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Growing Iran–U.S. tensions has global energy markets on edge, as Hungary heads toward a defining election. We look back 10 years after the Brussels attacks, examine Europe’s current security threats and break down how rising oil prices and elections in Slovenia and France are shaping the continent.

EU leaders gathered yesterday for a tense summit focused on Ukraine and Iran. After more than 12 hours of talks, Viktor Orbán claimed victory as Hungary’s veto of the EU’s €90 billion loan for Ukraine remains in place. On the US-Israeli war on Iran, the 27 EU leaders urged the parties involved to spare energy infrastructure from strikes. Discussions on competitiveness also took place, but were overshadowed by the two wars. On this episode of Europe Today, we have in-depth analysis by our correspondents on all of it, but also an exclusive interview with Hildegard Bentele, Member of the European Parliament (EPP, Germany) and an in-depth explainer of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) by Europe Today’s Jakub Janas. 

EU leaders are gathering in Brussels today as the conflict in the Middle East escalates dangerously — with strikes hitting energy infrastructure and global tensions rising fast. At the same time, Ukraine’s war drags into another year, with crucial funding still hanging in the balance. Europe says it’s not directly involved — but from energy shocks to global food risks, the impact is already being felt. So how long can the EU stay on the sidelines? And can leaders stay united under pressure? On this episode of Europe Today, we have updates from the summit floor on the major issues to watch and the key political clashes.

As the war rages on, Donald Trump is expressing mounting frustration with Europeans for refusing to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz – saying overnight that the US doesn’t “need or desire” their assistance. Our correspondent Shona Murray breaks down the logic behind the European response and the implications for an increasingly fraught NATO Alliance. Meanwhile, Kyiv has authorised the European Commission to enter Ukraine to inspect the damage on the Druzhba pipeline, a demand from Hungary and Slovakia. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is blocking a €90 billion loan to Ukraine until Russian crude flows through the pipeline again – with EU leaders seeking to convince Orbán to drop his veto when they gather in Brussels on Thursday. Europe Today is Euronews’ daily podcast hosted by Maria Tadeo and Méabh Mc Mahon, broadcasting directly from Brussels, at the heart of Europe. Every morning, we deliver the top and exclusive stories shaping the European Union (EU) and beyond.Stay ahead with the key news and insights that matter, with Europe Today.

War in the Middle East escalates overnight, with fresh strikes on Tehran and rising regional tensions pulling Lebanon and Iraq into the crisis. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas makes it clear: Europe has no appetite for deeper military involvement. Back in Brussels, political shockwaves as Manfred Weber faces backlash over alleged ties with the far right — is Europe’s political “firewall” crumbling we ask.

In today’s episode of Europe Today, we break down a fast-moving and tense moment in global politics. As EU foreign affairs ministers gather in Brussels ahead of this week’s EU Summit, the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran dominates the agenda — with fears growing over regional escalation and global energy shocks. With the Strait of Hormuz closed and energy prices surging, we hear the latest from the Gulf and discuss the pressure from Washington on NATO allies to help reopen one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes. Back in Brussels, we speak to Romania’s Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Țoiu about whether the EU is prepared for a prolonged crisis in the Middle East, the bloc’s role in de-escalation, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Plus: new political controversy surrounding European People’s Party leader Manfred Weber and what it could mean for his political future.