EU visitor centers under scrutiny over spiraling costs and sparse attendance
European Parliamentโs top bureaucrat called for a review of the project โto assess the causes of the poorer performance.”
legislative
Macron working to strip far right of influence on next French government
The French president is trying to limit the far-right National Rally’s influence and find a way forward with the center left, but a path ahead remains elusive.
Changing green rules wonโt help industry, EU climate chief says
Wopke Hoekstraโs own political family has led calls to tweak existing rules.
Republican tax writer battles with party leaders on Trumpโs border-tax strategy
Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith is at odds with Stephen Miller, incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune and, to a lesser extent, House GOP leaders.
Is Franceโs Fifth Republic past its sell-by date? | Letter
Steve Brown on the political crisis in France after the fall of Michel Barnierโs coalition governmentYour article (France in political crisis after no-confidence vote topples government, 4 December) accurately reports the events immediately surrounding…
Technology could help Europeโs Digital Fairness Act enforce online rights [Advocacy Lab Content]
Online advertising is still a minefield. Consumer advocates want to see current rules enforced and legislative gaps closed. Technology could make the difference.
The post Technology could help Europeโs Digital Fairness Act enforce online rights appeare…
Bid to crack down on shirkers in UKโs House of Lords
Stricter attendance rules could result in 100 members being booted out of the Lords.
Guns, lies and audiotape: How Bidenโs family ties could lead to another pardon
For decades, a scandal-plagued Mississippi family has cozied up to the president. How will the relationship end?
A plastic-free future needs an engaged PVC value chain
Being sustainable is just one piece of the puzzle. Circular economy principles must be paired with strong waste management practices.
Biden White House is discussing preemptive pardons for those in Trumpโs crosshairs
The nomination of Kash Patel, who has vowed to pursue Trumpโs critics, as FBI director has heightened concerns within the presidentโs inner circle.
No new Ukraine funding until Trump assumes power, US House speaker says
The Biden administration pitched Congress on another tranche of funding late last month.
Countries back Brusselsโ plan to ban outdoor vaping
But Hungary’s minister reminded countries that the move was nonbinding, as Germany and Greece abstained.
Letโs work with farmers, not against them, says new EU agri chief
Christophe Hansen says his new vision for agriculture and food will be โdifferentโ and exclude โeat it or dieโ targets.
Romania faces political deadlock as far right makes gains in legislative vote
Romania’s legislative elections on December 1 produced a fragmented parliament after the far right made big gains. The vote took place a week before the second round of presidential elections in which pro-Russian nationalist Calin Georgescu has the le…
Russia-Ukraine war live: EUโs new foreign policy chief visits Kyiv after overnight strikes
Kaja Kallasโs visit comes on her first day in office with the new head of the European council, Antรณnio Costa, also making the trip to UkraineRomanians are casting ballots in a parliamentary election sandwiched between a two-round presidential race tha…
Romania votes for new parliament after disputed first-round presidential poll
Sundayโs vote will elect a new government and prime minister and determine the composition of the countryโs 466-seat legislature. The legislative vote comes a week after the controversial first round of a presidential poll that saw a little-known far-…
Combating foreign influences in media, experts call on EU to step up action [Advocacy Lab Content]
European democracy struggles to resist foreign influence attacks. EU legislative processes are bombarded daily with disinformation. Funding quality media effectively is just one approach to slow the slide to โthe dark sideโ of journalism, regulation is…
Seizing Europeโs industrial and decarbonized future
Implementing the Draghi report’s recommendations can secure Europeโs competitiveness, economic security and decarbonized future
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.
Georgia postpones EU bid until 2028, accusing Brussels of ‘blackmail’
Georgian Prime Ministerย Irakli Kobakhidze said Thursday that Tbilisi will be postponing EU accession talks until 2028 amid allegations by the opposition and European Parliament that his ruling party Georgian Dream had committed electoral fraud during …
The EU has a Commissioner for animal welfare: a new dawn for animals? [Promoted content]
With a new Commissioner explicitly in charge of animal welfare, this opinion piece lays out why this legislative term must bring forward concrete changes for animal welfare – namely through the revision of the animal welfare legislation and phasing out…
European Parliament approves von der Leyen II Commission
There are two majorities in the Legislative Assembly, with which the Commission president will have to contend. One is made up of conservatives, social democrats and liberals; the other is built around the right and the far right.
Energy transition and the new mandate, what lies ahead? [Advocacy Lab Content]
This Special Report explores what lies ahead for the energy sector as the EU begins a new legislative period. Energy security challenges rely not just on the RePowerEU Plan but will be deeply impacted by global shifts, not least the new US administrati…
As Franceโs Marine Le Pen stumbles, her far-right protรฉgรฉ seizes the limelight
Jordan Bardella’s glitzy book tour encourages speculation about a palace coup at the top of the National Rally party.
Trump enthralls Polandโs right-wing populists
Republican candidate’s victory in U.S. is giving Poland’s Law and Justice party hope it can prevail in their country’s presidential vote next year.
GOP holds onto House majority โ clinching the trifecta
The majority will be slim, but it caps off two other major wins for Republicans, delivering a huge amount of power to the party in 2025.
Prosecutors ask for sentence barring Marine Le Pen from running for president in embezzlement trial
The three-time presidential candidate is accused of having embezzled EU funds, charges she denies.
EPP clinches narrow majority to delay anti-deforestation rules for two years
If successful, this would mark the first legislative action shaped by the so-called ‘Venezuela majority’ coalition
5 things to know about EU tech security chief Henna Virkkunenโs hearing
Elon Musk and Europe’s tech gaps show the Finnish nominee has a major task at hand.
ย Trumpโs trade team lay the groundwork for massive new tariffs
Preemptive efforts to counter expected criticism of tariffs signal an even greater shake-up on trade during Trumpโs second term.
Exxon chief has climate warning for US Republicans
The oil giant takes a stance before the Trump administration sets its sights on gutting Bidenโs climate agenda.
Competition poses the toughest test for climate chief Ribera
Climate expert Teresa Ribera’s second job policing subsidies and deals is real head-scratcher with some big political risks.
The law barring Trump from pulling out of NATO is โnot airtight,โ expert says
The guardrail against the next president leaving the alliance is shakier than you think.
Slovak telemedicine roll-out driving healthcare efficiency, resilience
Remote healthcare in Slovakia continues to struggle with accessibility, awareness, and implementation. A new legislative framework for telemedicine is being incorporated into the country’s healthcare system.
5 things to know about defense chief Andrius Kubiliusโs European Parliament hearing
New defense commissioner warned of Russian threat, underlined America’s distraction with China, and pushed the EU to spend big on protecting itself.
Who might make up Trumpโs Cabinet
Donald Trump didnโt engage in formal conversations about a potential Cabinet in the run-up to his election. But that didnโt stop him from spitballing potential contenders during his frequent plane rides to campaign events, or when he is impressed by one of his allies on television. โHe would be great at this,โ or โShe would [โฆ]
Trumpโs stunning comeback: 6 takeaways from his resounding win
Trumpโs victory looks like a realignment.
Republicans win back control of the US Senate
The chamber will play a huge role in not only legislative priorities next year, but also the incoming presidentโs ability to pick a Cabinet.
Far from the race he once envisioned, Joe Biden closes out contest in Scranton
As Kamala Harris makes her final dash, the president sticks close to home.
51 men accused of raping 1 woman force France to think about consent
The French justice minister is meeting with lawmakers to legally define nonconsensual sex as rape.
Biden โdeeply alarmedโ by democratic backsliding in Georgia after election outcry
U.S. President calls on authorities in Tbilisi to investigate election violations and to repeal a Russian-style โforeign agent” law.
How America Forgot About One of Trumpโs Most Brutal Policies
A new documentary from Errol Morris examines how Trumpโs family separation policy sparked widespread outrage โ and how the government eventually looked the other way.
New ambition for Europeโs animal rights agenda, but testing times ahead [Advocacy Lab Content]
The EU is about to get its first Commissioner specifically responsible for Animal Welfare. MEP Niels Fuglsang must navigate the legislative minefield. Jennifer Baker spoke to Fuglsang about the key issues, including animal testing.
Three legislative recommendations for the European Defence Union
For the EU to progress on defence and security, the Commission must leverage its legislative initiative.
Amid EU censure, Orbรกn plans Georgia visit to celebrate contested vote
The Hungarian PM is set to visit Tbilisi on Monday, highlight his split with other leaders of the bloc.
Far-right โVenezuela majorityโ signals new power balance in European Parliament
Left-wingers rail against rightward shift ahead of showdown with commissioners.
Everyoneโs tough on drugs again
Traffickers are to blame, the candidates say. Virtually no oneโs talking about treatment.
Georgia president calls for protests as opposition cries foul over election
Uncertainty grips Georgia after a pivotal election handed a victory to the increasingly anti-Western ruling party.
Georgia election marred by intimidation and interference, observers warn
Opposition leaders have decried the voting as rigged.
At odds with the EU, Georgia cosies up to Russia as legislative vote looms
Elements in Georgia are distancing themselves from the EU, publicly denouncing the โhostilityโ of the West and playing right into Russia’s hands ahead of pivotal parliamentary elections on Saturday. It is a political shift driven by Georgiaโs richest …
โTexas is the stage and the audience is the battlegroundsโ: Why Harris is barnstorming the Lone Star State
The vice president is making Texas a focal point in the abortion-rights debate.
The future EU commissionersโ promises: Everything you need to know
We pored over more than 400 pages of written answers so you donโt have to.
Overcoming the barriers to Europeโs leadership in medical innovation
Over the years, Europe’s share of global medicine R&D investments has dropped. However, with the new EU mandate, there is a chance to turn this around
Ukraineโs top prosecutor falls on sword amid fake disabilities scam
Dozens of prosecutors reportedly obtained disability certificates from a corrupt medical commission, allowing them to potentially evade the draft and to qualify for larger state pensions.
Inside the battle to run the Trump White House
Thereโs a three-way race for chief of staff, and the โknife-fighting is underway.โ
Who could be in Trumpโs next Cabinet? Here are leading contenders.
Former President Donald Trump, who is in the throes of a tight campaign, has not engaged in formal conversations about a potential Cabinet. But that hasnโt stopped him from spitballing potential contenders during his frequent plane rides to campaign events, or when he is impressed by one of his allies on television. โHe would be [โฆ]
In Georgia, exile is the only option for many political opponents
Many citizens are preparing to leave their country if the pro-Russian Georgian Dream party, in power since 2012, maintains its grip on power following the legislative elections on October 26.
What if itโs President Harris but a Republican Senate?
A Republican Senate could block Cabinet and Supreme Court picks, as well as legislation.
โThe threat remainsโ: Trumpโs path to overturning a 2024 defeat
The very real scenario where Trump loses and takes power anyway.
Crisis deepens for Irelandโs scandal-hit Sinn Fรฉin
The Irish republicans had hoped to lead the next government in Dublin โ but a surge in scandals and infighting are undermining its ambitions.
Crypto has quietly become one of the biggest electoral players. You wouldnโt know it from their ads.
Super PACs funded by the crypto industry are pouring massive amounts into congressional races, and not a single ad actually mentions crypto.
โReally dangerousโ: Farmers hate results of von der Leyenโs reform dialogue
Lobby group Copa-Cogeca is hardening its position after backlash from angry members.
Dedicated EP health committee would be a step in the right direction, says Polish MEP Jarubas
The road to establishing a full-standing European Parliament health committee seems to have hit an impasse, but Polish MEP Adam Jarubas (EPP) is defending the need for an independent committee with full legislative powers.
Latest Updates on The Legitimate Interest Ground for Processing Personal Data (Article 6(1)(f) of GDPR): the latest CJEU Case and EDPB New Guidelines
Aolan Li*
*The author is a third-year PhD
candidate in Law at Queen Mary University of London. Her ongoing doctoral
thesis research delves into the application of Article 6(1)(f) of GDPR from a
comparative perspective. Email: aolan…
100 days of Starmer: How Labourโs big win went off the rails
After just a few months in office, the new British government is finding life tough.
The rise and fall of Macronomics
Macron was once seen a paragon of good economic management, but his opponents now accuse him of ruining France’s finances.
EU telecoms tower firms unify their voices ahead of legislative debate
Tower companies are facing similar issues regarding price regulation, competition by land aggregators, permit granting, and electromagnetic fields exhaustion.
3 scenarios for the Supreme Court to intervene in the election
Will the justices cast the final vote for president?
Franceโs Glucksmann gears up for possible elections next year
French MEP Raphaรซl Glucksmann, who leads the French Socialists in the European Parliament, said his Place Publique party would start preparing for possible new legislative elections, which could be held as early as July next year, at a rally near Borde…
Poland vows changes to alcohol laws after kidsโ mousse vodka fiasco
The product was dubbed “evil in pure form.”
Brexit reset at risk if you cap card fees, EU lawmakers warn UK
Plan to cap card fees would place EU companies at โdistinct disadvantageโ and risk โundermining” the overhaul of ties.
The big VP debate takeaway: Neither candidate delivered the goods
Walz and Vance played defense for the presidential nominees.
EU cross-border bank mergers pose real risks, Nagel warns
Key among the risks is the lack of a common deposit guarantee scheme, which could leave customers exposed.
Republicans are starting to raise alarms about Trumpโs ground game
โThey are out-matching us in money, in enthusiasm and in the ground game,โ one Michigan-based GOP strategist said.
Franceโs new Europe ministerย will push Brussels to take โnext stepโ in tightening migration rules
The new French government has vowed a tougher approach on migration.
Austria’s far-right Freedom Party comes out ahead in legislative election
Vote projections showed that Austriaโs far-right Freedom Party won national legislative election for the first time on Sunday. The far right has benefited from votersโ anxieties about immigration, inflation, Ukraine and other concerns.
French justice minister says heโs open to adding consent to legal definition of rape
Didier Migaud’s comments come against the backdrop of a mass rape trial which has shocked the country.
Costas Kadis: A bookish technocrat to handle oceans and fisheries
A conservation biologist by training, Kadis has held several ministerial posts over the past 25 years.
Building a future-proof regulatory system
Simpler, faster, better โ let’s not miss the opportunity to revamp the EU pharmaceutical regulatory framework to transform lives.
Establishing criteria for unmet medical needs: letโs not leave people living with chronic diseases behind
The narrow definition of unmet medical need used in the General Pharmaceutical Legislation may hinder rather than help efforts to find new treatments.
Meet the worldโs toughest trade negotiator. Itโs not Donald Trump.
Piyush Goyalโs showmanship and negotiating savvy have made him a weapon for India as it takes up its mantle as a global superpower. But is his aggressive approach at risk of backfiring?
Whoโs the real health commissioner?
SNEAK PEEK โ EU health policy is now split across multiple departments, and MEPs arenโt happy. โ Sort your own house out first: MEPs question Hungarian health secretary over presidency plans and countryโs health commissioner role. โ Spend less on defense and more on health, WHO chief Tedros told world leaders at the United Nations [โฆ]
Europe launches its first space commissioner straight into a budget scrap
Despite not having much experience on space, Andrius Kubilius is tipped to be running EU rocket and satellite policy.
Macronโs old guard spooked by new governmentโs rightward shift
New ministers’ stances on immigration and social issues appear to break with some of their predecessors’ worldview.
Von der Leyenโs first 100 days: What sheโs promised, what it means and what sheโll really deliver
The Commission president is promising to move quickly with far-reaching reforms. How credible is her plan?
France set to announce new government after months of political deadlock
France is expected to finalise a new government by Sunday, with President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Michel Barnier negotiating a cabinet reshuffle that marks a shift to the right. After months of political stalemate following snap legislative…
Republicans block Democratic bill on IVF protections
As Trump pitches himself as a โleader on IVF,โ GOP senators dismiss the legislation as a Democratic stunt.
What just happened? A beginnerโs guide to von der Leyenโs European Commission
Confused by goings on in Brussels? We can explain.
The winners and losers of the new European Commission
What the portfolios tell us about the EUโs power dynamics.
New California law will help Holocaust survivors recover art stolen by Nazis
The law, signed Monday by Gov. Gavin Newsom, aims to resolve a Jewish familyโs decades-long fight to recover a famous impressionist painting forcibly sold to Nazis during the Holocaust.
Von der Leyen set to reward France with bigger EU top job after Bretonโs exit, French officials say
The new French commissioner-designate could oversee parts of trade, research and innovation, economy and financial services and capital markets union.
Trudeau digs in as his party ponders his ability to win
Whatever the prime minister is selling after almost nine years in power, Canadians are no longer buying.
England reportedly risks Euros football ban over regulator plans
UEFA warned the U.K. government about “concerns” that a proposed independent football regulator could lead to “government interference” in the sport.
Macron makes rare appearance with ex-PM and รlysรฉe hopeful Edouard Philippe
French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday made a rare public appearance with his ex-premier Edouard Philippe in Le Havre to commemorate the port’s 1944 liberation from Nazi occupation. Philippe has criticised Macron’s decision to call for snap legi…
The job no one wants: EU health commissioner
Health policy is looking like the poor cousin and is likely to be downgraded this mandate.
Unleashing the EUโs circular economy potential
Europe prides itself on leading the charge for sustainability but when it comes to transitioning to a circular economy it has been stagnating. Despite consistent legislative efforts and ambitious rhetoric, the EU is still far from reaching its ambition…
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
Mario Draghiโs plan to fix a broken Europe already looks impossible
The Draghi report is full of good intentions to mend a continent losing its way. But while the vision is bold, the politics are practically impossible.
Musk praises Draghi, calls for less EU red tape
Elon Musk’s X is subject to a Commission probe on compliance with the bloc’s content-moderation rulebook.