Discussion

• France and Germany have begun discussions to radically reform the EU's diplomatic service, as the current structure is deemed unable to handle ongoing geopolitical crises. • In a separate development on June 11, 2026, Germany sought to transfer €6.6 billion from the European Peace Fund to Ukraine. • While Hungary had previously unblocked these funds, Poland has now stepped in to block the decision.

Exclusive: Greater Lincolnshire mayor walks out on cabinet minister after row over social media role in community tensionsAndrea Jenkyns walked out of a meeting on Thursday with a cabinet minister and several other metropolitan mayors after a heated discussion about the murder of Henry Nowak and the civil unrest that has followed.The Reform mayor of Greater Lincolnshire walked out of the meeting with the communities secretary, Steve Reed, and other regional leaders after a row over the role social media has played in exacerbating community tensions. Continue reading...

U-turn comes after Trump said the US military was ‘raring to go’. Plus, Virginia voters pass new congressional maps in blow to presidentDon’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up hereGood morning.Donald Trump unilaterally announced an extension of the two-week ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday amid frantic efforts to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table.How are Trump’s negotiating tactics being received? The president’s impatience and rough-house diplomatic style, including his frequent online posting, has been a key stumbling block to restarting peace talks, writes the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour.Is Tehran united on how to deal with Washington? Analysts say it is not, with fierce disagreement among Iranian leaders over how to respond to US pressure and whether to risk a new wave of bombing.Follow the latest updates with our liveblog.How much of a boost for the Democrats is Virginia’s referendum result? It could help them win four additional House seats in November’s midterms, which could prove pivotal in an evenly divided Congress. Continue reading...