July 16, 2025: EU Budget Unveiled, French Crisis Deepens, UK Afghan Scandal Explodes, Russia Sanctions Hold

Today, July 16, 2025, the EU Commission proposes a massive €1.7 trillion budget with new EU taxes, kicking off future negotiations. In France, Premier Bayrou faces a government collapse as Marine Le Pen vows to oppose his controversial budget cuts, including scrapping public holidays. The UK grapples with an exposed Afghan data breach and costly cover-up that put lives at risk, sparking calls for inquiries into incompetence. And Russia sanctions remain stalled as Slovakia's veto continues to frustrate EU efforts despite ongoing conflict escalation. Everything you need to know to stay informed on European trends and headlines today.