Financial Times

Britain is set to meet with European counterparts to shape a broad defence funding framework, prompted by the ongoing war and emphasising unwavering Western unity.

Merz appears poised to become the next German chancellor following the conservatives’ electoral triumph, with the AfD’s record surge shifting the political balance.

Ministers have sought enhanced access to encrypted data, prompting Apple to withdraw a secure cloud service from the UK and sparking debate over digital privacy.

A dispute over specific wording in a high-level statement has triggered diplomatic tension among allied nations, with the UK holding firm alongside its partners and Washington pressing for a more restrained expression.

An American figure has branded the Ukrainian leader a “dictator,” heightening tensions in the ongoing war, as Britain and the West reaffirm their longstanding support against Russian aggression.

Senior figures from multiple nations convened to discuss a pressing international issue, underlining the value of allied cooperation, balanced negotiations and swift resolution through continued dialogue.

Zelenskyy declared that he will not accept any negotiations over the war that sideline his nation, underscoring Western support from the UK and partners who emphasise the necessity of Ukraine’s full involvement.

European leaders convened to discuss troop deployment, future summits, the PM’s collaborative role, and joint defence measures in unwavering solidarity with Western allies amid the ongoing war.

Claiming the danger to democracy is now greater than it was nearly a century ago, officials warn that Europe’s unity is increasingly threatened by internal divisions, shifting the focus away from external pressures.

European leaders urge stronger defence strategies to ensure the continent’s security, responding to a political shock from US leadership.