Politics
Analysts: Meloni put domestic concerns first in rejecting von der Leyen
Est. 5minItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's decision not to back Ursula von der Leyen as European Commission chief was driven by fear of losing rightwing grassroots supporters, analysts say, but may curb her influence over EU choices.
Unpacking the European Commission’s Political Guidelines
As Ursula von der Leyen worked to get re-elected for a second mandate at the European Commission's helm, she offered concessions across the political spectrum and these tactical negotiations have largely shaped the Commission's next mandate.
Poland calls on EU to stress ties with US to counter Russian ‘disinformation’
Est. 3minPoland wants the European Union to launch a campaign in the United States to raise awareness with the American public about the importance of the joint relationship.
Failing to become PM, France’s Bardella seeks international stature in EU Parliament
Est. 3minThe chairman of the new far-right group Patriots for Europe (PfE), Frenchman Jordan Bardella, will take a seat on the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), which, according to his entourage, is an opportunity for him to gain a firmer foothold on international issues.
The Brief – No time for a honeymoon period this summer
Est. 6minAfter seven rollercoaster months, European politicians mostly resemble beat-up-birds these days. And they might not have much time to enjoy their ice-cold poolside drinks this summer.
As Vice-President of the European Parliament, Younous Omarjee wants to protect cohesion funds
Est. 3minYounous Omarjee (GUE/NGL) was elected vice-president of the European Parliament on Tuesday, 16 July, a first for a racially diverse MEP from an outermost region, and he aims to bring the voice of peripheral areas to the heart of the European institutions.
Romanian government launches a campaign for visa-free to US
Est. 2minThe Romanian government on Thursday urged Romanians to renew their expired US visas as part of efforts to join the Visa Waiver Program, which allows visa-free travel to the United States.
No evidence for Poland selling parts for Russia-bound Iranian drones, prosecutor’s office says
Est. 3minNo evidence has been found that Poland sold Iran pumps to equip military drones, the Polish prosecutor's office said, commenting on the ongoing investigation.
Czech ECR MEPs grudgingly back von der Leyen, warn of critical autumn vote
Est. 2minTwo Czech MEPs from the hard-right ECR group confirmed to Euractiv Czechia that they voted for Ursula von der Leyen, but "with a heavy heart", stressing that the vote on the entire European Commission in the autumn will be crucial.
Support for Catalan independence falls to historic low, poll reveals
Est. 3minSupport among Catalan citizens for a hypothetical future independence of Catalonia from the rest of Spain has fallen to 40%, a record low, while 53% oppose its independence, data from an official poll showed on Thursday.
Meloni’s vote against von der Leyen risks backfiring
Est. 3minAfter months of mutual wooing, Giorgia Meloni voted against the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as president of the European Commission, a move that could backfire.
Macron retains control of the National Assembly
Est. 3minAfter coming second in the early legislative elections of 30 June and 7 July, the Macon-backed coalition managed to keep the presidency of the National Assembly, thanks to the support of right-wing MPs.
Editor's picks
Slovakia rejects boycott of Hungarian presidency, cites ‘respect for sovereignty’
Est. 3minBratislava will not boycott the activities of Hungary during its EU presidency, as Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said he saw no reason to punish the sovereign stance of an EU member.
Ursula von der Leyen: round two
Ursula von der Leyen convinced 401 members of the European Parliament to vote in her favour out of 707. This time, she was re-elected as Commission President with a 41-vote lead, emerging from the very first plenary with a stronger mandate.
EPP feud with German Liberals escalates after vote against von der Leyen
Est. 3minThe German FDP’s decision to vote against a second term for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen despite tight margins drew anger, as the president’s team had “frantically” tried to secure the German liberals’ support before the ballot.
UK’s Starmer touts post-Brexit EU reset, but practical steps might take time
Est. 5minBritain's new Labour-led government on Thursday (18 Thursday) touted a post-Brexit 'reset' with the EU, and closer cooperation in Europe to advance support for Ukraine and tackle illegal migration.
The Brief – Brace for EU’s Perestroika
Est. 7minEvery five years, the EU revamps its institutions. Faced with enormous global challenges, this time, the EU needs to reinvent itself, but instead, we are witnessing a timid Perestroika.
Ursula von der Leyen faces opposition from Czech MEPs
Est. 4minThe majority of Czech MEPs will not support the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as the European Commission’s president despite promises in her efforts to secure a majority.
Pro-European coalition seeks quick consensus on anti-corruption reform in Bulgaria
Est. 3minThe pro-European coalition We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB / Renew Europe - EPP) is seeking agreements to implement anti-corruption reforms in the country before starting negotiations to elect a regular government, despite the slim chances of reaching a deal.
Polish MEP sues Poland to ECHR, accuses of torture
Est. 3minNew hard-right Polish MEP Mariusz Kamiński announced he would sue Poland to the European Parliament, saying he was tortured in jail after being sentenced for office abuse.
Slovakia’s climate and energy strategy delayed, targets higher gas usage
Est. 3minSlovakia falls behind in submitting its finalised national plan for emissions reduction by 2030, which now includes doubling the natural gas share in central heating systems and lacks a clear timetable for reducing fossil fuel use, raising concerns amongst environmentalists.
Spanish PM proposes media transparency law as right-wing decry censorship
Est. 3minSpain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez (PSOE/S&D) on Wednesday proposed a “democratic regeneration” plan that he said would improve media transparency and shed more light on media ownership and funding.
Ursula von der Leyen faces opposition from Czech MEPs
Est. 3minThe majority of Czech MEPs will not support the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as the European Commission’s president despite promises in her efforts to secure a majority.
Von der Leyen’s carefully crafted coalition faces first test
Est. 5minThe frontrunner for Commission president is expected to deliver a compromise programme to gather a majority of votes from the Parliament on Thursday (18 July).