Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen are warned not to repeat past mistakes with China as they did with Putin, ahead of their meeting with Xi Jinping. Critics, including Lithuania's foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, express concern over Europe's economic partnership approach, citing its failure to contain Russia. Landsbergis criticizes the EU's dependency on China for critical minerals and calls for reducing reliance on totalitarian states. Von der Leyen promises a shift in EU-China relations, while Macron aims to secure trade contracts during the visit. The EU's coherent message to China is questioned due to recent visits by various EU leaders.

Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen are warned not to repeat past mistakes in their approach to China, as they prepare for a meeting with Xi Jinping. Critics draw parallels to Europe's failed security partnership with Vladimir Putin. Lithuania's foreign minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, cautions against emboldening China through economic partnerships. The EU's heavy reliance on Chinese trade, particularly for essential minerals, is highlighted. Macron aims to secure trade contracts, while von der Leyen has spoken of a strategic shift in EU-China relations. The coherence of EU messages to China is questioned amid recent visits by various EU leaders.

The trial of ten Islamic State jihadists for their involvement in the 2016 Brussels terror attacks was briefly suspended after defendants complained of abuse by Belgian police and prison authorities. Lawyer Jonathan De Taye requested the suspension, citing the treatment of his client, Ali El Haddad Asufi, as 'worthy of a totalitarian state'.

Hungary, led by Viktor Orban, blocked €18bn in EU aid destined for Ukraine, leveraging it to pressure Brussels into releasing €13.3bn in EU funds and coronavirus recovery money that were frozen over concerns of corruption, democratic backsliding, and violations of gay and trans rights.

The European Union's attempt to engage young people through a $500,000 metaverse event was unsuccessful, with only six attendees. The EU Commission's foreign aid department invested in the virtual space, which featured virtual DJs and was aimed at educating 18-35 year olds about EU policies. However, the event was poorly received, with only 44 likes on the promotional video and internal criticism from the European Commission. Jacob Kirkegaard of the German Marshall Fund and others have criticized the EU's investment in the metaverse, which an EU spokesman acknowledged did not meet expectations.

The European Union's attempt to engage young people through a metaverse event, costing nearly 640,000 NZD, was unsuccessful with only six attendees. The EU Commission's foreign aid department had hoped to educate youth about its policies through a virtual concert. However, the event received minimal interest, with only 44 likes on its promotional video. Critics, including Devex correspondent Vince Chadwick and Jacob Kirkegaard from the German Marshall Fund, labeled the initiative a waste of resources. An EU spokesperson acknowledged the metaverse's shortcomings, while Maria Jose Romero from the European Network on Debt and Development questioned the EU's spending, suggesting it could be better used to address poverty and inequality. Despite the failed launch, the EU metaverse remains online with sparse activity.

EU leaders agreed to a partial Russian oil ban, which Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban leveraged to his advantage, demanding a carve-out and the removal of Patriarch Kirill from the EU sanctions list. The EU Commission is divided over Poland's 36 billion-euro aid, with some commissioners voting against it due to rule of law concerns. Denmark voted to join the EU defence policy, and Croatia made progress towards adopting the euro.

Italy has requested the European Union to exempt its supercars, including brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati, from upcoming laws mandating zero emissions for all cars sold from 2035. Roberto Cingolani, Italy's minister for ecological transition, believes there will be no problem obtaining exemptions for these niche market vehicles. The EU's

Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar indicated a high probability that grace periods allowing free movement of goods between the UK and Northern Ireland will be extended beyond October to avoid exacerbating the 'sausage wars.' The Northern Ireland Protocol, which keeps Northern Ireland in the EU's single market for goods, is causing issues that could worsen without negotiation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated there will be no renegotiation of the protocol, while British Brexit minister Lord Frost emphasized the need for substantial changes. The UK is also planning to impose import taxes on EU goods in October, which could influence renegotiations.

The European Union is advancing plans to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will require non-EU travelers, including British holidaymakers, to pay €7 for pre-screening before entering the Schengen area. The system, similar to the US ESTA, aims to enhance internal security by conducting security checks against existing databases. Over 95% of applications are expected to result in automatic approval. The ETIAS, proposed in 2016 and confirmed on Tuesday, is set to be implemented by the end of 2022 and will allow multiple entries over three years. The UK is also considering a similar system, expected to launch in 2024.

The European Union Court of Justice has ruled that employers can dismiss women for wearing hijabs if it's necessary to present a neutral image to customers or prevent social disputes. This decision reaffirms a 2017 judgment and sets a precedent across the EU. The ruling has been criticized by the EU Muslim Network and the European Anti-Racism Network for potentially increasing Islamophobia and failing to protect Muslim women from discrimination. The cases involved two German women who began wearing hijabs after parental leave and faced suspension and reassignment. The ruling also contrasts with a 2013 European Court of Human Rights decision that wearing religious symbols at work is a fundamental right.

Apple's VP of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, Lisa Jackson, discusses the company's ambitious climate goals, including achieving full carbon neutrality by 2030. Apple has made strides in renewable energy usage and is working towards a circular economy, with initiatives like the disassembly robot Daisy. Despite facing criticism over supply chain practices, particularly concerning cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Apple is committed to responsible sourcing and aims to use only recycled and renewable materials. The company's efforts have been recognized by organizations such as Greenpeace and the UN.