Slovakia profiting from war with Russian gas transit gambit, Kyiv charges – POLITICO

Slovakia profiting from war with Russian gas transit gambit, Kyiv charges – POLITICO

“We constantly ask for sanctions against the Russian nuclear industry,” the official said, granted anonymity to speak frankly about the sensitive row. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert “Fico is among those who block those sanctions … and is one of the key blockers of [Ukraine’s] bid to join NATO, too.” Fico, who along with Hungarian Prime … Read more

Macron’s got a shiny new Notre-Dame and it’s sure to dazzle Trump – POLITICO

Macron’s got a shiny new Notre-Dame and it’s sure to dazzle Trump – POLITICO

So much has changed since Trump first took office in January 2017 and Macron ascended four months later. Russia is fighting a war in Europe; Israel is engaged in bloody conflict with militant groups on its doorstep; the U.K. has left the EU; and France’s political system is now paralyzed, with the far right poised … Read more

Countries back Brussels’ plan to ban outdoor vaping – POLITICO

Countries back Brussels’ plan to ban outdoor vaping – POLITICO

And while there was significant opposition to the plan among lawmakers last week in Europe’s now more polarized Parliament, the capitals were able to largely align with Brussels’ intention. To some who opposed it in the Parliament, the capitals’ vote is merely symbolic. “I regret the voting outcome in the Health Council regarding the smoke-free … Read more

Romanian hard-right chief pitches himself as Europe’s next Meloni – POLITICO

Romanian hard-right chief pitches himself as Europe’s next Meloni – POLITICO

“Even if we are conservative, which is not to the liking of the establishment in Brussels, even if we believe in many of the values President Trump believes in,” Simion said, “we also believe that we need a strong, united Europe.” The politician insisted he would “work together” with the EU’s mainstream parties if elected, … Read more

Where can he still go in Europe? – POLITICO

Where can he still go in Europe? – POLITICO

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that he will not only defy the court, but wants to roll out the red carpet for Netanyahu, inviting the Israeli leader to Budapest. “This is wrong in itself,” Orbán said in an interview with Hungarian state radio, referring to the ruling. “So there is no other choice here: … Read more

Europe cannot finance Ukraine war if Trump pulls U.S. out of the conflict, Hungary’s Orban warns

Europe cannot finance Ukraine war if Trump pulls U.S. out of the conflict, Hungary’s Orban warns

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and European Council President Charles Michel pose following a press conference during the informal EU Summit at the Puskas Arena, in Budapest, Hungary, November 8, 2024.  Marton Monus | Reuters Europe alone cannot shoulder the financial strain of supporting Ukraine against the ongoing … Read more

World leaders react as Trump secures White House victory

World leaders react as Trump secures White House victory

Former US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) as they pose for a photo within their meeting at Mar-a-Lago estate, in Palm Beach, Florida, United States on July 26, 2024.  Amos Ben-Gershom | Anadolu | Getty Images A flurry of world leaders on Wednesday sent their congratulations to … Read more

Zelenskyy rebuffs Trump’s proposal for rapid peace deal in Ukraine war – POLITICO

Zelenskyy rebuffs Trump’s proposal for rapid peace deal in Ukraine war – POLITICO

Speaking to journalists in Budapest where he was attending a gathering of European leaders, Zelenskyy said that while Ukraine sought a “fair” end to the war, rushing into a ceasefire or a peace deal with Moscow would lead to a bad outcome for Kyiv. “He [Trump] wants this war to be finished,” Zelenskyy said through … Read more

EU reaction to US election 2024

EU reaction to US election 2024

Donald Trump (L), President of the USA, and Emmanuel Macron, President of France, join hands during the final press conference of the G7 Summit on 26 August 2019, in Biarritz, France. NurPhoto | NurPhoto | Getty Images European officials have been quick to congratulate Donald Trump after he defeated his Democratic rival Kamala Harris to … Read more

Parliament won’t shoot down von der Leyen’s Commission picks  – POLITICO

Parliament won’t shoot down von der Leyen’s Commission picks  – POLITICO

The Socialists have signaled it is imperative to secure the safe passage of their clutch of commissioners, above all Spain’s pick, Teresa Ribera, who will be in charge of climate and competition policy.  That makes it less likely that they will pick a fight with the center-right EPP, which has claimed the lion’s share of … Read more