The sanctions come against the backdrop of alleged human rights violations amid protests. EU defense and foreign ministers also agreed on a €2 billion ammunition plan for Ukraine.

Following an EU-hosted donors conference, the bloc says it will fund humantiarian assistance, but not full-scale reconstruction in Syria.

Since Russia started its war in Ukraine, the EU has made extensive use of its sanction's toolbox. Despite this, sanctioned goods from Europe still seem to find their way to Russia.

Berlin wants last-ditch changes to the landmark EU law spelling the demise of the combustion engine from 2035. It’s not a good look on the international stage, observers in Brussels warn.

After Vladimir Putin suggested Turkey could be a hub for Russian gas deliveries, the idea ignited enthusiasm in Turkey. But technical and political challenges may undermine Erdogan's energy ambitions.

China's show of solidarity with Russia displeased officials in Brussels, where concerns are growing that Beijing is considering supplying arms to Moscow. But for now there is no real desire to decouple from China.

Brussels has proposed rules requiring companies to produce evidence to back up green claims about products. It also wants to give consumers more rights when it comes to having products repaired.

France, Germany face off on EU's 2035 internal combustion car ban. In this edition: Germany seeks an "e-fuels" exemption to the EU's ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars after 2035, while France pushes for an all-electric transport future.

Talking Europe speaks to the European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit. With anger growing in France about the government's push to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64, and the EU facing an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, his portfolio is very much in the spotlight – including recommendations to encourage a Minimum Income for all.

The EU's ambition is to turn hydrogen from a polluting niche market to a clean mass market. Renewable hydrogen is seen as crucial for Europe to meet its international climate commitments, and to limit its dependence on natural gas providers, be that Russia or other countries.

Germany's foreign minister says the door to EU candidate status is "wide open" for Georgia. But she stressed the Caucasus country would first need to implement reforms to address concerns over democracy.

While European bank shares have slumped, EU leaders are not worried. But they warn to "never be complacent."