Greens pick veteran MEP duo to lead EU campaign – POLITICO

Greens pick veteran MEP duo to lead EU campaign – POLITICO

Eickhout spearheaded the faction’s efforts on the Green Deal legislative package, notably pushing for stricter Euro 7 emissions rules and a ban on the sales of new combustion engine cars by 2030. The EU eventually settled on a 2035 end date. Reintke, who became the political group’s co-leader in 2022, has been particularly active on … Read more

Von der Leyen faces rebellion as her party seethes over 2040 climate goal – POLITICO

Von der Leyen faces rebellion as her party seethes over 2040 climate goal – POLITICO

They fumed as to why the EU executive was issuing the target now, of all moments, with anti-green rage simmering, the far right pouncing, the EU election looming, and farmers blockading the front gates of the legislature. “Everyone was shooting at the 2040 target,” said one EPP official who, like others, was granted anonymity to … Read more

Probe opened into Latvian MEP accused of spying for Russia – POLITICO

Probe opened into Latvian MEP accused of spying for Russia – POLITICO

“Leaked emails between Ždanoka and her two known Russian case officers include explicit, detailed reports from Ždanoka to her handlers describing her work as a European legislator, particularly as those official duties relate to fostering pro-Kremlin sentiment in her native Baltic region,” according to the report. The Latvian security service VDD also said it will … Read more

‘Rent is too damn high!’ Europe’s growing housing crisis – POLITICO

‘Rent is too damn high!’ Europe’s growing housing crisis – POLITICO

In this episode we look at a crisis that is affecting many Europeans in most EU countries: skyrocketing rents and house prices, a shortage of flats, long waiting lists for social or affordable housing — commonplace problems from Greece to Luxembourg to Portugal.  Host Sarah Wheaton talks to POLITICO’s Aitor Hernández-Morales and Sorcha Edwards, secretary … Read more

Ursula von der Leyen under pressure to confirm reelection bid – POLITICO

Ursula von der Leyen under pressure to confirm reelection bid – POLITICO

BRUSSELS — Ursula von der Leyen is readying plans for a second five-year term as European Commission president and her party is pressing her to launch the official campaign as soon as possible, according to two officials informed about her thinking. The timing of a potential announcement, not confirmed by people close to von der Leyen, … Read more

EU Parliament calls to strip Hungary of voting rights in rule-of-law clash – POLITICO

EU Parliament calls to strip Hungary of voting rights in rule-of-law clash – POLITICO

STRASBOURG — MEPs demanded the EU Council explore the possibility of stripping Hungary of its EU voting rights in a clash with Budapest over the rule of law. In a vote Thursday at the European Parliament, a majority of MEPs backed a nonbinding resolution calling on the other 26 EU countries’ governments to use a sub-clause … Read more

Nicolas who? Socialists close in on challenger to take on Ursula von der Leyen – POLITICO

Nicolas who? Socialists close in on challenger to take on Ursula von der Leyen – POLITICO

Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. Europe’s socialists are on course to pick a relatively unknown European commissioner to take on Ursula von der Leyen at the EU election. Nicolas Schmit, the 70-year-old EU commissioner for jobs and social rights, is the front-runner to become lead candidate (so-called Spitzenkandidat) for … Read more

Viktor Orbán has not asked to join right-wing EU Parliament group, spokesperson says – POLITICO

Viktor Orbán has not asked to join right-wing EU Parliament group, spokesperson says – POLITICO

BRUSSELS — Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has not officially asked to join the right-wing European Parliament group dominated by the Brothers of Italy and Poland’s Law & Justice party, despite having said that he was holding negotiations, according to a spokesperson. At a press conference with international media last month, Orbán indicated that he … Read more

Nicolas Schmit gets German backing to lead Socialists’ EU election campaign – POLITICO

Nicolas Schmit gets German backing to lead Socialists’ EU election campaign – POLITICO

BRUSSELS — With time running out, the only name being touted to lead the Socialists’ campaign for the European Parliament elections in June Luxembourg’s EU Commissioner Nicolas Schmit. Schmit is the only politician so far to have publicly declared an interest in the role, which could pit him against his current boss, European Commission President Ursula … Read more

Macron goes all in with high-stakes reshuffle to combat far right – POLITICO

Macron goes all in with high-stakes reshuffle to combat far right – POLITICO

Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. PARIS  — French President Emmanuel Macron has propelled rising star Gabriel Attal center stage in a high-risk gamble aimed at stopping the far right’s surge ahead of the European election.   In a surprise move on Tuesday, Macron appointed his former education minister and one … Read more