In this episode we unpack the EU’s new buzzword and the main point of discussion at this week’s European Council summit: competitiveness. We also bring you another new buzzword from Brussels this week: Bolshewokism. Host Sarah Wheaton is joined by POLITICO’s chief Brussels correspondent, Barbara Moens, to recap the leaders’ summit and their attempt to … Read more
But they disagreed on the bigger picture of a grand push for European financing of weapons to Ukraine, for example through defense bonds. The possibility of EU joint bonds is backed by France, Estonia, Poland and others but strongly opposed by the more frugal countries, such as Germany, The Netherlands and Austria. The discussion in … Read more
After a discussion on the Middle East at a summit in Brussels, EU leaders called for “an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire,” European Council President Charles Michel said. He added that “full & safe humanitarian access into Gaza is essential to provide the civilian population with life-saving assistance in a catastrophic situation … Read more
The current draft will be discussed by EU ambassadors Wednesday and by EU leaders Thursday. Several diplomats were optimistic the current language on Bosnia will ultimately be adopted by leaders. One diplomat from a country initially more skeptical of Bosnia’s progress to date, who was granted anonymity to discuss the topic candidly, said that the second … Read more
The task ahead on enlargement for the EU is Herculean, particularly on the issue of Ukraine. War-devastated Ukraine, with nearly 44 million people, would be the largest landmass in the bloc. Given its population, Kyiv would wield considerable influence in the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Ukraine, once an EU member, will … Read more
As farmer protests continue around Europe, we unpack their various concerns and analyze their impact on the European election. We also take you to an extraordinary meeting of EU leaders in Brussels where crucial cash for Ukraine hung in the balance. Host Sarah Wheaton speaks to POLITICO’s Parliament reporter Eddy Wax among the thousands of … Read more
This includes issues in the awarding of public contracts, restrictions on academic freedoms, a “child protection law” widely viewed as homophobic and the treatment of asylum seekers. The row over the so-called child protection law has turned into legal action, as 15 member countries and the European Parliament have joined a lawsuit brought by the Commission … Read more
