Von der Leyen: Montenegro could join EU by 2028. EC chief says 'absolutely achievable' at Western Balkans summit in Tivat.

Germany's Merz: EU to start gradual process for Western Balkans entry

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced during a summit in Montenegro that the European Union is preparing to initiate a gradual process for integrating Western Balkan countries into the bloc.

Putin meets former German Chancellor Schröder in Kremlin for one-on-one talks, aide says. Schröder has been floated as potential EU negotiator, but Berlin rejects idea.

A meeting between Russian Vladimir Putin and former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder took place in the Kremlin in a one-on-one format, said Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov. The conversation was described as friendly. On May 9, Putin said Schröder is the most suitable candidate for potential negotiations with Russia on behalf of the EU; the German government and EU's Kaja Kallas rejected the idea. Sources from Die Zeit say German authorities have been preparing for possible talks with Russia in recent weeks.

Iran not ready for peace deal with US until Washington unfreezes $24B in frozen assets, senior advisor to Khamenei says.

Iran is not ready for a peace agreement with the US until Washington unfreezes $24 billion of Iranian assets, Mohsen Rezai, military advisor to Iran's supreme leader, said in a CNN interview on Friday.

Trump says he is considering an arms sale to Taiwan.

Trump says he is looking at an arms sale to Taiwan.