Weekly report
EU institutions move on defence package ahead of Brussels summit · Costa invites EU leaders to 18–19 June European Council · Germany's Merz seeks currency talks to fix undervalued yuan · Merz vows to move on reform agenda after 'constructive' meeting
Council and Parliament negotiators reached a provisional deal on defence-industry simplification in the lead-up to the European Council of 18–19 June. The measure caps permit-granting for defence-readiness projects at 102 working days and harmonises procurement rules across member states. It is part of a broader effort to accelerate European industrial scale-up.
Council of the EUEuropean Council President António Costa's invitation letter set out the summit priorities: Ukraine, defence, the next multiannual financial framework, competitiveness and enlargement. The text foreshadowed concrete conclusions on each topic. It also flagged the political importance of opening the fundamentals cluster with Ukraine on 15 June.
Council of the EUOn the first day of the European Council, leaders adopted conclusions on Ukraine and on European defence and security. The text restates full and unwavering support for Kyiv and outlines next steps on industrial scale-up, joint procurement and capability targets. It calls for closer coordination with NATO partners.
Council of the EUThe full European Council conclusions of 18 and 19 June 2026 cover Ukraine, the Middle East, the next multiannual financial framework, competitiveness, defence, migration, illicit drugs and enlargement. Leaders welcomed the second accession conference with Ukraine and the opening of the fundamentals cluster on 15 June. The text also includes support for Moldova and the Western Balkans.
Council of the EUThe official Council meeting page publishes the full agenda, conclusions, statements and press materials of the 18–19 June 2026 summit. It includes video of the opening remarks and the closing press conference by President Costa. The page also links to the EUCO 8/26 conclusions document.
Council of the EUChancellor Friedrich Merz called for international talks on exchange rates as part of the EU's resolve to address its deepening trade deficit with China. Without naming Beijing directly, Merz said the EU competes with countries whose currencies are up to 30% undervalued, an issue he raised at the G7 summit in France. The Chancellor pressed for coordinated G7 action.
BloombergChancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to press ahead with "big reform tasks" as his coalition bears down on a self-imposed deadline to unveil overhauls of Germany's health, tax and pension systems. Merz's bloc and the Social Democrats met representatives of employers and labour unions in Berlin, describing the talks as held in a good and constructive atmosphere. Proposals are expected before the summer recess.
BloombergG7 heads of state and government met in France to discuss Ukraine, Iran, the global economy and artificial intelligence. Chancellor Merz described the joint summit statement on Iran and Ukraine in particular as a success. The summit also addressed AI governance and the impact of trade tensions on global growth.
Federal GovernmentChancellor Friedrich Merz held a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to reaffirm Germany's commitment to alliance burden-sharing. The two leaders discussed Ukraine support, defence-industrial cooperation and capability targets. Merz reiterated Germany's path toward the new defence-spending floor agreed within NATO.
Federal GovernmentO presidente Lula assinou o Decreto nº 13.033/2026, publicado em edição extra do Diário Oficial, prevendo o bloqueio de recursos movimentados por sites de apostas ilegais. A medida foi viabilizada pela aprovação da Lei Antifacção pelo Congresso. A Secretaria de Prêmios e Apostas do Ministério da Fazenda já havia solicitado à Anatel o bloqueio de cerca de 50 mil sites ilegais.
Agência BrasilO programa de financiamento de R$ 30 bilhões para motoristas de aplicativos passou a receber inscrições. A partir de 18 de junho, beneficiários habilitados podem procurar concessionárias e instituições financeiras para análise de crédito; a linha de financiamento ficou disponível a partir de 19 de junho. O ministro do MDIC, Marcio Elias Rosa, disse que o objetivo é renovar a frota e reduzir emissões.
Agência BrasilA seleção brasileira fez sua estreia na Copa do Mundo de 2026 no dia 13 de junho contra Marrocos, no MetLife Stadium, em Nova Jersey. O torneio ocorre em 16 cidades dos Estados Unidos, Canadá e México entre 11 de junho e 19 de julho. A primeira partida marcou o retorno do Brasil ao torneio com novo treinador e elenco renovado.
Agência BrasilA Fifa alterou o horário do segundo jogo da seleção brasileira na Copa do Mundo, contra o Haiti, em 19 de junho, no Lincoln Financial Field, na Filadélfia. A partida, originalmente marcada para 22h (horário de Brasília), passou a ser disputada às 21h30. A mudança atende a pedido de emissoras de TV e da Federação Brasileira de Futebol.
Agência BrasilO governo federal lançou o novo Desenrola Brasil, programa de renegociação de dívidas voltado à população endividada. A iniciativa permite usar até 20% do saldo do FGTS para quitar débitos e busca aliviar o orçamento das famílias com dívidas de alto custo, como cartão de crédito e cheque especial. A medida prevê descontos negociados com bancos e instituições.
Agência BrasilO presidente Lula assinou decreto que regulamenta o Estatuto da Segurança Privada, estabelecendo novas regras para o setor que emprega mais de 600 mil profissionais no país. O texto define critérios para licenciamento de empresas, formação de vigilantes e relação com a Polícia Federal. A medida moderniza a legislação após décadas sem revisão completa.
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