Lili Bayer
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Lili Bayer
@liliebayer.bsky.social
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European Security Correspondent at Reuters, covering NATO, EU defense and foreign policy in Brussels.

Signal: lilibayer.24

Follow Reuters’ Europe foreign policy team: @andrewramsaygray.bsky.social, @sasilink.bsky.social & @irishjreuters.bsky.social‬
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The European Commission said today that the EU could welcome new members as early as 2030 as it praised Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova for their progress on reforms needed to join the bloc.

www.reuters.com/world/europe...
EU says it could admit new members by 2030, praises Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine
The European Commission said on Tuesday that the EU could welcome new members as early as 2030 as it praised Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and Moldova for their progress on reforms needed to join the bloc.
www.reuters.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:51 PM
liliebayer.bsky.social
Ukraine is showing "remarkable commitment" to joining the EU, but must reverse recent negative trends in the fight against corruption and accelerate rule of law reforms, the European Commission said in a draft text seen by Reuters on Monday.
November 3, 2025 at 6:03 PM
liliebayer.bsky.social
When I spent time in Reuters’ Jerusalem bureau in August, I spoke with Israelis about wartime comms & deepening isolation.

This week I spoke with former and current officials & experts about their hopes that the country can begin to repair its image abroad.

Story:
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
October 17, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Reposted by Lili Bayer
andrewramsaygray.bsky.social
Here's our deep dive into the EU's drone wall (which, as we reported yesterday, is getting a new name).

We get into the politics, the technicalities and lessons from Ukraine.

A great team effort from Reuters colleagues across Europe. Thanks to them all & everyone who spoke to us.
EU scramble for anti-Russia 'drone wall' hits political, technical hurdles
Just hours after some 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace last month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it was time for Europe to build a "drone wall" to protect its eastern flank.
www.reuters.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:49 AM
liliebayer.bsky.social
The European Commission has proposed expanding an initiative for a "drone wall" on Europe's eastern flank to protect all of the continent after some regions said they felt left out, two EU officials and an EU diplomat told Reuters on Tuesday.
www.reuters.com/world/eu-com...
EU Commission proposes expanding 'drone wall' plan to protect more areas, sources say
The European Commission has proposed expanding an initiative for a "drone wall" on Europe's eastern flank to protect all of the continent after some regions said they felt left out, two EU officials and an EU diplomat told Reuters on Tuesday.
www.reuters.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:03 PM
liliebayer.bsky.social
We got a look at an internal EU assessment on how it could contribute to Trump’s plan for Gaza.

Story with @irishjreuters.bsky.social:

www.reuters.com/world/middle...
EU should maximise influence on Gaza and join Board of Peace, document says
The European Union should maximise its influence in Gaza's recovery process and join a U.S.-proposed "Board of Peace" intended to temporarily oversee governance of the enclave, the EU's diplomatic arm said in a document seen by Reuters.
www.reuters.com
October 14, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Reposted by Lili Bayer
andrewramsaygray.bsky.social
Just published on Reuters, from me and @liliebayer.bsky.social :

The European Commission has broadened its proposal of a "drone wall" on Europe's eastern flank to suggest a "European Drone Defence Initiative" that would help protect the whole continent, two EU officials and an EU diplomat said.
October 14, 2025 at 9:10 AM
liliebayer.bsky.social
I travelled to Kyiv with European officials, where they highlighted the need for Ukraine to implement reforms while they work on overcoming Hungary’s opposition to Ukraine progressing on accession negotiations.

There are many challenges ahead. Story:

www.reuters.com/world/europe...
Ukraine's path to EU will be tough, with or without Hungarian hurdle
Senior European Union officials who visited Ukraine have delivered a stern message to Kyiv that it has a lot more to do to secure membership, while they work on overcoming Hungary's opposition to Ukrainian accession.
www.reuters.com
October 6, 2025 at 6:42 AM
liliebayer.bsky.social
I’ve been travelling in Ukraine with EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, who visited minority communities in Uzhhorod as Hungary continues blocking progress on Kyiv’s accession bid.

www.reuters.com/world/europe...
EU on charm offensive in Ukraine as Hungary blocks Kyiv's accession
Ukraine wants to accelerate work on joining the 27-member bloc.
www.reuters.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:21 PM
liliebayer.bsky.social
Slovakia pushed back on pressure to cut back its purchases of Russian energy, saying it was ready to discuss the issue, but singled out some European states for increasing gas purchases from Moscow.

Foreign Minister Blanar spoke with @irishjreuters.bsky.social:

www.reuters.com/business/ene...
Slovakia pushes back on pressure over Russia energy purchases
Slovakia on Wednesday pushed back on pressure it is facing to cut back its purchases of Russian energy, saying it was ready to discuss the issue, but singled out some European states for increasing their gas purchases from Moscow.
www.reuters.com
September 25, 2025 at 6:25 AM
liliebayer.bsky.social
Trump's comments backing Kyiv to regain all of its territory from Russia have sparked a mixture of relief and suspicion that the U.S. president is ready to leave Europe more to its own devices in supporting Ukraine.

www.reuters.com/business/aer...
Behind bullish comments, some see Trump walking away from Ukraine
Donald Trump's comments backing Kyiv to regain all of its territory from Russia have sparked a mixture of relief and suspicion that the U.S. president is ready to leave Europe more to its own devices in supporting Ukraine.
www.reuters.com
September 24, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Reposted by Lili Bayer
andrewramsaygray.bsky.social
NATO warns Russia to stop 'escalatory' actions after Estonian airspace violation

Story with @liliebayer.bsky.social
NATO warns Russia to stop 'escalatory' actions after Estonian airspace violation
NATO warned Russia on Tuesday that it would use "all necessary military and non-military tools" to defend itself as it condemned Moscow for violating Estonian airspace in "a pattern of increasingly irresponsible behaviour".
www.reuters.com
September 23, 2025 at 4:05 PM
liliebayer.bsky.social
European leaders and Ukraine's Zelenskiy will speak to Trump this week ahead of his summit with Putin, amid fears Washington may dictate unfavourable peace terms to Ukraine.
www.reuters.com/world/europe...
Europe races to try to influence US position ahead of Trump-Putin talks
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that the U.S. had pledged to consult with Europe ahead of a summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin, as European ministers prepare for discussions amid fears Washington may dictate unfavourable peace terms to Ukraine.
www.reuters.com
August 11, 2025 at 5:20 PM
liliebayer.bsky.social
Kallas said today that any deal between Washington and Moscow to end the war in Ukraine must include Ukraine and the EU, adding that she will convene a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday to discuss next steps.

www.reuters.com/world/kallas...
Kallas says any deal between US and Russia must include Ukraine and EU
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Sunday that any deal between Washington and Moscow to end the war in Ukraine must include Ukraine and the EU, adding that she will convene a meeting of European foreign ministers on Monday to discuss next steps.
www.reuters.com
August 10, 2025 at 1:53 PM
liliebayer.bsky.social
The EU's foreign policy and humanitarian arms updated member states on the implementation of the Gaza humanitarian access deal with Israel.

An EU official told me that "significant obstructive factors continue to undermine humanitarian operations and aid delivery".
www.reuters.com/world/middle...
EU assessment finds significant obstructive factors undermine humanitarian operations in Gaza
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to be very severe, an EU official told Reuters after the EU's foreign policy and humanitarian arms updated member countries late on Wednesday on the status of an agreement reached with Israel last month on boosting humanitarian access to Gaza.
www.reuters.com
August 7, 2025 at 10:32 AM
liliebayer.bsky.social
New: European Commissioners are discussing today a proposal to partially suspend Israel's access to the EU's Horizon research funding program following calls from EU governments to increase pressure on Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
EU Commission discusses curbs on Israel research funding amid Gaza pressure
European Commissioners will on Monday discuss a proposal to partially suspend Israel's access to the EU's Horizon research funding program following calls from EU governments to increase pressure on Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
www.reuters.com
July 28, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Reposted by Lili Bayer
pociumban.bsky.social
This week I spoke with @liliebayer.bsky.social from @reuters.com about what’s at stake for both #Ukraine and #Moldova in the accession process. 📎 www.reuters.com/world/moldov... @dgap.org
Moldova urges EU to advance membership talks to counter Moscow
Moldova wants to start membership negotiations with the European Union in earnest before a September election to counter Russian disinformation in the country about the EU, Deputy Prime Minister Cristina Gherasimov said.
www.reuters.com
July 4, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Reposted by Lili Bayer
oanalungescu.bsky.social
NATO’s Trump flattery buys time but dodges tough questions. Read @reuters.com analysis of how the summit in the The Hague went smoothly - and what may come next, including my take.

@liliebayer.bsky.social @andrewramsaygray.bsky.social

www.reuters.com/business/aer...
NATO's Trump flattery buys time but dodges tough questions
Lavishing praise, playing the royal card and copying his slogans – NATO pulled out all the stops to keep Donald Trump happy and hold the alliance together at a summit in The Hague.
www.reuters.com
June 25, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Reposted by Lili Bayer
andrewramsaygray.bsky.social
NATO Hague summit need to know from Team Reuters:

Main story below 👇

Defence spending explainer: www.reuters.com/business/aer...

Rutte profile: www.reuters.com/world/europe...
NATO leaders set to back Trump defence spending goal at Hague summit
NATO leaders gather in The Hague on Wednesday for a summit tailor-made for U.S. President Donald Trump, with European allies hoping a pledge to hike defence spending will prompt him to dispel doubts about his commitment to the alliance.
www.reuters.com
June 25, 2025 at 5:07 AM
liliebayer.bsky.social
Wondering about NATO’s new 5% defence spending target?

We answers all your questions here:

www.reuters.com/business/aer...
Explainer: -What is NATO's new 5% defence spending target?
NATO leaders are expected to endorse a big new defence spending target at an alliance summit in The Hague on Wednesday, as demanded by U.S. President Donald Trump.
www.reuters.com
June 23, 2025 at 6:06 PM
liliebayer.bsky.social
It's done! There's a deal on the NATO summit statement.

5% of GDP for annual defence and security-related spending by 2035

@andrewramsaygray.bsky.social @sasilink.bsky.social
www.reuters.com/world/europe...
NATO countries approve Hague summit statement with 5% defence spending goal, diplomats say
NATO countries agreed a statement on Sunday for their upcoming summit that sets a goal of 5% of GDP for annual defence and security-related spending by 2035, overcoming objections from Spain, diplomats said.
www.reuters.com
June 22, 2025 at 4:14 PM
liliebayer.bsky.social
The EU's diplomatic service said there were indications that Israel had breached its human rights obligations.

An Israeli official told Reuters the review was "a one-sided report".

www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Israel may have breached EU agreement, bloc's foreign policy arm says
The European Union's diplomatic service said on Friday there were indications that Israel had breached its human rights obligations under the terms of a pact governing its ties with the bloc, according to a document seen by Reuters.
www.reuters.com
June 21, 2025 at 7:17 AM
liliebayer.bsky.social
Israel's command of Iranian air space leaves few obstacles in the way of its expanding bombardment, though it will struggle to deal a knock-out blow to deeply buried nuclear sites without the U.S. joining the attack, experts say.

www.reuters.com/business/aer...
Israeli air power reigns over Iran, but needs US for deeper impact
Israel's command of Iranian air space leaves few obstacles in the way of its expanding bombardment, though it will struggle to deal a knock-out blow to deeply buried nuclear sites without the U.S. joining the attack, experts say.
www.reuters.com
June 17, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Reposted by Lili Bayer
andrewramsaygray.bsky.social
NATO’s summit plan to keep Donald Trump happy:

short summit & statement

avoid clash with Zelenskiy, who may only get dinner invite

back Trump call for 5% of GDP
on defence (3.5% on ‘traditional’ defence, 1.5% on other security-related items)

W/ @sasilink.bsky.social & @liliebayer.bsky.social
NATO's dilemma: how Zelenskiy can attend summit without provoking Trump
Officials organising a NATO summit in The Hague this month are expected to keep it short, restrict discussion of Ukraine, and choreograph meetings so that Volodymyr Zelenskiy can somehow be in town without provoking Donald Trump.
www.reuters.com
June 6, 2025 at 10:28 AM
liliebayer.bsky.social
Over 80 editors from leading European news outlets signed a petition calling for the scrapping of legislation in Hungary that aims to restrict foreign-funded media and rights groups, a step critics say is meant to stifle criticism of the government.
www.reuters.com/world/europe...
European editors sign petition opposing Hungary's move against foreign-funded groups
Over 80 editors from leading European news outlets signed a petition calling for the scrapping of legislation in Hungary that aims to restrict foreign-funded media and rights groups, a step critics say is meant to stifle criticism of the government.
www.reuters.com
May 20, 2025 at 3:19 PM