'Bloomberg': European leaders to discuss migration at summit in Albania

The American media, ' Bloomberg ' has dedicated today's summit of the European Political Community to be held in Albania.

According to this media outlet, the summit will focus on immigration. Also, 'Bloomberg' writes that the Summit will be attended by leaders including Friedrich Merz of Germany, Emmanuel Macron of France, Keir Starmer of Britain and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. They will also discuss Russia's war against Ukraine and how to increase the continent's competitiveness. 

Full article:

Migration will be at the heart of discussions at the European Political Community summit taking place in Tirana today. Leaders including Friedrich Merz of Germany, Emmanuel Macron of France, Keir Starmer of the UK and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will attend. They will also discuss Russia’s war in Ukraine and ways to boost the continent’s competitiveness. The summit comes as Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama enjoys a strong position after securing an unprecedented fourth term in office. As governments across the continent try to convince voters that they have irregular migration under control, Starmer told a news conference with Rama in Albania yesterday that the UK is in talks with several countries to set up so-called “return centres” for rejected asylum seekers.

What is happening?

Putin absent | EU leaders accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of trying to “buy time” after he sent a low-level delegation to Turkey for talks expected to begin today to end the war in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed expectations, echoing earlier comments by President Donald Trump, who said “nothing will happen” until he meets with the Kremlin leader.

Trade offer | The EU is revising its proposals for a possible trade deal with the US, laying out more details on ways to lower trade and non-trade barriers and boost European investment in the US. Despite slow progress, European trade ministers believe a deal can be reached after the US reached deals with Britain and China.

Preparing to reset relations | The UK and the EU are setting more modest targets to “reset” their relationship. Both sides are firm in their positions — no concessions on immigration rules from Britain and no favourable trade terms without free movement and full compliance with EU rules from the bloc. So the focus of discussions has been on less contentious areas ahead of an EU-Britain summit on Monday.

Age restrictions | France, Spain and Greece are pushing for mandatory age limits for users of social networks such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), according to a document we have seen. The digital services ministers of the three countries are collaborating on the proposal ahead of a meeting with their EU counterparts on June 6.

Water standards | The Commission will work to set minimum standards for water use in data centers as the continent faces potential water shortages in the coming decades. The measure will be proposed by the end of 2026 as part of a plan to make the sector more sustainable, according to a document we have seen.

About Europe

Romania's turmoil | Investors are treating Romania's sovereign debt as junk-rated due to months of political instability, and Sunday's presidential runoff brings new risks to the currency and the country's debt. The election outcome could affect the country's fiscal consolidation path and access to EU funds.

Trade quotas | The EU is considering reinstating quotas on imports of some agricultural products from Ukraine — a move that could end trade concessions for the war-torn country. The commission plans to reintroduce restrictions on wheat, corn, barley, poultry and eggs from Ukraine for the period June-December, according to documents we have seen.

Airspace Violation | Russia deployed a fighter jet into NATO airspace after Estonia attempted to inspect a tanker passing through its exclusive economic zone, according to Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. Estonian ships and aircraft followed the oil tanker Jaguar, which was heading toward Russia, fearing it could pose a threat to undersea power cables.

Defense deal | Europe’s fragmented defense industry will eventually create companies that can rival those from the U.S. and China, according to the CEO of Leonardo — Italy’s largest defense contractor. “I have no doubt that in the future, Europe will find a way” to create defense giants, Roberto Cingolani said in an interview with us.

WEF Crisis | Klaus Schwab's sudden resignation from the World Economic Forum, the organization he founded and led for more than half a century, has complicated plans to hand over the reins to Christine Lagarde in a smooth transition, our sources say. Schwab, 87, had planned to stay on until early 2027, the same year Lagarde's term as president of the European Central Bank ends, but he left last month amid allegations of financial mismanagement, which he denies.