The European Union is considering re-opening its Association Agreement with Israel, valued at over €45 billion annually. The Netherlands has led the push, calling Israel's "humanitarian blockade" on Gaza a violation of international humanitarian law and Article 2. 26 EU member states support introducing sanctions on Israeli settlers responsible for violence in the West Bank, while Hungary vetoes the proposal. The UK has suspended trade talks with Israel over its offensive in Gaza, and leaders from the UK, France, and Canada have threatened concrete actions if Israel doesn't halt its campaign and lift aid restrictions.
https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/05/20/eu-to-review-its-trade-and-cooperation-with-israel-over-gaza-offensiveThe EU Council is set to approve new sanctions against Russia due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. EU High Representative Kaia Kalas stated that a lack of agreement for an unconditional ceasefire from Moscow has led to preparations for additional measures. A conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin last night failed to make progress on the issue, with Kalas emphasizing the need for an unconditional ceasefire, which Kiev has already accepted. The EU is expected to increase pressure on Moscow if Russia does not comply, with the US warning of strong actions if no ceasefire is reached.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/972353-eu-trump-s-conversation-with-putin-ended-without-progress-we-are-introducing-new-sanctionsThe European Union and the United Kingdom have imposed new sanctions on dozens of Russian ships part of Moscow's "shadow fleet" to counter Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began over three years ago. The EU has added 189 vessels to its list, in addition to freezing assets and imposing travel bans on several Russian officials and companies. Britain has also introduced measures targeting the shadow fleet, with around 100 new sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on the Kremlin.
https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-uk-warmonger-putin-russia-shadow-fleet-sanctions/33419406.htmlThe European Union has imposed new sanctions on Russia, with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stating that Moscow's failure to agree to a ceasefire is "disappointing". The move comes after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to produce a breakthrough in ending the 3-year-old war in Ukraine. Despite this, Ukrainian readiness for a ceasefire has been welcomed by European leaders, who are now expected to react with further action.
https://www.ocregister.com/2025/05/20/ukraine-russia-war-new-sanctions/The European Union has increased pressure on Russia by doubling the number of banned ships in its "shadow fleet", which is used to circumvent maximum oil prices agreed upon by Western countries. EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, warned that those who enable Russia face severe consequences as Moscow continues to feign interest in peace.
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-ministers-seal-fresh-sanctions-package-against-russia/Top finance leaders from the G7 nations, including Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko, will gather in Alberta, Canada, starting Tuesday to discuss global economic conditions amidst concerns over the war in Ukraine and the impact of US President Donald Trump's tariffs. The meeting comes as the G7 democracies have taken an uncertain approach towards the conflict since Trump's return to office, following his outreach to Russia and imposition of tariffs on allies and competitors.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/g7-finance-leaders-gather-with-ukraine-tariff-concerns-at-fore-209374Israel has allowed aid trucks into Gaza, but the volume of assistance is deemed insufficient by U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher. The international community's patience with Israel is wearing thin following a surge in Palestinian deaths, with over 53,000 fatalities reported, mostly women and children. This number is based on Gaza's Health Ministry count.
https://africanews.com/2025/05/20/uk-suspends-trade-deal-negotiations-with-israel/Israel announced it would take control of Gaza as it intensified attacks across the territory, where two million people are starving. The World Health Organization warned of a humanitarian crisis. Aid shipments entered for the first time in over two months, carrying food for babies, including supplies from five trucks cleared to enter Gaza. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said nine trucks had been cleared but aid has not been picked up due to security concerns. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited "practical and diplomatic reasons" for resuming aid, saying it could harm the legitimacy of Israel's war effort. The leaders of Britain, France, and Canada condemned Israel's conduct in Gaza, warning of concrete actions if Israel did not ease its offensive.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/israel-take-control-all-gaza-pm-netanyahu-5140396Israel announced it will "take control" of the whole of Gaza as it intensified attacks across the territory, where aid trickled in for the first time in over two months after a total blockade was eased. The World Health Organisation warned that Gaza's two million people are starving, with tonnes of food blocked at the border just minutes away. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said nine trucks had been cleared to enter Gaza but it was "a drop in the ocean" compared to what is urgently needed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said aid had resumed because images of mass starvation could harm Israel's war effort, while leaders of Britain, France and Canada condemned Israel's conduct, calling its actions "egregious". The Israeli military struck 160 terror targets in Gaza over the past day, with at least 3,340 people killed since Israel resumed strikes on March 18.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/05/20/like-the-apocalypse-gaza-residents-reel-as-israel-pm-vows-to-take-control-of-all-of-gaza/177378