EU countries

The EU’s ticking debt bomb — and why it matters for its next budget

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Repayment of the EU’s €300 billion joint borrowing hangs like a cloud over the European Commission’s budget brainstorm.

Greece presses France over missile sale to Turkey

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Turkey wants to buy Eurofighters equipped with air-to-air Meteor missiles.

Von der Leyen to host CEOs after unveiling EU’s economic plan

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Leaders from the bloc’s biggest companies will convene in Antwerp for the Feb. 26 event.

Baltic countries sever final power ties with Russia

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Disconnecting from the Soviet-era grid faced an intimidation campaign — but it’s Moscow that could be left in a precarious position.

Lithuania hopes to woo Trump with its anti-China stance

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The country aims to curry favor and keep the U.S. president committed to transatlantic defense by being the first to catch the mood in Washington.

Von der Leyen signals ‘extraordinary’ measure to boost EU defense spending

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The move would offer national capitals more room to increase defense spending.

EU leaders deflect Trump on Greenland and on tariffs

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EU leaders are looking for a way to keep Trump from invading the Danish territory.

Bulgaria acknowledges discrimination against patients with rare diseases

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A new binding decision in Bulgaria could add millions of leva to the health budget of one of the poorest EU countries, as rare disease patients can now seek compensation for discrimination.
The post Bulgaria acknowledges discrimination against patients…

EU risks fragile unity by whacking China to woo Trump

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Leaders are negotiating their response to the U.S. president’s tariff threats.

Keir Starmer tells EU countries to ‘step up’ for Ukraine

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U.K. prime minister also wants the EU to target Russia’s energy revenues to keep the pressure on “rattled” leader Vladimir Putin.

The EU’s AI bans come with big loopholes for police

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The EU’s AI Act bans some “unacceptable” use of the technology but critics say the law is riddled with security exemptions.

12 EU countries urge Commission do more against election interference

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But the Commission will not accelerate ongoing investigations under the Digital Services Act, a spokesperson said on Friday.
The post 12 EU countries urge Commission do more against election interference appeared first on Euractiv.

France leads fight against EU plans to merge health crisis and civil protection units

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11 countries signed a paper to Ursula von der Leyen warning the move would downgrade Europe’s health crisis resiliency.

Europe should have grown up a long time ago — now with Trump there’s no choice

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Europe’s leaders had plenty of warnings about what the U.S. president’s second term might mean, but amid much eye-rolling, hand-wringing and wishful thinking, they failed to agree on a plan.

Chasing the Don: How EU politicians are jockeying for position with Trump

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From Nigel Farage to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, EU politicians are competing for the privilege of being Europe’s Trump whisperer.

EU fine food conference goes sour amid row over agency’s role

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While EU countries look to the Commission for solutions, the EU’s agriculture chief has previously defended the new powers of the EU’s IP agency.
The post EU fine food conference goes sour amid row over agency’s role appeared first on Euractiv.

EU lets Russian LNG slip in new sanctions package

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The proposal will not include a blanket prohibition of LNG imports, as scores of EU hawks have been urging.

Greek court orders extradition of Israeli billionaire on Romanian corruption charges

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Beny Steinmetz was convicted of participating in a scheme to take ownership of land once owned by Romanian monarchs.

Emotional health of Europe’s youth needs public-private collaboration boost, says new report [Advocacy Lab Content]

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Youth mental health disorders have risen sharply, with the incidence of mental health problems among those aged 15 to 24 doubling in many EU countries.
The post Emotional health of Europe’s youth needs public-private collaboration boost, says new…

Hungary backs down in EU Russia sanctions standoff

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Before relenting, Budapest had threatened to allow billions of dollars to flow back to the Kremlin in a row over energy imports.

Putting EU troops in Greenland makes sense, bloc’s top military official says

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It “would send a strong signal and could contribute to stability in the region,” Robert Brieger, head of the EU’s highest military body, tells Welt am Sonntag.

Orbán’s new threat: I’ll end Russia sanctions unless Ukraine pumps Putin’s gas

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But diplomats still expect the Hungarian prime minister to ultimately back down, perhaps as soon as Monday.

Hungary wobbles on sanctions threat after Trump calls out Putin

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Viktor Orbán has flirted with killing the EU’s Russia sanctions. But he didn’t get the ally he might have expected in Donald Trump.

Europe needs to be armed to survive, says Donald Tusk

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“There is no choice,” the Polish prime minister warned in an address to the European Parliament.

Dutch government ordered to cut nitrogen pollution — or face €10M fine

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Greenpeace’s victory means that PM Dick Schoof must achieve emission-reduction targets by 2030 or face the penalty.

Dutch pioneer files EU’s second lab-grown meat application

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Mosa Meat says its cell-based beef is already affordable for restaurants.

Germany proposes tougher EU response to hybrid threats from Russia

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The proposals are to be discussed during next week’s meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Germany will try tempt Trump into WHO U-turn

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U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw from the World Health Organization.

EU ‘ready to negotiate’ with Trump on boosting gas imports

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The new U.S. president is pressuring Europe to buy more American gas or face steep tariffs.

Poland fumes over US block on AI chips

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Poland styles itself as a key US ally, but the chip restriction threatens to impact its ambitious military expansion on Putin’s border.

Orbán’s lockdown orgy acolyte returns in bid to save face

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Former MEP József Szájer, a close ally of the Hungarian PM, tells POLITICO he wants to show he’s more than just a meme.

World’s far-right populists pack guest list for Trump’s inauguration

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While it’s not usual to invite foreign dignitaries, Trump is laying down a clear ideological marker with his invitees from across the world.

Meat stranded at UK border after German foot-and-mouth outbreak

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Traders warn that dozens of vehicles and their drivers have been held for up to 24 hours after a UK import ban, costing importers more than £1 million.

German farmers fear ‘massive’ hit from foot-and-mouth outbreak

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Several countries have already taken precautionary measures or imposed bans, as the German livestock sector braces for longer-term impact.

EU lines up intel-sharing, cyber squads to stop hospital hacks

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EU health care sector pummeled with cyberattacks in recent years.

EU warns US over new AI chips blocks

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Export restrictions on cutting-edge microchips will affect some EU countries, including Poland.

Ukraine war briefing: Strengthen Kyiv’s hand before peace talks, says Nato chief

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Mark Rutte says Ukraine not yet in the ‘position of strength’ it needs for talks with Russia; Biden says US and allies ‘can’t walk away’. What we know on day 1,056Ukraine is not in a strong enough position for peace talks with Russia, Nato chief, Mark …

Morawiecki to be elected ECR party president

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He will take the baton from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Rethink welfare to finance military splurge, NATO boss tells European Parliament

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If spending doesn’t rise, then MEPs should “get out your Russian language courses or go to New Zealand.”

Sweden’s race to develop drone ‘swarm’ tech

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EU countries are racing to keep up with the rapid development of drone technology, spurred by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The post Sweden’s race to develop drone ‘swarm’ tech appeared first on Euractiv.

Germany’s Baerbock cautions on Syria as EU signals sanctions relief

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Syria’s transitional government “sounds good so far,” Germany’s foreign minister told POLITICO — but actions speak louder than words.

Cyprus could join Schengen this year, president says

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Cyprus is a unique case as the island has been divided since 1974 between the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish-occupied north.

France, Germany, Poland plan show-of-unity trip to US after Trump’s inauguration

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The trip is still in planning stages and no date has yet been set.

Headless Europe: As the crises mount, the continent’s leaders are AWOL

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Political uncertainty in several EU countries could weaken the bloc’s hand in talks with Donald Trump.
The post Headless Europe: As the crises mount, the continent’s leaders are AWOL appeared first on Euractiv.

5 green targets EU countries will (mostly) miss in 2025

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EU countries are behind on most, if not all, their sustainability commitments.

Olaf Scholz’s business pitch to Brussels sparks election mudslinging

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German Chancellor appeals to the EU executive to slash regulation and support industry with subsidies — only to be accused by his conservative opponents of stealing their policies.

The finance policy battles shaping 2025

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Expect a rerun of the same old fights — from green rules to defense spending.

Belgian mayors call for Europe-wide ban on sale of fireworks

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Animal rights activists, however, say a nationwide ban in Belgium should come first.

Trump spurs red tape bonfire for EU finance rules. Just don’t call it deregulation.

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The vogue term is “competitiveness.”

Cutting off Russian gas to EU will have ‘drastic’ impact, Slovak PM warns

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Top Putin ally has threatened to retaliate against Kyiv.

Belgium becomes first EU country to ban sale of disposable vapes

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Products banned on health and environmental grounds, while Milan outlaws outdoor smoking Belgium has become the EU first country to ban the sale of disposable vapes in an effort to stop young people from becoming addicted to nicotine and to protect the…

The biggest battles headed for Brussels

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What the EU will be squabbling about in VDL’s second term.

Biden unveils final $2.5B security aid package for Ukraine

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Zelenskyy celebrates last military aid package from Biden as “crucial to stabilizing the front lines.”

Ukraine war briefing: Russia must give clearer explanation of Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash, Zelenskyy says

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Moscow has confirmed its air defences were repelling Ukrainian drones at the time of plane’s flight but has not admitted it shot it down. What we know on day 1,040Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has called on Russia to provide a clearer expla…

ECB faces tough task after flip in fortunes for eurozone economies

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Economists say EU countries hardest hit by 2010s debt crisis now in stronger position than France and GermanyThe European Central Bank is facing a tough balancing act in 2025 as it tries to navigate a reversal of fortunes in eurozone economies, as the …

Europe’s Russian energy sanctions have run out of steam. Can Poland fire them up again?

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Warsaw wants to use its turn in the EU’s rotating chair to take on Russian imports.

Estonia’s city at the ‘end of the free world’ stares across a frozen border at Russia

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Estonia’s third-largest city is struggling to face off threats from Russia.

EU climate chief Wopke Hoekstra goes to war with airlines

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EU plans to hike airlines’ green taxes are “complete bullshit,” says lobby chief Willie Walsh.

Teen’s murder drives Albania to ban TikTok for a year 

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Prime Minister Edi Rama blamed the Chinese-owned platform for inciting violence after a schoolboy was stabbed to death.

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

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Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico’s fears for energy security are unfounded, senior Ukrainian official tells POLITICO.

No surprises here! What is discretionary remains discretionary in the CJEU’s first judgment on temporary protection

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Dr Meltem Ineli
Ciger, Associate
Professor, Suleyman Demirel University

 

Photo credit: Francisco Anzola, via Wikimedia
Commons

 

On 19 December
2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union gave its judgment in Joined
ca…

Europe’s biggest dietary problem? Lobbyists, says Nutri-Score creator.

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France’s Serge Hercberg warns that disinformation is shortening the lives of consumers.

Czech-led push to delay CO2 price on diesel, petrol ‘won’t solve problems’

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“Instead of talking about a postponement, EU countries should finally get down to work and offer their citizens targeted support,” Liese said.
The post Czech-led push to delay CO2 price on diesel, petrol ‘won’t solve problems’ appeared firs…

EU’s top court allows ending shelter for temporary residents of Ukraine

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The Court of Justice upheld an earlier legal opinion that EU countries can withdraw protection that they voluntarily granted to temporary residents of Ukraine.
The post EU’s top court allows ending shelter for temporary residents of Ukraine appeared fi…

Von der Leyen’s constant power play exasperates EU capitals  

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Some leaders have called on new European Council President António Costa to help rein her in.

Europe’s economic apocalypse

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Stagnation, flagging competitiveness, Donald Trump — the continent is facing “an existential challenge.”

New PM faces three steep hurdles to deliver a budget and stabilize France

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Will François Bayrou’s government collapse over a budget vote, just as his predecessor’s did?

Georgians protest as pro-Russian party locks in ex-footballer as president

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Georgia has seen political upheaval and protests for months.

Slovakia in ‘very intense’ talks on 2025 gas supplies, Fico says

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Discussions include the issue of transit through Ukrainian territory, Slovak prime minister says.

NATO’s Rutte wants a return to Cold War-level military spending

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Governments need to make more orders and defense contractors have to take more risks, NATO’s secretary-general said.

Brexit Britain looks to Europe to help fix its railways

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With money tight, ministers are looking for novel ways to finance new trains. The solution might lie across the channel.

EU’s new energy chief vows to end Russian fuel ties for good

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Momentum for quitting Moscow’s revenue driver has stalled. “Something new needs to happen,” Dan Jørgensen told POLITICO.

Europe’s Syrians shaken by debate over repatriation to their war-ravaged homeland

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For many Syrian refugees in Europe, joy at the fall of Assad has been tempered by immediate calls for them to go home.

Macron, Tusk to discuss Ukraine peacekeeping force

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The leaders will discuss sending foreign troops to Ukraine after the war ends.

Changing green rules won’t help industry, EU climate chief says

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Wopke Hoekstra’s own political family has led calls to tweak existing rules.

Austria prepares to deport Syrian migrants after Assad regime falls

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Belgium, Germany, Greece and Austria said they will halt Syrian asylum applications one day after rebel forces ousted the country’s dictator.

Europe’s next top diplomat is ready to be undiplomatic

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Will Kaja Kallas be able to make her voice heard?

EU’s Russia sanctions deal collapses over business loophole spat

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Latvia and Lithuania vetoed the package, objecting to the extension of a carveout that lets EU firms continue operating in Russia.

Europe in the line of fire as Trump threatens trade war with China

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Trump’s punitive tariffs would put Brussels under pressure to cut a defensive deal to fend off a glut of Chinese exports.

Franco-German fight over South American trade deal threatens EU rupture

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Ursula von der Leyen granted the wish of her native Germany by flying off to seal an accord with the Mercosur bloc. France, which fiercely opposes the deal, is in uproar.

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