Turning to France’s alliance with Britain, Macron says it has got stronger in the last few years, and argued the new agreements to be signed during his visit “will enter a new stage that will scale up this cooperation.”
He says that the two countries “are faced with new threats, with aggressive nuclear powers, with sometimes hesitating alliances, and the return of major conflict on our continent.”
“This is why, in two days, our summit is so important, and the announcement we prepared – so historical,” he says.
Turning to the Middle East, Macron warns that “a war without end and without a strategic objective poses a huge threat to the region and our collective security.”
He then strongly backs a ceasefire in the region, saying:
“I believe in the future of the two state solution as a basis for regional security architecture, which will enable Israel to live in peace and security alongside its neighbours.
But I want to be clear, calling today for a cease fire in Gaza without any condition, is just telling to the rest of the world that for us as Europeans, there is no double standard, and as we are attached to human lives, as we are attached to territorial integrity.
We want the ceasefire, no discussion.”
He says ultimately “working together in order to recognise the state of Palestine and to initate this political momentum is the only path to peace.”
“The solution of the two states, and the recognition of a state of Palestine is, according to me, the only way to build peace and stability for all in the whole region,” he says.
'Europeans will never abandon Ukraine, never,' Macron says
Macron has now turned to Ukraine, stressing it was “illegally attacked” by Russia.
He commands Britain for being “since the first day, even before the first day” among the closest allies of Ukraine.
“We worked very hard during the past few years in order to stand with Ukrainian people, just helping them to resist,” he says.
He says the Coalition of the Willing, launched by France and Britain, sends a clear signal “that Europeans will never abandon Ukraine – never.”
“We will fight till the very last minute in order to get the ceasefire, in order to start the negotiations to build this robust and sustainable peace, because this is our security and our principles together which are at stake in Ukraine,” he says.
Updated
'We love monarchy, especially when it's not at home,' Macron jokes
Macron talks about the historical links between France and Britain, including how French philosophers were inspired by their English counterparts.
He then cracks a joke:
“I’m not going so far as to say that England gave birth to the French Revolution.
However, I have to confess that we love monarchy, but especially when it’s not at home.”
He also talks about the shared history “forged in the brotherhood of arms,” making a direct reference to both world wars, as he thanks Keir Starmer for spending Armistice Day in Paris.
French president Macron speaking in UK parliament
Macron is speaking now.
He says he appreciates “everyone’s warm welcome” to the UK and speaks of “the very great honour to speak before the two houses of the British parliament.”
You can follow the live stream below, and I will bring you all the key lines here.
French president Macron to address UK parliament shortly
After visiting Westminster Abbey, Macron has now walked across the street and entered the Palace of Westminster, where he is to address the UK parliament shortly.
Welcoming him, Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle is talking about, erm, rugby league, so let’s see if Macron has got something to say about it.
Macron's state visit to Britain - live stream
Just a reminder that you can follow our live stream showing Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Britain here.
He’s currently in Westminster Abbey, and is expected to cross the street shortly to head into the Palace of Westminster.
Updated
Over 700 firefighters responding to Marseille wildfires, city mayor says
Marseille mayor Benoît Payan told BFMTV that over 700 firefighters are currently responding to the wildfires in the region, with 220 vehicles.
The latest update from Marseille, via BFM TV, is that train traffic near Marseille-Saint-Charles station is now also partially disrupted in two directions with the fire “near the tracks,” according to a statement from rail operator SNFC.
Back to the developing situation in Marseille: just a reminder that the French president, Emmanuel Macron, is currently in Britain and we’re expecting to hear from him within the next half hour as he is about to address the UK parliament.
I will cover his speech here.
Updated
Poland put on alert over heavy rainfall, local flooding concerns
And if that wasn’t enough for extreme weather issues, large parts of Poland were put on alert amid concerns about heavy rainfall expected in the next 24 to 48 hours.
Six regions of Poland have been put on the highest, third level of alert, with more than half of the country seeing lower alerts.
The country last faced devastating flooding in late 2024.
A similar warning was also issued in the eastern part of the Czech Republic.
Spain battles wildfires in Tarragona
in Madrid
Separately, Spain is also experiencing similar problems as firefighters in northeastern Spain are continuing to battle a wildfire in the Catalan province of Tarragona that has burned through more than 3,100 hectares of forest, farm and urban land, and led to the confinement of 18,000 people in the area.
Efforts to control the blaze, which broke out in the Paüls municipality on Sunday, have been complicated by strong winds of up to 90km/h.
“Although we expected strong winds, we were surprised by just how strong they were,” said David Borrell, the head of the regional fire department.
“We’ve been working all night in a very precarious, very difficult way, and we’ve been protecting the population. At night the feeling of insecurity is greater and we’ve had to respond to many alarms and help make the population feel safe.”
Residents in the neighbouring villages of Xerta and Aldover spent a sleepless night as the flames crept closer to their homes.
“[There’s been] a lot of fear and a lot of crying because we are already on the edge of the fire,” Rosa Veleda, 76, told Reuters. “Last night, because of the wind that was blowing the fire and the smoke, we couldn’t leave our house. It’s terrible. We’ve never seen anything like this before.
The regional interior minister, Núria Parlon, urged the public “to be prudent and cautious, to keep themselves updated on the fire situation and to follow the recommendations”.
Around 100 soldiers from Spain’s Military Emergencies Unit have joined 300 regional firefighters to try to bring the blaze under control. The authorities have also deployed three helicopters and four planes to help in the extinction effort.
Experts have warned of a high risk of forest fires this year after the heavy spring rains prompted a surge in the growth of vegetation that is now dry and brittle amid the high summer temperatures.
Last month, the Andalucían province of Huelva registered the highest June temperature since records began, with the mercury reaching 46C. In neighbouring Portugal, the temperature reached 46.6C in June.
Marseille wildfire - in pictures
Wildfire approaching Marseille forces local airport to suspend operations
Meanwhile over in France, there are growing concerns about the wildfire near Marseille which forced the local airport to suspend its operations this afternoon.
The Aix-Marseille Provence Airport, France’s fourth-busiest, had not seen planes taking off or landing since midday, with flights cancelled or rerouted to other French cities.
In the last half hour, authorities warned residents about the fast-moving wildfire to stay inside and leave streets clear as they said the fire was moving towards Marseille.
French broadcaster BFM reported that the fire has already reached the outer edge of the city.
A spokeswoman at the mayor’s office for the 15th and 16th boroughs of Marseille, which border the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau, told AFP the area on the outer limits of the city was increasingly threatened by the fire, and covered in thick smoke.
Earlier today, AFP reported that the local fire service said on X that 168 firefighters had been deployed to fight the blaze of around 30 hectares.
Updated
Macron’s UK state visit underlines effort to move on from Brexit nightmare - analysis
in Paris
When Emmanuel Macron rides in a horse-drawn carriage to Windsor Castle this week, it will be to celebrate the return of close political relations between London and Paris, drawing a line under the damaging spats of the Brexit years.
The French president’s office said the “shared interests” of the two countries were what mattered now, hailing France and the UK’s “essential” close relationship on the international stage. This reinvigorated cross-Channel bond was “vital”, a UK official said.
For Paris, it is symbolic that Macron is the first European leader to be invited for a pomp-filled state visit to the UK since Brexit. It is seen as a sign of the special France-UK relationship that Macron beat the US president, Donald Trump, to be hosted by King Charles. Trump is expected to take his turn in a gilded carriage later this year.
The strong Franco-British unity on display is seen as crucial at a time of war in Ukraine and the Middle East and faced with the unpredictability of the US president. London and Paris’s close bilateral ties on security and defence continued unhindered by Brexit, but are expected to be deepened and updated at Downing Street’s Franco-British summit this week, as the two countries lead the “coalition of the willing” on Ukraine.
But a difficult issue remains on the table: the catastrophic deaths of would-be asylum seekers trying to reach the UK coast on small boats across the Channel from France. Despite joint British funding and cooperation, and French police presence on the coast, nearly 20,000 people have arrived in Britain via small boats so far this year, a 50% increase on the same period in 2024
Macron's royal welcome in Windsor - in pictures
We are now getting more photos from the first few hours of French president Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Britain as he get a truly royal welcome from King Charles III at Windsor Castle.
In this last photo, just above, you may notice that King Charles appears to have a red eye. A Buckingham Palace source told AFP he had suffered a burst blood vessel in one eye which was unrelated to any other health condition.
Swedish PM’s safety jeopardised by Strava data shared by bodyguards
Secret service bodyguards have been accused of jeopardising the Swedish prime minister’s safety over several years by sharing details of their running and cycling routes on the fitness app Strava.
Ulf Kristersson’s bodyguards appear to have inadvertently revealed his location, routes and movements – including details of hotels and his private addresses – by uploading their workouts to the app, making them publicly available.
The Dagens Nyheter newspaper tracked more than 1,400 training activities carried out by seven bodyguards who have protected people in government positions over the past year.
Their findings covered locations across the world – including close to the Ukrainian border in Poland, the seafront in Tel Aviv, ski slopes in the Alps, Central Park in New York, military bases in Mali and an island in the Seychelles.
At least 35 times bodyguards shared information that directly linked to the prime minister and his regular locations including his private home, which is supposed to be kept secret.
Open profiles on Strava have been a problem for security forces across the world.
In 2023 a former Russian submarine commander was killed reportedly with the help of his open Strava profile and last year it was revealed bodyguards to several world leaders were sharing confidential information on the app.
In 2017, Strava was accused of giving away the location and staffing of military bases and spy outposts around the world by publishing a map that showed all of its users’ activity.
Sweden’s security service, Säpo, said they were taking the findings “very seriously” and were investigating.
Three men found guilty over Russian ordered arson targeting UK aid for Ukraine
There is a big Ukraine-related news story breaking in the UK, so let me bring you a line on this:
Three men have been found guilty over an arson attack on Ukraine-linked businesses in London, which British officials said was ordered by Russia’s Wagner mercenary group and was the latest malign activity on behalf of Moscow in the UK.
Last year’s fire at an industrial estate in east London targeted two units, including one for a company that delivered packages to Ukraine, including satellite equipment from Elon Musk’s Starlink.
PA news agency added that about £1m of damage was caused by the blaze.
The case is the first to result in convictions of British criminals acting as proxies for the proscribed Wagner group, PA said.
Updated
You can follow our live stream of events during Macron’s state visit at the top of the blog, and I will bring you more updates throughout the afternoon.
Macron meets Britain's Charles III at Windsor Castle
Back to Britain, French president Emmanuel Macron is now in Windsor, meeting Britain’s King Charles III.
Reuters noted that Macron, treated to a British state visit for the first time, enjoys a strong personal relationship with the king, and there were smiles as the pair met alongside their wives Brigitte and Queen Camilla, watched over by soldiers on horseback, in ceremonial uniform of blue tunics and scarlet plumes.
Charles is expected to emphasise “the multitude of complex threats” both countries face when he speaks at the castle later.
Accompanied by heir to the throne Prince William, and his wife, Princess Catherine, the group climbed into several horse-drawn carriages for a procession in Windsor which finished in the medieval castle’s courtyard, west of London.
Reuters added that before heading to London to address parliament, Macron joined Charles to inspect the Guard of Honour. He was due to have lunch with the family and tour the Royal Collection, paintings and furniture amassed by the Windsors over the centuries.
Ukraine seeks more details on US weapons U-turn after Pentagon halts delivery
in Kyiv
Meanwhile, Kyiv has said it is seeking to clarify details after Donald Trump announced late on Monday that US weapons deliveries would resume just days after they were halted by the Pentagon, stressing that it needed “predictability” in supplies from Washington.
The ministry of defence in Kyiv said in a statement on Tuesday that it had not received official notification of the change in policy and it was “critically important” for Ukraine to maintain “stability, continuity and predictability” in the provision of arms, especially air defence systems.
The statement added:
“We are grateful to the United States for all its support and highly appreciate the efforts of American partners aimed at achieving genuine peace.”
Speaking at the White House, Trump on Monday said he would send “more weapons” to Ukraine, adding that he was “disappointed” in Russia’s president Vladimir Putin (9:39).
“We’re gonna send some more weapons we have to them. They have to be able to defend themselves. They’re getting hit very hard now,” Trump said, alongside a US and Israeli delegation.
Bulgaria set to join eurozone in 2026
Separately, EU finance ministers completed the final steps on Tuesday for Bulgaria to become the 21st member of the euro zone from January 2026, including setting the conversation rate of the Bulgarian lev to the euro, Reuters reported.
Bulgaria will join the single currency at the start of next year at a rate of one euro to 1.95583 lev. Bulgaria now has just under six months to prepare the technical transition.
EU finance ministers last month gave formal support to the Bulgaria joining the euro after positive assessments of the country’s readiness from the European Commission and the European Central Bank. It was also be endorsed by EU leaders at a summit in Brussels on 26 June.
The accession of Bulgaria into the euro zone will leave only six of the 27 EU countries outside the single currency area: Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Denmark, and none of them have plans to join, Reuters noted.
EU 'ready to take countermeasures' if it cannot get fair trade deal from Trump, German minister says
Staying with German voices for a moment, the country’s finance minister Lars Klingbeil has said the EU is “ready to take countermeasures” against the US if it cannot reach a fair deal with Donald Trump.
Germany has been pushed hard for a quick deal but concerns are emerging among member states that the EU does not walk into a bad deal.
“We want a deal with the Americans, but I will tell you this clearly, the agreement needs to be fair. And if we don’t manage to reach a fair deal with the US, then the EU must take countermeasures in order to protect our economy. The US tariffs threaten jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. This trade war hurts us all and must be ended quickly,” Klingbeil told the Bundestag on Tuesday morning.
His remarks come after the Swedish finance minister Elisabeth Svantesson described the offer from the US of a 10% tariff on most EU exports in exchange for some concessions on cars, aviation and medical devices, as “really bad” (11:31).
The 10% tariff is five times the average tariff EU goods attracted before Trump took office this year.
Updated
Germany summons Chinese envoy over laser-targeting of surveillance plane
in Berlin
The German foreign ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador in Berlin after a Chinese warship used a laser to target a German aircraft taking part in an EU operation helping to protect shipping in the Red Sea.
Der Spiegel, a German news outlet, reported that the incident off the coast of Yemen involved a German reconnaissance plane stationed in Djibouti that had been chartered for the operation. It can carry up to four soldiers.
According to the report, the laser incident occurred when the aircraft approached a Chinese frigate. Breaking with common practice, the crew of the Chinese ship allegedly did not establish contact via a distress frequency.
It was not immediately clear whether the German plane sustained any damage and was being inspected, according to Der Spiegel. The incident has meant there is little air traffic in the region.
Read full story here:
Chinese use of laser 'put at risk safety of personnel and material,' Germany says
We now have a bit more detail on the incident behind Germany’s decision to summon the Chinese ambassador to the foreign ministry (10:54)
Reuters reported that Germany’s defence ministry said the aircraft, taking part in the EU’s ASPIDES mission which protects international sea routes in the Red Sea, had been contributing a Multi-Sensor Platform, or “flying eye” for reconnaissance of the area since October.
A Chinese warship, which had been encountered several times in the area, had laser targeted the aircraft with no reason or prior communication during a routine mission flight, said a ministry spokesperson. The incident took place at the beginning of July.
“By using the laser, the warship put at risk the safety of personnel and material,” said the spokesperson, adding the mission flight was aborted as a precaution and the aircraft landed safely at a base in Djibouti.
Reuters noted that China has previously denied accusations of firing or pointing lasers at US planes. Incidents involving a European Nato member and China are more unusual.
I will closely follow Macron’s visit in Britain, and bring you all the key lines on things that matter, including from his address to the UK parliament later today.
In the meantime …
State visit 'significant' for Europe as UK, France get closer to face major challenges, Macron says
French president Emmanuel Macron said his state visit in Britain was “an important moment” for both nations, as the two countries want to “explore new means of cooperation” to face “major challenges of our time,” such as AI, defence, migration, nuclear, and security.
Here is his post in full:
“I am arriving in the United Kingdom for a State Visit, followed by a Franco-British summit.
An important moment for our two nations.
The United Kingdom is a strategic partner, an ally, a friend. Our bond is longstanding, forged by History and strengthened by trust.
Together, we will address the major challenges of our time: security, defence, nuclear energy, space, innovation, artificial intelligence, migration, and culture. These are all areas in which we seek to act together and deepen our cooperation in a concrete, effective, and lasting way.
This is also a significant moment for our Europe.
The willingness expressed by the United Kingdom to strengthen ties with the European Union is a powerful signal — one that I welcome. It commits us collectively to explore new means of cooperation that respect our mutual interests.
There is so much we can build together: for the stability of our continent, for our shared prosperity and competitiveness, and for the protection of our democracies.
Our joint efforts to support Ukraine — where the security of our continent is at stake — our industrial projects with EDF, our cooperation in space and joint military work are all concrete examples that show how vibrant and forward-looking our partnership is.
French and British: two free and proud peoples who never give up.
That is what unites us, beyond any official texts. That is what binds us.”
Updated
Macron begins three-day state visit in Britain
Aaaand… there he is!
French president Emmanuel Macron has now got off his plane and got into a state Bentley as he moves towards Windsor to formally begin his three-day state visit in Britain.
As my colleagues Peter Walker and Jon Henley explain, the state visit will involve events with royals and other pageantry but is also scheduled to include an Anglo-French summit and other meetings with Starmer.
As part of the visit, France is expected to announce it will allow police to intervene in shallow waters up to 300 metres from shore in order to stop small boats leaving. It would help prevent “taxi-boats”, which pick people up in the water rather than launching from the beach with passengers on board.
And Britain said that French police slashing the boats of people smugglers was not “pleasant” but the right tactic, with a UK cabinet minister saying the government welcomed the new approach from the authorities.
Updated
Macron's three-day state visit in Britain about to begin
French president Emmanuel Macron is about to be get off his plan at RAF Northolt in a moment, beginning his three-day state visit in Britain during which he will meet with King Charles, UK prime minister Keir Starmer, and address the UK parliament.
I will bring you lots more on the visit shortly.
Clarity needed on US plans for Ukraine, but sending weapons prolongs war, Russia warns
The Kremlin said that it would take time to clarify what weapons the United States is supplying and will supply to Ukraine after president Donald Trump said Washington would have to send more arms to Kyiv (9:39), Reuters reported.
But at the same time Russia warned that sending arms to Ukraine only serves to prolong the conflict, AFP added.
“It is obvious of course that these actions probably do not align with attempts to promote a peaceful resolution,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying in a briefing.
Let’s leave the EU for a moment, as we’re getting the Kremlin’s reaction to the overnight news that the US will offer more defensive weapons to Ukraine to help it fight against the Russian aggression.
EU 'working flat out' to get deal with US, trade chief Šefčovič insists
in Brussels
The EU is “working flat out” to secure a trade deal with the US, but was ready to retaliate if talks failed, the European official leading talks with Donald Trump’s administration has said.
The EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič told the European parliament that the EU was continuing “to engage closely with our US counterparts on the tariffs placed on European goods”.
Šefčovič said:
“I want to assure you that we are working flat out to secure a fair and mutually beneficial negotiated solution, but we need to be prepared for all outcomes and be ready to rebalance if necessary.”
EU officials have long said they prefer an agreement, but insist they are ready to “rebalance” with counter-tariffs on US goods if talks break down.
The EU suspended tariffs targeting €21bn US goods to give a chance to current talks.
It is also preparing tariffs on up to €95bn of other US exports to the bloc, although the final total would likely be smaller, if ever agreed.
Trump's offer to EU is 'really bad,' Swedish finance minister warns
Speaking of trade, the Swedish finance minister has said the tariff deal being offered to the EU by Donald Trump’s is “really bad”.
Elisabeth Svantesson’s remarks on her way into a summit of finance ministers in Brussels underlines divisions in the bloc over how to approach negotiations during the three-week extension period granted last night by Washington.
Asked what she thought of the US offer, which is believed to include some concessions on cars, wines and spirits exports, she was blunt.
“Offer is not a word I would use to describe this,” said Svantesson.
At the same time she seemed resigned to having to accept a basic 10% tariff – five times more than the pre Trump average on EU exports – when the new negotiating period expires on 1 August.
“It is the Commission that is driving this, but now I think we just have to prepare ourselves for at least 10 percent being what we will have. Do I think that’s good? No, it’s really bad. But we have to know what applies.”
She said the uncertainty was holding back the Swedish economy saying that was one reason to have a quick deal, as demanded by the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz.
But she insisted the EU should not accept a bad deal. Some believe an offer by the US to reduce tariffs to those car manufactures who have plants in the US will result in the deindustrialisation of Europe, with huge job losses in a key sector.
“We support taking a tough stance against the US. We cannot stand with our hats in our hands and thank them for an ‘offer’ of a 10 percent tariff.”
The European Commission said on Monday it was working on “all cylinders” to try to find a solution by tomorrow, the original deadline for talks.
“Exactly how we will respond together is something we will decide together. But I want the Commission to be tougher and more straightforward because that is what is needed. We cannot drag this out indefinitely,” said Svantesson in Brussels.
Europe 'falling behind' rivals and need to reduce burdens to innovate, Danish PM says
Turning to “a competitive and green Europe,” Frederiksen warns Europe is “falling behind” rivals and calls for renewed urgency in “reducing burdens on businesses, citizens and public authorities.”
“We need to boost our ability to innovate, develop and produce the technologies of tomorrow, and we need to do it with urgency and ambition,” she adds.
But she argues this must not come at the cost of long-term climate policies.
She mentions extreme temperatures affecting the continent in recent days, saying Europe still “needs to keep pushing for an ambitious global green transition.”
Moving on to trade, in a thinly veiled swipe at Trump, she says:
“We can use our trade policy to diversify and make supply chains more robust. And while others build tariff walls, we should form new trade partnerships.”
She ends with a direct appeal to EU lawmakers, saying:
Let’s build a stronger Europe together.
Migration issues are 'challenging Europe,' Danish PM says, as she calls for reforms
Danish prime minister Frederiksen also warns about migration “challenging Europe, affecting people’s lives, and the cohesion of our societies.”
She says Europe needs to “strengthen our external borders” as she says “European citizens have a right to feel safe in their own countries.”
She calls for a reform of EU rules to “make the process of returns easier and … more efficient.”
She also directly accuses Russia of “using migration as a weapon at our eastern border.”
Cutting Europe's defence spending in past 30 years was a huge mistake, Danish PM says
Boiling it down to two overriding priorities of the Danish EU presidency, Frederiksen says Denmark’s focus will be on “a secure Europe” and “a competitive and green Europe.”
“First of all, we must take responsibility for our own security.
Cutting our defence spending in the past 30 years was a huge mistake, [that] we shall never repeat.
We cannot take lightly the threat from the East. Russia’s military rearming means that they could, within two to five years, pose a credible military threat to Europe and Nato.
And Russia is no longer working alone. We see it in Ukraine. North Korea providing soldiers and ammunition missiles from Iran and military technology from China.
We must act now to respond to this threat.”
She also says Europe be ready to defend itself from 2030, and learn from Ukraine on how to develop “an impressive defence industry”.
She also makes it clear that Europe “has to continue our support for Ukraine in every way we can, as Europeans, for as long as it takes.”
Danish PM adds:
“Our donations are not a gift and they are not charity. They are a direct defence of Europe, our life and our freedom.”
She calls for “the toughest possible sanctions” on Russia, and calls for support to enlarge the EU with Ukraine, Moldova and western Balkan countries.
In a strong paragraph outlining her intellectual vision for Europe, Denmark’s Frederiksen says:
“Europe is first and foremost an idea.
It is the way we think.
Our fundamental values, freedom, democracy, the rule of law, our firm belief in progress, science and common sense, that we always seek to move make tomorrow better than today, our social model, that we are free to think as we want, believe what we want, and speak as we see fit.
These are the fundamental ideas on which our continent is built, and they run in the blood of all Europeans.
Europe is cooperation, discussions and difficult compromises.
But above all, Europe is a magnificent, rich and diverse continent that has managed to rise again and again and in a time where fundamental values are being questioned, the response from our side needs to be firm and to be clear, we must in every way possible, be willing to protect our democracies, our freedom and rights and our prosperity.”
'Europe is facing greatest challenges since 1940s,' Denmark's Frederiksen
Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen is now giving a major speech in the European parliament, outlining Denmark’s priorities for the EU as it takes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Opening, she warns that “Europe is facing the greatest challenges since the 1940s,” as she lists a growing lists of urgent issues, with Russia’s aggression on Ukraine, migration, the Middle East, trade, and terrorism.
She says:
“The threats may be many, and they are indeed serious, but I have trust in Europe.
Trust that we can move our continent forward, build a more secure Europe, a greener and more competitive Europe, a new Europe of tomorrow with possibilities and welfare for our citizens, but only if we remember what we are capable of, what our societies are built upon, and who we really are as Europeans.”
Updated
Germany summons Chinese ambassador over use of laser targeting German aircraft
Meanwhile, the German foreign ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador in Berlin, reporting that the Chinese military used a laser to target a German aircraft taking part in the EU operation Aspides, which helps protect shipping in the Red Sea.
“The endangerment of German personnel and disruption of the operation are completely unacceptable,” the ministry said on X, announcing the summons.
The foreign ministry, the Chinese embassy and the Aspides mission did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
European officials have repeatedly expressed concern about Chinese influence on critical infrastructure including key shipping routes.
The EU established Aspides, from Ancient Greek meaning “shields”, as a defensive maritime security operation to safeguard navigation during the Red Sea crisis.
Since Israel’s war in Gaza against the Palestinian militant group Hamas began in October 2023, Iran-backed Houthi militants have been attacking Israel and vessels in the Red Sea in what they say are acts of solidarity with the Palestinians.
The German military has been participating in the Aspides operation since February 2024. Its parliamentary mandate sets a maximum deployment of 700 military personnel.
Trial begins after attempted murder of Slovak prime minister
Over in Slovakia, a 72-year-old man who shot and wounded Slovak prime minister, Robert Fico last year has gone on trial in Banská Bystrica.
During the attack in May last year, Fico, a divisive figure in Slovak politics, was shot in the abdomen and had to undergo two major surgeries in the first days after the attack. He has since recovered.
The attacker, Juraj Cintula, was arrested immediately after the incident and charged with attempted murder, later converted into terror charges. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment, Reuters noted.
“Long live democracy, long live free culture,” he shouted as he arrived at the court. According to reports in Slovak media, he did not enter a plea and refused to testify in court.
Fico is not present in court.
The case continues.
Updated
EU still hopes to conclude deal with US on tariffs
The EU still hopes to conclude an agreement in principle this week with Donald Trump over tariffs, after it was granted an extension of three weeks for talks.
Ireland’s deputy prime minister Simon Harris revealed the bloc had been given until 1 August to conclude talks or face tariffs on imports of up to 50%.
In exchange for an acceptance of a 10% baseline tariff, the EU is looking for a series of concessions.
This includes a reduced tariff quota for car imports and steel, currently attracting import duties of 27.5% and 50% respectively.
This addresses Germany’s critical demand for concessions for its beleaguered car industry. The compromise would centre on manufacturers with plants in the US including major German brands Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen.
And the EU is looking for concessions on medical devices and wine and spirits, which currently attract a 10% tariff
The EU also wants the tariff relief to kick in immediately after an agreement is signed, and not have to wait weeks, as the UK did, for formal text to be registered by the White House.
Uncertainty remains over Trump’s threatened tariffs on pharma, Harris said. “This is obviously an area of significant concern to Ireland,” he said.
In a statement issued last night he added:
“My understanding is that we can now expect an extension of the current status quo until 1 August to give further time for the EU and the US to reach an agreement in principle on a mutually beneficial agreement that works for both sides.
However, it remains the position of the EU and the Irish government that we would like to conclude discussions on a trade agreement before 1 August. I remain cautiously optimistic about reaching agreement in principle on a Framework Agreement.
I want to be clear that while it is likely there will be some form of tariffs going forward, their imposition even at a lower rate is bad for consumers, jobs, economic growth and investment.”
Separately, The Irish Times’s view of the three-week extension for EU talks with the US is that it offers little comfort to EU capitals.
It notes that Ireland is terrified of tariffs on pharmaceuticals, one of its biggest multinational sectors and employers, but it also points out that if the result of talks is a 10% baseline tariff, then Trump has won.
Its morning newsletter opined:
“A three-week pause on the deadline to a 90-day pause on tariff hikes – will not be met with sighs of relief in Dublin, or any other European capital.
The base expectation has been for some time that tariffs are part of the picture when dealing with Trump’s second administration, something which Tánaiste and Minister for Trade Simon Harris has consistently articulated.
But rather than dealing with the consequences of a punishing new trade regime, which refuses to crystallise, Ireland and the rest of the world is stuck in a kind of purgatory – counting the cost of uncertainty while trying to navigate the ambiguities of global trade under Trump.”
Now, let’s get an update on the EU-US trade talks, from Lisa O’Carroll.
EU's von der Leyen derides right-wing conspiracies as she fights against motion of censure against her commission
As we wait for more reactions from Ukraine, let’s start with a brief catch up on last night’s European parliament debate on Ursula von der Leyen and her leadership of the European Commission.
Nearly one year ago von der Leyen was returned as European Commission president by the European parliament with a bigger majority than the first time around in 2019. The same forces that propelled her back to office with a comfortable level of support in 2024 are now keeping her safely in post.
Speaking to MEPs on Monday, von der Leyen dismissed as “debunked conspiracy theories” the central claims of a motion of censure designed to unseat her, framing the political move from a right-wing nationalist MEP as part of “an age of struggle between democracy and illiberalism”.
The European parliament will vote on Thursday on a motion tabled by Romanian nationalist anti-vaxxer MEP Gheorghe Piperea, ostensibly over von der Leyen’s refusal to release text messages linked to the negotiation of vaccine contracts during the pandemic. In theory, the vote could trigger the downfall of von der Leyen and her commissioners.
But even its author does not expect it to get the required majority.
Addressing MEPS in Strasbourg on Monday, von der Leyen derided Piperea’s world of conspiracies and alleged sinister plots by “what he calls Brussels”, going on to point to wider threats to democracy from extremist parties,
“There is no proof that they have any answers, but there is ample proof that many are supported by our enemies and by their puppet masters in Russia or elsewhere.”
Unsurprisingly she was strongly supported by her own European People’s Party group. Equally expected, were the unenthusiastic declarations of support from the socialists, centrists and greens, who voted for her in 2019, and will vote against the upcoming motion of censure. They have grievances, but none want to hand a gift to the anti-EU far-right, by bringing down the commission at such a turbulent moment for international politics.
Iratxe García Pérez, leader of the Socialist group, criticised the EPP over the occasions it had voted with the far right, as well as the centre-right group’s stance on the EU’s 2040 climate targets and opposition to an EU ethics body. She accused von der Leyen of looking the other way on these issues.
Valérie Heyer, a French member of the centrist Renew group, chided von der Leyen for the same reasons, concluding: “Don’t take anything for granted. Please put your own political house in order.”
While the far-right – Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán’s Patriots for Europe and the more extreme Europe of Sovereign Nations – will vote for the motion, the other right-wing group, the European Conservatives and Reformists, is split.
Piperea, an ECR member, was responsible for the motion, but the group is dominated by the party of the Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, who has no wish to bring down the more right-leaning commission - which includes a vice presidency post for her ally, Raffaele Fitto. They will have a free vote, where two-thirds of their 79 MEPs are expected to vote against the motion.
For her part, von der Leyen offered a modest olive branch to her supporters, saying she was always ready to work for compromise. Listing EU-US trade talks, Ukraine, China, she dropped a not very subtle hint at the stakes: “Europe must show strength… This strength only comes through unity.”
Updated
We are yet to hear Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s reaction to Trump’s announcement overnight, but his most senior aide Andriy Yermak responded to the Pentagon statement with a not-so-cryptic post on social media showing the flags of Ukraine and the US with a handshake emoji.
UK imposes sanctions on head, deputy of Russia's principal chemical weapons unit
Defence and security editor
The UK has sanctioned the head and a deputy of Russia’s principal chemical weapons unit over the illegal use of CS teargas in Ukraine ahed of a meeting of the executive council of the Organisation of Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
Aleksey Rtishchev, the chief of Russia’s Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence unit (known as RKhBZ) and Andrei Marchenko, a deputy will now both be subject to sanctions following OPCW reports that gas was used on the battlefield.
Though CS gas is used as a crowd control agent in several countries, its use in war is prohibited by the chemical weapons convention. Last November the OPCW confirmed there was evidence of the use of teargas on the frontline, at Ilinka, near the town of Nikopol.
The UK has already sanctioned the RKHBZ unit as well as its former chief Igor Kirillov, though he was assassinated by Ukraine last December by a bomb hidden in a scooter, after Kyiv accused Russia of deploying chemical weapons hundreds of times.
Britain also sanctioned The Joint Stock Company Federal Production Centre Scientific Research Institute of Applied Chemistry for transferring gas grenades to the Russian military.
Stephen Doughty, the sanctions minister, said “Barbaric chemical weapons are supposed to be consigned to history, and yet Russia continues to deploy them on the battlefield in Ukraine.”
Morning opening: US agrees to send 'defensive' military aid to Ukraine
The big news overnight is that US president Donald Trump said the US will send additional weapons to Ukraine to help it defend itself against ongoing attacks by Russia.
Talking to journalists at the White House, Trump said “they are getting hit very, very hard,” adding he was “not happy” with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
They have to be able to defend themselves.
A Pentagon statement shortly afterwards confirmed that
“at president Trump’s direction, the Department of Defense is sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops.”
The move comes a week after a confusing halt in military deliveries for Ukraine despite continuing attacks by Russia, which prompted Kyiv and several European capitals to urge the US to rethink its position.
The issue was also discussed during last week’s direct call between Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Despite the announcement overnight, Russia continued attacks on Ukraine, with explosions reported in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, among others.
Elsewhere, we will be looking at the latest in the EU-US trade talks, the beginning of French president Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Britain, key votes in the European parliament, and the beginning of the trial of a man who shot and wounded Slovak prime minister Robert Fico last year.
It’s Tuesday, 8 July 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
Updated
