{"id":2167023,"date":"2026-09-28T06:30:51","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T03:30:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2167023"},"modified":"2026-09-28T06:30:51","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T03:30:51","slug":"ukraine-funding-gap-looms-over-brussels-defence-talks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2167023","title":{"rendered":"Ukraine funding gap looms over Brussels defence talks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/98\/15\/1200x675_cmsv2_77d7c443-f154-598a-b34f-09f20a76b85a-9929815.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2929162-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2929162\" data-cid=\"9930069\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929162-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/69\/189x106_cmsv2_f02d1895-d5e3-5270-a9bb-e5ae40e29718-9930069.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Firefighters are extinguishing a fire after a drone strike in Kyiv\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine says Russian drones kill 14, hit Kyiv and Odesa infrastructure\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929112-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2929112\" data-cid=\"9930012\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929112-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/12\/189x106_cmsv2_a06f6fd2-e645-5156-9eb1-68806ab1c2d1-9930012.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"France&apos;s Senate interior view of the assembly room at the French Senate in Paris, 11 December, 2014\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France&#8217;s far-right National Rally gains ground in Senate poll\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925900-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2925900\" data-cid=\"9927413\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925900-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/43\/57\/189x106_cmsv2_7e3d28c2-4499-5a20-898f-b51d8561f0ea-9914357.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Information Technology sector continues to record the highest average pay level in Portugal\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where are salaries and job opportunities highest in Portugal?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928796-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2928796\" data-cid=\"9928601\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928796-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/86\/01\/189x106_cmsv2_b200c82f-f67d-523d-b153-6d3fd3779e71-9928601.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Europe Today\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU ministers meet on Ukraine aid as Trump rejects Iran&#8217;s Hormuz deal\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929162-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2929162\" data-cid=\"9930069\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929162-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/69\/189x106_cmsv2_f02d1895-d5e3-5270-a9bb-e5ae40e29718-9930069.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Firefighters are extinguishing a fire after a drone strike in Kyiv\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine says Russian drones kill 14, hit Kyiv and Odesa infrastructure\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929112-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2929112\" data-cid=\"9930012\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929112-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/12\/189x106_cmsv2_a06f6fd2-e645-5156-9eb1-68806ab1c2d1-9930012.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"France&apos;s Senate interior view of the assembly room at the French Senate in Paris, 11 December, 2014\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    France&#8217;s far-right National Rally gains ground in Senate poll\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2925900-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2925900\" data-cid=\"9927413\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2925900-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/91\/43\/57\/189x106_cmsv2_7e3d28c2-4499-5a20-898f-b51d8561f0ea-9914357.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Information Technology sector continues to record the highest average pay level in Portugal\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where are salaries and job opportunities highest in Portugal?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928796-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2928796\" data-cid=\"9928601\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928796-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/86\/01\/189x106_cmsv2_b200c82f-f67d-523d-b153-6d3fd3779e71-9928601.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Europe Today\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU ministers meet on Ukraine aid as Trump rejects Iran&#8217;s Hormuz deal\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe Today<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Ukraine funding gap looms over Brussels defence talks<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/98\/15\/1536x864_cmsv2_77d7c443-f154-598a-b34f-09f20a76b85a-9929815.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"A rescuer works on a site of Russian drone strike on the central market of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              A rescuer works on a site of Russian drone strike on the central market of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Kateryna Klochko\/Copyright 2026 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Kateryna Klochko\/Copyright 2026 The AP. All rights reserved\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspMared Gwyn Jones\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1790577051\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-09-28 08:30:51 +02:00\">28\/09\/2026 &#8211; 8:30 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div 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height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Good morning. This is Mared Gwyn with your Monday newsletter from Brussels. Today: the question of Ukraine&#8217;s funding gap looms over EU defence talks, and the bloc&#8217;s energy chief cautions over low energy storage. Let\u2019s dive in.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p><strong>Hold the fort:<\/strong> European defence ministers are meeting in Brussels this morning to discuss more support for Ukraine as well as fortifying the bloc\u2019s own skies and seas, my colleague <strong>Angela Skujins<\/strong> reports from down the road at the European Council. It comes as Russia continues to pound Ukraine, with the impact also bleeding out across Europe\u2019s borders. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The effects of Moscow\u2019s aggression continues to be felt around the continent, through rogue aircraft and drones. Ministers will be tasked on Monday to start putting flesh on the bone to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen\u2019s bold pitch for the bloc\u2019s own emergency protocol for hybrid threats, as unveiled at her agenda-setting State of the European Union speech in Strasbourg. <\/p>\n<p>An EU official close to the security file told reporters, including our own <strong>Angela Skujins<\/strong>, that there is space for dialogue between the bloc and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) particularly when it comes to these unwanted incursions \u2013 and how to step up defences. But avoiding duplication is the big question. <\/p>\n<p>Speaking to Euronews, Lithuania\u2019s former foreign minister, <strong>Gabrielius Landsbergis<\/strong>, acknowledged the d-word is the biggest concern, but he admitted allies need to be more forceful with tools to counter these threats, particularly when it comes to Europe\u2019s eastern flank. <\/p>\n<p><strong>The Kyiv funding gap:<\/strong> Landsbergis also said, however, that the biggest challenge facing Europe over the next 12 months will be how it steps up financial support for Ukraine, which is naturally experiencing the brunt of Russia\u2019s aggression.<\/p>\n<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made it quite clear he needs \u20ac23.5 billion to prop up his military to continue this defence, with Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi saying on Sunday that some \u20ac6 billion will be covered through strict cost-cutting measures, while international partners are expected to step in to cover the rest of the gap.<\/p>\n<p>The delicate conversation that needs to occur now is whether Europe should continue to apply pressure on Kyiv to implement necessary reforms to unlock more cash, or give unfettered access to its coffers. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe can argue that they need to do reforms and they will do that maybe slowly, slower than we would like to, but then the question is: Do we allow Ukraine to just stop defending themselves if they lack the money?\u201d Landsbergis told Europe Today. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd I believe that that will be the most important question of the next year.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Under pressure to provide relief, EU countries on Friday agreed to release a \u20ac6.6 billion programme of military aid for Ukraine that had stalled since spring 2023, when Hungary imposed a controversial veto that paralysed the initiative. Jorge Liboreiro has <strong>the details<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Diplomatic delegations&#8217; fight for survival:<\/strong> My colleague <strong>Luca Bertuzzi<\/strong> reports this morning that the EU is unlikely to slash its delegations across the world, despite the network being eyed as part of sweeping budget cuts.<\/p>\n<p>European governments are locked in tense negotiations over the bloc&#8217;s next long-term budget, with the administrative costs of EU institutions abroad and the global programme the most likely casualties. <\/p>\n<p>But one official told Luca that the idea that the next long-term budget might cut the delegations is politically unlikely, and stems from an ongoing power play by the Commission to take fuller control of the EU&#8217;s diplomatic service. Luca has the <strong>full read<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pope makes a mark:<\/strong> Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV concludes his four-day visit to France today in Metz, after travelling from Paris to the major Catholic pilgrimage site of Lourdes over the weekend.<\/p>\n<p>In Lourdes, Pope Leo entered France\u2019s divisive debate over assisted dying, warning against \u201cthe temptation to cause death under the guise of false compassion\u201d and invoking the \u201cinalienable dignity of the human person\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>France\u2019s aid-in-dying law, which grants a right to assisted dying under strict conditions, came into force in August following years of fierce political and public debate. \u201cWhat is legal is not necessarily moral,\u201d Pope Leo told crowds.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Popemobile frenzy<\/strong>: Earlier this weekend in the French capital, the pontiff drew crowds totalling around 800,000, where hundreds of babies and young children were lifted towards the Popemobile to receive his blessing.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>EU tells countries to curb energy demand as gas prices face winter squeeze<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>European Energy Commissioner Dan J\u00f8rgensen has urged EU governments to continue curbing energy demand to reduce gas and electricity consumption amid &#8220;exceptionally low&#8221; storage levels, according to a letter seen by Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I invite you to consider taking or continuing to take measures that can sustain injections or reduce gas and electricity demand for as long as necessary,&#8221; reads the letter, noting that the situation &#8220;has not improved&#8221; since J\u00f8rgensen&#8217;s first warning in March.<\/p>\n<p>The warning comes as EU gas storage is around 70% full, roughly 12 percentage points below the same point last year, according to the latest figures from the trade association Gas Infrastructure Europe. Continued disruption in the Middle East and fierce competition from Asia for liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes are pushing prices up, threatening a supply crisis.<\/p>\n<p>Marta Pacheco has the full story.<\/p>\n<h2>More from our newsrooms<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Collateral damage: How Cognac is paying the price for Europe\u2019s trade wars.<\/strong> French Cognac producers are battling falling sales as trade disputes with China and the US squeeze the export-dependent industry and leave growers seeking EU support. Peggy Corlin has<strong>the details<\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Seoul seeks apology after Ukraine &#8216;breached&#8217; confidentiality agreement over transfer of North Korean POWs.<\/strong> South Korea&#8217;s President Lee Jae Myung\u2019s office demanded an apology from Ukraine for denying an agreement to keep the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war from its territory to Seoul confidential. Zelenskyy disclosed last week that his country had sent two North Korean soldiers to the South, adding that they were &#8220;not easy to capture alive&#8221;. Malek Fouda has <strong>more<\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>How Russia recruits Belarusians to fight in Ukraine.<\/strong> Russia&#8217;s recruitment drive targeting Belarusians has become a key tool to boost manpower on the battlefield and exploits economic hardship and isolation, as Anka Kir<strong>explains<\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><strong>We&#8217;re also keeping an eye on<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>EU defence ministers gather in Brussels<\/li>\n<li>EU agriculture ministers also meet, and are joined by their Ukrainian counterpart Taras Vysotskyi<\/li>\n<li>European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde speaks to the European Parliament\u2019s Economy Committee at 15.30 CET<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>That\u2019s it for today. Angela Skujins contributed to this newsletter.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Seoul seeks apology after Ukraine &#8216;breached&#8217; confidentiality agreement over transfer of North Korean POWs<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Pope Leo XIV urges French Church to continue fight against sexual abuse<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Ukraine funding gap looms over Brussels defence talks<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Ukraine<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Defence<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  European Union<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  War in Ukraine<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tp-vuukle\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__header\"><span class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__title\">Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2908570-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908570\" data-cid=\"9831891\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908570-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/18\/91\/320x180_cmsv2_c887f6fa-6901-59f0-a059-9bffde938ee1-9831891.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why the EU is unlikely to slash its diplomatic delegations<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2929115-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929115\" data-cid=\"9929850\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929115-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/98\/50\/320x180_cmsv2_19bea4f1-11dd-5469-b89e-dc2c22cbc990-9929850.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"South Korean President Lee Jae Myung addresses the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Seoul demands apology after Kyiv reveals transfer of North Korean POWs<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2929147-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929147\" data-cid=\"9930006\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929147-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/06\/320x180_cmsv2_c1169579-4c39-5313-88ab-c8634cb5fb58-9930006.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Military personnel take part in a parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing, 3 September, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump offered to sell arms to China, US ambassador tells Fox News<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2928630-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928630\" data-cid=\"9927900\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928630-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/79\/00\/320x180_cmsv2_67f2150a-de50-57bf-8308-016dabc65737-9927900.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A BYD electric vehicle charges at a dealership in Camacari, Bahia state, Brazil, Friday, March 7, 2025. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How old EV batteries could transform Europe\u2019s struggling energy grid<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2929155-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929155\" data-cid=\"9930038\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929155-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/38\/320x180_cmsv2_ed073c6c-1d0e-5c2e-aaff-2e2623f3fcfb-9930038.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - Currency traders watch monitors at the foreign exchange dealing room of the Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, 23 Sept. 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil prices jump after Trump rejects Iran\u2019s truce offer<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2928991-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928991\" data-cid=\"9929407\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Five arrested near US air base as police probe possible Iran link<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2928961-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928961\" data-cid=\"9929302\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russian foreign minister rejects Berlin&#8217;s call to abandon escalation<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2928870-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928870\" data-cid=\"9928977\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Fat Bear Week returns as Alaska&#8217;s biggest bears compete for the crown<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2928759-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928759\" data-cid=\"9928738\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump rejects Iranian plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2928830-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928830\" data-cid=\"9928844\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thousands take to the streets in Madrid over Ceuta migrant crisis<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2908570-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2908570\" data-cid=\"9831891\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2908570-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/83\/18\/91\/320x180_cmsv2_c887f6fa-6901-59f0-a059-9bffde938ee1-9831891.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Why the EU is unlikely to slash its diplomatic delegations<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929115-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929115\" data-cid=\"9929850\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929115-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/98\/50\/320x180_cmsv2_19bea4f1-11dd-5469-b89e-dc2c22cbc990-9929850.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"South Korean President Lee Jae Myung addresses the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Seoul demands apology after Kyiv reveals transfer of North Korean POWs<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929147-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929147\" data-cid=\"9930006\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929147-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/06\/320x180_cmsv2_c1169579-4c39-5313-88ab-c8634cb5fb58-9930006.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Military personnel take part in a parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing, 3 September, 2025\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump offered to sell arms to China, US ambassador tells Fox News<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928630-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928630\" data-cid=\"9927900\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928630-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/79\/00\/320x180_cmsv2_67f2150a-de50-57bf-8308-016dabc65737-9927900.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A BYD electric vehicle charges at a dealership in Camacari, Bahia state, Brazil, Friday, March 7, 2025. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    How old EV batteries could transform Europe\u2019s struggling energy grid<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2929155-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2929155\" data-cid=\"9930038\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2929155-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/93\/00\/38\/320x180_cmsv2_ed073c6c-1d0e-5c2e-aaff-2e2623f3fcfb-9930038.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File - Currency traders watch monitors at the foreign exchange dealing room of the Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, 23 Sept. 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil prices jump after Trump rejects Iran\u2019s truce offer<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928991-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928991\" data-cid=\"9929407\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Five arrested near US air base as police probe possible Iran link<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928961-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928961\" data-cid=\"9929302\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Russian foreign minister rejects Berlin&#8217;s call to abandon escalation<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928870-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928870\" data-cid=\"9928977\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Fat Bear Week returns as Alaska&#8217;s biggest bears compete for the crown<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928759-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928759\" data-cid=\"9928738\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump rejects Iranian plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928830-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928830\" data-cid=\"9928844\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Thousands take to the streets in Madrid over Ceuta migrant crisis<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Hold the fort: European defence ministers are meeting in Brussels this morning to discuss more support for Ukraine as well as fortifying the bloc\u2019s own skies and seas, my colleague Angela Skujins reports from down the road at the European Council. It comes as Russia continues to pound Ukraine, with the impact also bleeding out across Europe\u2019s borders.\u00a0The effects of Moscow\u2019s aggression continues to be felt around the continent, through rogue aircraft and drones. Ministers will be tasked on Monday to start putting flesh on the bone to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen\u2019s bold pitch for the bloc\u2019s own emergency protocol for hybrid threats, as unveiled at her agenda-setting State of the European Union speech in Strasbourg.\u00a0An EU official close to the security file told reporters, including our own Angela Skujins, that there is space for dialogue between the bloc and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) particularly when it comes to these unwanted incursions \u2013 and how to step up defences. But avoiding duplication is the big question.\u00a0Speaking to Euronews, Lithuania\u2019s former foreign minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, acknowledged the d-word is the biggest concern, but he admitted allies need to be more forceful with tools to counter these threats, particularly when it comes to Europe\u2019s eastern flank.\u00a0The Kyiv funding gap: Landsbergis also said, however, that the biggest challenge facing Europe over the next 12 months will be how it steps up financial support for Ukraine, which is naturally experiencing the brunt of Russia\u2019s aggression.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made it quite clear he needs \u20ac23.5 billion to prop up his military to continue this defence, with Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi saying on Sunday that some \u20ac6 billion will be covered through strict cost-cutting measures, while international partners are expected to step in to cover the rest of the gap.The delicate conversation that needs to occur now is whether Europe should continue to apply pressure on Kyiv to implement necessary reforms to unlock more cash, or give unfettered access to its coffers.\u00a0\u201cWe can argue that they need to do reforms and they will do that maybe slowly, slower than we would like to, but then the question is: Do we allow Ukraine to just stop defending themselves if they lack the money?\u201d Landsbergis told Europe Today.\u00a0\u201cAnd I believe that that will be the most important question of the next year.\u201dUnder pressure to provide relief, EU countries on Friday agreed to release a \u20ac6.6 billion programme of military aid for Ukraine that had stalled since spring 2023, when Hungary imposed a controversial veto that paralysed the initiative. Jorge Liboreiro has the details.Diplomatic delegations&#8217; fight for survival: My colleague Luca Bertuzzi reports this morning that the EU is unlikely to slash its delegations across the world, despite the network being eyed as part of sweeping budget cuts.European governments are locked in tense negotiations over the bloc&#8217;s next long-term budget, with the administrative costs of EU institutions abroad and the global programme the most likely casualties.\u00a0But one official told Luca that the idea that the next long-term budget might cut the delegations is politically unlikely, and stems from an ongoing power play by the Commission to take fuller control of the EU&#8217;s diplomatic service. Luca has the full read.Pope makes a mark: Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV concludes his four-day visit to France today in Metz, after travelling from Paris to the major Catholic pilgrimage site of Lourdes over the weekend.In Lourdes, Pope Leo entered France\u2019s divisive debate over assisted dying, warning against \u201cthe temptation to cause death under the guise of false compassion\u201d and invoking the \u201cinalienable dignity of the human person\u201d.France\u2019s aid-in-dying law, which grants a right to assisted dying under strict conditions, came into force in August following years of fierce political and public debate. \u201cWhat is legal is not necessarily moral,\u201d Pope Leo told crowds.Popemobile frenzy: Earlier this weekend in the French capital, the pontiff drew crowds totalling around 800,000, where hundreds of babies and young children were lifted towards the Popemobile to receive his blessing.EU tells countries to curb energy demand as gas prices face winter squeezeEuropean Energy Commissioner Dan J\u00f8rgensen has urged EU governments to continue curbing energy demand to reduce gas and electricity consumption amid &#8220;exceptionally low&#8221; storage levels, according to a letter seen by Euronews.&#8221;I invite you to consider taking or continuing to take measures that can sustain injections or reduce gas and electricity demand for as long as necessary,&#8221; reads the letter, noting that the situation &#8220;has not improved&#8221; since J\u00f8rgensen&#8217;s first warning in March.The warning comes as EU gas storage is around 70% full, roughly 12 percentage points below the same point last year, according to the latest figures from the trade association Gas Infrastructure Europe. Continued disruption in the Middle East and fierce competition from Asia for liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes are pushing prices up, threatening a supply crisis.Marta Pacheco has the full story.More from our newsroomsCollateral damage: How Cognac is paying the price for Europe\u2019s trade wars. French Cognac producers are battling falling sales as trade disputes with China and the US squeeze the export-dependent industry and leave growers seeking EU support. Peggy Corlin has the details.Seoul seeks apology after Ukraine &#8216;breached&#8217; confidentiality agreement over transfer of North Korean POWs. South Korea&#8217;s President Lee Jae Myung\u2019s office demanded an apology from Ukraine for denying an agreement to keep the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war from its territory to Seoul confidential. Zelenskyy disclosed last week that his country had sent two North Korean soldiers to the South, adding that they were &#8220;not easy to capture alive&#8221;. Malek Fouda has more.How Russia recruits Belarusians to fight in Ukraine. Russia&#8217;s recruitment drive targeting Belarusians has become a key tool to boost manpower on the battlefield and exploits economic hardship and isolation, as Anka Kir explains.We&#8217;re also keeping an eye onEU defence ministers gather in BrusselsEU agriculture ministers also meet, and are joined by their Ukrainian counterpart Taras VysotskyiEuropean Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde speaks to the European Parliament\u2019s Economy Committee at 15.30 CETThat\u2019s it for today. Angela Skujins contributed to this newsletter.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/09\/28\/ukraine-funding-gap-looms-over-brussels-defence-talks&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/98\/15\/1200x675_cmsv2_77d7c443-f154-598a-b34f-09f20a76b85a-9929815.jpg&#8221;] No Comment Ukraine says Russian drones kill 14, hit Kyiv and Odesa infrastructure Europe News France&#8217;s far-right National Rally gains ground in Senate poll Business Where are salaries and job opportunities highest in Portugal? Europe Today EU ministers meet on Ukraine aid as Trump rejects Iran&#8217;s Hormuz deal No Comment Ukraine says [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2167023","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2167023","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2167023"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2167023\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2167023"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2167023"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2167023"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}