Weekly report
11th EU–Republic of Korea summit takes place in Brussels (10 June) · Council approves position on AGILE defence-innovation programme · Germany to grow in 2026 as spending offsets war, Bundesbank says · Merz coalition draws up road map for German reforms by July
European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen represented the EU at the 11th EU–Republic of Korea summit on 10 June 2026 in Brussels. The leaders discussed trade, semiconductors, security cooperation, climate and joint support for the rules-based international order. A joint statement set out concrete deliverables.
Council of the EUMember states' representatives approved the Council's position on a proposal to establish the Programme for Agile and Rapid Defence Innovation (AGILE). The instrument is designed to speed up the EU's defence-innovation cycle and bring start-ups closer to defence procurement. The Council position opens the way to negotiations with the European Parliament.
Council of the EUThe European Parliament approved new EU rules for the screening of foreign investments to prevent security risks. The regulation replaces measures due to expire on 30 June 2026 and gives member states stronger tools to coordinate sensitive-sector reviews. The text also strengthens the role of the European Commission in cross-border cases.
European ParliamentEU leaders welcomed the opening of the fundamentals cluster in the accession negotiations with Ukraine on 15 June 2026, during the second accession conference. The development was endorsed by the European Council a few days later. It marks a significant step in Kyiv's path towards EU membership.
Council of the EUFollowing the EU–Western Balkans summit of 5 June 2026, EU leaders welcomed the new impetus in the enlargement process. Discussions covered rule of law, regional cooperation and economic convergence. The summit reaffirmed the EU's commitment to the merit-based accession path.
Council of the EUThe Bundesbank projected German GDP growth of 0.5% in 2026, 0.8% in 2027 and 1.4% in 2028, with public spending compensating for the drag from the Iran war. The forecast represents a downgrade from December projections and assumes GDP stagnation in Q2 before a modest pickup in Q3. The central bank flagged energy prices and trade tensions as the main risks.
BloombergThe Merz coalition unveiled a road map for an overhaul of Germany's health, tax and pension systems, with concrete proposals targeted before the summer recess. The plan reflects pressure from business and labour for predictability after months of negotiations. The Chancellor said the coalition's tiny 12-seat majority makes the timing politically fragile.
BloombergChancellor Merz convened employers' representatives and trade unions in Berlin to advance the coalition's reform agenda on health, tax and pensions. Both sides described the climate as constructive and committed to keep negotiating before the summer recess. The talks form the centrepiece of the government's strategy to restore competitiveness.
BloombergO ministro do Trabalho e Emprego, Luiz Marinho, declarou que cabe ao Supremo Tribunal Federal coibir o uso indevido do registro de Microempreendedor Individual (MEI) como mecanismo para substituir vínculos formais de trabalho. A fala ocorreu durante a apresentação do novo relatório Rais Mensalizada em Brasília. O STF analisa ações sobre 'pejotização' e os limites do vínculo de emprego.
Agência BrasilPor 6 votos a 5, o Supremo Tribunal Federal declarou inconstitucional o artigo 19 da Emenda Constitucional 103/2019, que fixava idade mínima para a aposentadoria especial de trabalhadores expostos a agentes nocivos à saúde. A regra havia sido aprovada na reforma da Previdência durante o governo Bolsonaro. A decisão beneficia categorias como mineiros, profissionais de saúde e operadores expostos a químicos.
Agência BrasilO Supremo Tribunal Federal manteve a regra de reoneração gradual da folha de pagamento para 17 setores intensivos em mão de obra, com efeito pleno até 2027. A decisão dá previsibilidade aos setores impactados e encerra discussão jurídica que se arrastava desde 2024. Sindicatos patronais avaliam buscar diálogo com o Congresso para revisar a calibração das alíquotas.
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