Von der Leyen, Ursula

• E.U. and South America to Form Free-Trade Zone With 700 Million People - The agreement represents a push for deeper global cooperation, in contrast to the United States turning to coercion in its dealings with other countries.
• E.U. Leaders Debate Plan for Ukraine Financed by Frozen Russian Assets - The European Council convenes on Thursday, and at stake is a contentious deal to back Ukraine and its war effort in 2026 and 2027.
• Stakes High, Europe Races to Save Its Financing Plan for Ukraine - The European Union has a proposal for how to turn Russian frozen assets into a giant loan for Ukraine. If it fails, it could further weaken Europe’s global image.