Macronโs U-turn against EU green rules triggers internal revolt
The French president’s anti-regulation push has thrown his environmental legacy into doubt and angered many in his own party.
Industrial policy
Brussels power couples โย 2025 edition
Love is in the air in the halls of power.
The make-or-break moment for EU industry [Promoted content]
As Europe navigates a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, its industries and regional economies face unprecedented challenges. At Cerame-Unie, we are advocating for an inclusive industrial policy that supports all energy-intensive sectors, includi…
The menace of deindustrialization in the EU โ and what we can do about it
Policymaking is not accountancy: in the medium and long term, the EU will be better off keeping factories within its borders.
Germany must act immediately to stop deindustrialisation, union urges
“We can still stop the job losses that have been taking place in energy-intensive industries for three years,” IG Metall deputy chief Jรผrgen Kerner said.
Suspected Russian hack forced Keir Starmer to ditch email account
British intelligence services reportedly told the Labour leader his account could have been compromised.
Commission to get serious on clean industrial policy
The Commission wants to create โa Europe where tomorrowโs tech and clean products are invented, manufactured and marketedโ.
The post Commission to get serious on clean industrial policy appeared first on Euractiv.
Europe hasnโt grasped the real economic threat from Trump
It’s not industrial policy that the bloc has to worry about, it’s the rise of national capitalism.
Action Plan for European Aluminium: Strategic Metal, Strategic Action [Promoted content]
Aluminium is a strategic raw material for the EUโs green transition and a key enabler for critical sectors such as automotive, aerospace, construction, packaging, and clean energy technologies. NATO has also classified aluminium as a defence-critical r…
Strategic Metal, Strategic Action: 6 Steps to Secure the Future of Aluminium in Europe [Promoted content]
Europeโs aluminium industry faces unprecedented challenges from soaring energy costs, carbon and scrap leakage, and unfair trade practices. This op-ed highlights six crucial steps policymakers must take to secure Europeโs industrial future and protect …
The state intervention thatโs not destroying trade
Governments are experimenting with industrial policy but tariffs are staying low
European Commission downsizes spokesperson team
Number of spokespeople will drop from 17 to 14, according to a list of names seen by POLITICO.
Who were the biggest dunces? Final grades for von der Leyenโs first Commission
Whoโs at the top of the class and who flunked? Here are POLITICO’s grades for each 2019-2024 European commissioner.
Industrial policy also means โletting losers go,โ EU development bank says
The industrial transition towards climate neutrality โcannot be painless,” EBRD chief economist Beata Javorcik told Euractiv.
The paradox of Italyโs industrial strategy
For all the talk of revitalizing and greening Europe, company owners in Italy are being allowed to relocate their businesses abroad rather than modernize and adjust at home.
5 things to know about EU industry chief Stรฉphane Sรฉjournรฉโs hearing
Sรฉjournรฉ will have a busy first few months as VP for industrial policy if his promises in the hearing are anything to go by. Plus, POLITICO unravels the secrets of the mystery bag.
Sรฉjournรฉ to face questions on economy, Macron ties, nature of portfolio
โHe wonโt represent the interests of the French government, as you know,” a French official reassured Brussels.
Trumpโs in. Hereโs what it means for Europe.
From energy and trade to finance and defense, hereโs how Donald Trumpโs second presidency will impact EU policy.
China wonโt like the sound of commissioner hearings. Hereโs why.
China will be everywhere in the EU’s policymaking machinery for the next five years. Expect more turbulence ahead.
Business groups pitch โprofoundโ change in EU trade and industrial policy to shore up competitiveness
โThe EU cannot win a subsidy race with the US and China,โ the groups says, as the EU currently โlacks the fiscal firepower to outspend its global competitors.โ
Germanyโs chip ambitions hit after US tech group shelves plans for plant
Chancellor Olaf Scholzโs industrial policy comes under attack following decision by Wolfspeed
Who could be in Kamala Harrisโ Cabinet? Here are the leading contenders.
If Kamala Harris wins the election, she will likely approach the task of filling out her Cabinet and West Wing much like she did when she took over Joe Bidenโs campaign operation this summer. While sheโll ensure her closest advisers and key Cabinet members are people she personally trusts, there will be some continuity with [โฆ]
Why Harris isnโt talking about Bidenโs accomplishments
The Democratic nominee isnโt campaigning much on the Biden administrationโs bigger, slower-moving policies
Germanyโs social democrats name new top leader ahead of national election campaign
A new general secretary will be tasked with reviving the popularity of the struggling leftist party.
You could kill the EU, says France. No, you could, Germany replies.
Macron and Scholz clash again over how to counter protectionist America and Chinese power.
Draghi report on Europeโs competitiveness falls short
While well-received in Brussels, the question of what exactly the common debt should finance, and how it would foster innovation, has been sidelined.
Mission Possible: Working together to reshape the future of cancer care
Q&A with Greg Rossi, Senior VP, Head of Oncology Europe and Canada at AstraZeneca.
The Berlin debate on public procurement reforms is coming for Brussels
When thinking about industrial policy and how to restore Europeโs economic stance in the world, Europe should secure funding for research and development (R&D), rather than subsidies, a Finnish government representative urged in Berlin this week.
How to make European industrial policy work
The key is to ensure that regulation doesnโt stifle growth
Reenvisioning Europeโs digital sovereignty
Von der Leyen’s current dominant position presents an opportunity to turn the bloc into a global-facing innovation powerhouse.
France or Finland โ whose industrial policy should prevail in Europe?
When thinking about industrial policy and how to restore Europeโs economic stance in the world, Europe should secure funding for research and development (R&D), rather than subsidies, a Finnish government representative urged in Berlin this week.
EU headed for โbig debate on fundingโ on clean industrial deal, Commission director says
The EUโs new clean industrial strategy must strike a balance between protecting key industries, not unduly shielding others, and creating a strong business case for clean products, key EU officials said on Wednesday (18 September).
Germanyโs rude economic awakeningย
After a spate of bad news involving giants like Volkswagen and Intel, the mood in Germany has turned gloomy.
France mourns its loss of influence in von der Leyenโs new Commission
After Thierry Breton’s resignation, French officials are bemoaning a loss of influence in Brussels.
The Brief โ The case for Stรฉphane Sรฉjournรฉ
Stรฉphane Sรฉjournรฉ was nominated as the French European Commission Executive Vice President (EVP) for prosperity and industrial policy on Tuesday (17 September) following a rather hectic 24 hours.
5 takeaways on Ursula von der Leyenโs new Commission
As the dust settles after weeks of wrangling, here are the key things you need to know.
Ursula von der Leyen tightens grip before unveiling her team
Thierry Breton is out of the way, ridding the European Commission chief of her fiercest internal critic.
Franceโs European commissioner resigns amid row with von der Leyen
Thierry Breton, who had been appointed for second term, cited von der Leyenโs โquestionable governanceโ in EUFranceโs European commissioner, Thierry Breton, has resigned, citing โquestionable governanceโ at the EU executive led by Ursula von der Leyen….
Youโre on your own implementing Draghi report, Lagarde tells governments
โStructural reforms are not the responsibility of the central bank โ they are the responsibility of governments,โ European Central Bank president says.
EPP plots to limit Socialist Riberaโs economic powers
Spainโs green ‘socialist heavyweight,’ Teresa Ribera, is in talks about a role in EU industrial policy, disconcerting center-right politicians.
Europeโs new normal: High energy bills, fading industry and one chance to fix it
German manufacturers are being strangled. The EU is feeling the pinch. Mario Draghi on Monday warned the EU may be staring at โslow agony.โ
The great Commission puzzle: Who we think will get each portfolio
Ursula von der Leyen is about to hand out key jobs in her team. Hereโs POLITICOโs version of the next Commission.
โNobody in Politics Is Able to Say Itโ: The Truth About Latino Voters
A top political strategist explains how the Latino vote is shifting.
Europe needs concrete action on connectivity policy
Policymakers have already recognized the need for a new digital approach. Done right, it can take us into a more prosperous, fair and flourishing future.
Renewed calls for UK industrial strategy to bring in investment and fix Brexit damage
Billions risk being lost without joined-up policy on tech, robotics, renewables and training, says manufacturing bodyUK manufacturers have renewed calls on the government to urgently draft an industrial strategy that will bring in investment and fix th…
The European Commission hopefuls with one thing on their mind
EU governments are battling for their people to get roles linked to the economy.
Trump vs. Bidenโs historic climate agenda
President Joe Biden may no longer be on the 2024 ballot โ but his legacy is. And former President Donald Trump would have multiple tools to thwart his ambitions on energy, infrastructure and climate change.
Is IRISยฒ heading for a rethink?
SNEAK PEEK โ The EUโs IRISยฒ satellite communications network project is increasingly troubled. โ NATO seeks to make procuring arms faster, the allianceโs procurement agency boss Stacy Cummings told me. โ The U.K. and Germany team up on defense as fears grow that U.S. presidential contender Donald Trump will ditch Ukraine if he wins in [โฆ]
Lockheed Martin gears up for laser wars
SNEAK PEEK โ Lockheed Martin is working on laser technology, a top executive told Josh. โ Dassault Aviation CEO รric Trappier is troubled by the uncertainty of Franceโs political situation. โ European Parliament: Renew Europeโs Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann will lead the SEDE subcommittee and the EPPโsย Borys Budka will head ITRE. Good morning, and welcome to Morning [โฆ]
Industrial policy emerges as key battleground for the EUโs economic MEPs
Committee chair Aurore Lalucq worries about competition from the US and China โ while others fear a subsidy free-for-all.
15 experts predict what Bidenโs dropout means for the 2024 election
Political analysts and historians weigh in on an unprecedented moment in American politics.
Farnborough Airshow kicks off; Joe Biden drops out
SNEAK PEEK โ The Farnborough International Airshow starts today in the U.K. as the EUโs space program stutters. โ Tensions between Rome and outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg escalated over the weekend โ Plot twist in the French defense committee: Jean-Michel Jacques is the new president. Good morning, and welcome to Morning Defense. In case [โฆ]
Von der Leyen is in! Let the fighting over the next European Commission begin.ย
EU leaders will fight back against โtoo powerfulโ von der Leyen as she assembles her team.
The Trump-Vance ticket is a repudiation of free-market conservatism
The last time he chose a running mate, Donald Trump tried to reassure people with traditionally conservative economic views. Not this time.
What Washington thinks of Keir Starmer
After years of Conservative turmoil, the new British prime minister has been welcomed by Democrats and Republicans alike.
EU to boycott Hungaryโs foreign affairs summit
Increasingly exasperated by Viktor Orbรกnโs obstruction of EU foreign policy, Brusselsย is contemplating an unprecedented step to boycott Hungary’s foreign affairs summit next month.
EUโs biggest losers hold Ursula von der Leyenโs fate in their hands
Commission president could be forced to rely on Greens and liberals to secure a second term, weeks after they were rejected by voters in the European election.
Macronโs gamble creates major fiscal headaches for the EU
Thereโs no politically easy way to find the fiscal space to address the challenges the EU faces. And Franceโs political realities now compound the problem.
Starmer will have to walk a US-China tightrope
There’s already some discord between the two countries when it comes to China, but there are areas where they could work on similar approaches.
What if Macron is enemies with his next prime minister?
A liberal president constantly fighting a far-right prime minister would be a recipe for political catastrophe.
Defence commissioner role needs industrial policy focus – analysts
The puzzle of who will get the EU’s next top jobs is still unfolding, as is the reshuffling of portfolios for the coming mandate, which could include a European defence commissioner – but what powers could this figure get? Could it clash with the forei…
Why Washington Is Waiting on โSuper Marioโ
The former Italian prime minister is preparing to issue a sweeping report on economic competitiveness that sets up Europe to take on China โ and America.
Top EU jobs deal is possible next week, says Macron
EU leaders are meeting on Monday to discuss top jobs.
Draghi backs French-style trade, industrial policy
Higher trade barriers, more subsidies, and bigger European companies, are all part of the solution.
Macron poised to back second term for von der Leyen
France has not formally disclosed its preference for next European Commission president, but is leaning toward the incumbent.
Germany and France push for mega-deals in competition overhaul
Still smarting from the veto of the Alstom-Siemens deal, Paris and Berlin want Brussels to focus on forging champions.
Lame ducks Macron and Scholz will struggle to steer EUโs post-election agenda
The fabled Franco-German engine is sputtering โ meaning the next EU top jobs and political priorities are all to play for after next week’s election.
The frontrunners for the next European Commission
Even before the European elections, maneuvering is under way for top jobs in Brussels.
Renew, ID lead pre-EU election debate as EPPโs von der Leyen keeps low profile
IDโs Anders Vistesen, who repeatedly sparred with von der Leyen during the first debate, mostly directed his ire last night on Renewโs Sandro Gozi, leaving the floor clear for von der Leyen to present her economic prescriptions largely unchallenged.
German steel plants needed for democracy, economy minister says
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) has defended the countryโs billion-euro investments into green steel plants, saying it was needed to avoid a breakdown of whole regionsโ industries and secure supply of steel at times of geopolitical uncer…
A smart industrial policy to fast-charge Europeโs electric vehicles revolution
s decarbonisation compatible with industrial competitiveness? As the European elections approach fast, it will be one of the guiding questions of the upcoming EU institutional cycle.
Life after Ursula von der Leyen? Alternatives for next Commission president.
Brussels is rife with speculation on who might be chosen as the EU executive’s next chief.
EUโs 2050 net zero goals at risk as EV rollout faces setbacks
By Julia Payne BRUSSELS, April 22 (Reuters) – The EU needs to rethink its policies to make a 2035 ban on new petrol car sales feasible as electric vehicles (EVs) remain unaffordable and alternative fuel options are not credible, the EU’s external audit…
Lettaโs love letter to bigger markets
Italy’s former PM acknowledged that finding the political will could be an uphill battle as financial issues are “not very sexy” for voters.
A new inconvenient truth: Europeโs global plans all require money no one has
A competitive, green Europe will require trillions in investments. No one has a good answer on where that money will come from.
Why Germanyโs Scholz is bowing to the Chinese dragon
Ignoring pressure from Washington, chancellor seeks Beijing’s embrace.
Israel and Ukraine dominate Bidenโs life. China gets its moment this week.
The irony of Bidenโs meetings this week is he gets to show how much Asia work his team has done while highlighting their relative lack of China focus.
Finlandโs Stubb wants to better structure EU and NATO defence tasks
Finland’s new President Alexander Stubb said on Wednesday (10 April) he wants a clear distinction between EU and NATO on defence matters, with industrial policy and funds on one side, and military planning and threat countering on the other.
Japan hunkers down for Trump 2.0
The possible return of Donald Trump to the White House has bred a deep sense of insecurity among Japanโs business and political elite.
Europe needs an endgame for its China policy
Only by creating a better understanding of their differences, as well as shared objectives, will transatlantic partners be able to cooperate effectively on China.
New fiscal rules need to support Europeโs industrial ambition
The European Industrial Summit in Antwerp and the subsequent Antwerp Declaration for an Industrial Deal put industrial policy back on the agenda of the EU, argue Judith Kirton-Darling, William Todts and Marco Mensink.
Germanyโs Habeck blames Putin, world trade for industrial slump
Germany’s current economic weakness is mostly to blame on a slowdown of global trade and the aftermath of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Economy Minister Robert Habeck said while presenting economic forecasts on Wednesday (21 February).
Unions issue โurgentโ call for EU industrial policy to respect workersโ rights
โWhen we give vast amounts of taxpayersโ money to private industry, we should be ensuring they are creating quality jobs that make this collective investment worthwhile.”
[Column] Is EU industrial policy hurting the internal market?
Is it a mere coincidence that Germany, one of the EU’s member states with highest fiscal capacity, has benefitted from this relaxation of EU state-aid rules?
Europeโs climate and security goals need an EU Solar Charter [Promoted content]
Europe is relying on the solar boom to meet energy security goals. But right now, European solar manufacturers are going bankrupt. The sector is calling for immediate and structural support.
30 Things Joe Biden Did as President You Might Have Missed
Drone armies, expanded overtime pay and over-the-counter birth control pills are just some of the new things Biden has ushered in as president that you might not have heard about.
LEAK: EU Commission prepares โstrategic frameworkโ to boost AI start-ups, generative AI uptake
The European Commission is to propose an innovation strategy on Artificial Intelligence to establish โAI Factoriesโ and boost the uptake of generative AI in strategic sectors, according to an early draft seen by Euractiv.
German liberals push to give โฌ50 billion to citizens over industry, chipmaker producers
The parliamentary arm of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) wants to abolish state subsidies to channel the income from Germanyโs carbon price to citizens, throwing a wrench into industrial policy ambitions.
EU mulls โIndustrialโ twin for Green Deal as election pressure bites
A business-friendly ‘Industrial Deal’ is gaining adherents as EU election approaches and anxiety over climate policy rises.