The EU election The electoral movement in Europe

Putin's friend is believed to be the mastermind behind the pro-Kremlin site

The Czech Republic is imposing sanctions on pro-Russian Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedtyuk, who is considered a close friend of Vladimir Putin, following revelations that the Voice of Europe news channel was funded by Russia to spread disinformation.

The assessment is that Medvedtjuk is behind the site. In 2022, the businessman was transferred to Russia after being exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of war, writes Der Spiegel.

Two more people believed to have handled the actual news operations face sanctions in the Czech Republic. Via the site, money is also said to have been paid directly to pro-Kremlin politicians in at least six European countries.

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EU countries are criticized after environmental laws are postponed

Environmental organizations are sharply criticizing after the European Council quietly postponed a vote on the NRL bill aimed at protecting natural areas in member states. The Brussels Times reports.

The vote was seen as a mere formality until Hungary suddenly swung and announced that it was opposing the proposal. Other countries, including Sweden, have also indicated that they will vote no.

The law would mean that the member states undertake to restore 20 percent of the environmental areas judged to be in poor condition until 2030, 60 percent by 2040 and 90 percent by 2050.

"We condemn all member states that do not support the proposal," writes #RestoreNature, a coalition consisting of, among others, the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Politico writes that the law is in danger, and sees a connection to this summer's elections when many governing parties hope to secure votes from rural voters.

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Half give the thumbs down to the EU's migration policy

Every other EU resident has a negative attitude towards the EU's common migration policy. This is shown by an opinion poll from Euronews and Ipsos in which 26,000 residents in 18 different member states participated.

The survey shows that the most critical residents are in France, Austria and Hungary, while Danes, Romanians and Finns are the least negative.

At the same time, a large percentage of respondents think that the EU should strengthen its border controls to stop illegal immigration. 71 percent think that this should be a focus issue for the coming year.

Andrew Geddes, director of the Center for Migration Policy at the European University Institute, told Euronews that far-right parties, such as Germany's AFD or Portugal's Chega, have fueled concerns related to migration.

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The "worst nightmare" lost power - but still wants to change the EU

One of Europe's most infamous right-wing populists had his goal clear.

With a toned down rhetoric on Islam and immigration, Geert Wilders hoped to become the new Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

But despite the election being a success, he failed to achieve his goal.

Now he is described as a difficult-to-manage troublemaker ahead of this summer's EU elections. 

This is the man described as the Union's worst nightmare.