Tensions, big policy shifts, and major money moves are reshaping Europe this week.
Washington is testing the waters for a possible Ukraine peace push, Asda is cashing in on a hefty property deal to fuel its turnaround, Brussels is toughening its stance on China as Germany pivots toward protectionism, and the UK is shaking up its residency rules with a new fast track for high earners.
Here’s what’s happening across the continent.
US delegation pushes Kyiv talks
A high-level US military delegation, led by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, has just touched down in Kyiv, and their mission is a big one: figuring out whether there’s any realistic path to ending the war with Russia.
Their arrival comes as rumours swirl about a US-brokered peace plan that would ask Ukraine to give up some territory and scale back its military.
Driscoll’s team is sitting down with President Zelenskyy and senior Ukrainian officials to get a clear read on the situation on the ground and see if there’s any opening to restart peace talks.
But while Washington explores its options, the EU is making its position very clear: no peace deal should happen without Ukraine and Europe at the table.
European leaders are openly skeptical about Russia’s intentions and warn that any agreement reached behind their backs would be unacceptable, especially while Russia is still launching attacks and targeting civilian infrastructure.
As far as the EU is concerned, Europe’s security is directly tied to how this war ends, and they’re not willing to be sidelined.
Asda raises £742m for revival
Asda has just pulled in £742 million through a major sale-and-leaseback deal, handing over ownership of 24 stores and a depot while continuing to operate them as usual.
It’s a move aimed at giving the supermarket some breathing room, funding its turnaround plans, boosting growth, and trimming down its debt.
The company’s been looking for ways to tap into the value of its property portfolio, and this deal is part of that bigger strategy.
The cash will go toward things shoppers will actually feel: lower prices, better-stocked shelves, and wider product ranges. Overall, it’s another step in Asda’s push to stay competitive in what’s become a really tough retail landscape in the UK.
EU hardens trade line on China
The EU is getting ready to roll out a tougher trade approach toward China, and a big reason is Germany’s shift in attitude.
Germany, usually the bloc’s strongest defender of free trade, has pulled back from its old stance, now backing protective steps in areas like steel and even moving to block Chinese components from future 6G networks.
With the EU’s trade deficit with China ballooning, Brussels is preparing a new doctrine that leans more on export controls, tighter investment screening, and limits on foreign subsidies.
The goal is to push back against the geopolitical risks China poses without losing sight of Europe’s own economic needs.
UK plans fast-track residency scheme
The UK is looking to introduce a “fast lane” to residency for high earners, with the Home Office proposing a system that would let people making over £125,000 a year apply for permanent residency after just three years instead of five.
Entrepreneurs would also qualify for this quicker route. Those earning between £50,000 and £125,000 would stick to the current five-year requirement, while lower earners would see their qualifying period doubled to 10 years.
The government says the overhaul is meant to reward skilled workers who make a strong economic contribution, marking one of the biggest shake-ups to the UK’s legal migration system in half a century.
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