New Turkey maritime draft bill fuels EastMed tensions with Greece, Cyprus Turkey’s draft maritime bill seeks to formalize Ankara’s claims in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Black seas, raising tensions with Greece and Cyprus over contested maritime boundaries and offshore energy rights. Turkey
After year away, France returns ambassador to Algeria: What to know France and Algeria have made efforts to improve ties recently, with the strain resulting from disagreements over Western Sahara and their shared colonial past. Algeria
EU ministers agree to sanction violent West Bank settlers: What to know European foreign ministers have agreed to sanction extremist West Bank settlers, but are still discussing the list of names. Israel
Iran president says he held official meeting with Mojtaba Khamenei: What to know The president’s announcement marks the first public confirmation of a meeting between a senior official and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since the start of the war. Iran
Greece to loan Patriot missile units to Saudi Arabia Athens is lending a hand to help defend Saudi Arabia amid continued barrages as the United States moves its assets elsewhere. Saudi Arabia
Turkey's efforts to woo rivals yield mixed results Diplomatically isolated and economically weak, Turkey is seeking to repair relations with its regional foes. But it's no easy task. Turkey
EU blacklist of Iran commanders strikes a nerve in Tehran Tehran said the European Union cannot preach human rights and announced a halt in cooperation with the bloc on fighting terrorism and narcotics after the latter sanctioned Iranian commanders over human rights violations. Iran
Top EU officials seek improved ties, positive agenda in meeting with Erdogan Focusing on economic cooperation, migration and human rights, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council chief Charles Michel sought to improve EU-Turkey ties during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on April 6. Turkey
European Council report presents roadmap for EU-Turkey ties Ahead of a European Council summit this week, a report by EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell laid out a roadmap to deepen bilateral trade despite recent setbacks in Ankara’s human rights record, while outlining economic sanctions should more turbulence arise. Turkey
Is Europe on the way to appease Erdogan yet again? The forthcoming Turkey-European Union summit could spell a diplomatic success for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, bolstering his hand in domestic politics. Turkey
Can France’s decision to speed up declassification of Algeria war archives ease trauma in Algiers? In light of France's attempt to reconcile with its former colony Algeria, it has announced the easing of security restrictions on the French archives of the Algerian war. Algeria
Belgian children and some women to be repatriated from IS camp in Syria. The Belgian prime minister said the children in the notorious al-Hol camp could become “the terrorists of tomorrow.” Women will be repatriated on a case-by-case basis. Syria
Iran rejects EU invitation to talks with US on nuclear deal Tehran's rejection may be posturing, but the clock is ticking on chances to limit its nuclear capabilities. United States
Dutch far-right politician under investigation for calling Turkish president a terrorist The controversial Geert Wilders has had spats with the Turkish government before amid wider crises between Turkey and the Netherlands. Turkey
Italy top foreign investor in Turkey in 2020 Italy supports Turkey on several issues while other European states, especially France, have notable disagreements with Turkey. Turkey
Iranian diplomat sentenced to prison for bomb plot on Iranian opposition group The Iranian government strongly condemned the trial. The bomb plot targeted the controversial National Council of Resistance of Iran. Iran