Von der Leyen will survive a no-confidence vote, but it won’t be painless
The political mainstream will prevent the Commission from falling, but even a doomed no-confidence vote would refocus attention on Pfizergate.
S&D Group
Von der Leyen faces political crisis after groups threaten to withdraw support
Socialists and liberals outraged that EPP sided with far right in pulling “greenwashing” legislation and could now block EU’s law-making process.
EU Parliament creates official body to probe NGO funding
It’s the latest of a series of moves by right-wing forces to increase scrutiny of nonprofits.
Socialists urge EU tech chief to deliver results in blockbuster US tech probes
European Commissioner Henna Virkkunen is facing growing pressure to wrap up investigations into TikTok, Meta and X.
MEPs reject smoking ban plan
The vote is symbolic but lawmakers still couldn’t come to an agreement.
Olivér Várhelyi’s health portfolio hangs in the balance as negotiations stall
Várhelyi might still have to wait a little longer to know his fate.
European Parliament’s decision on Commissioner Várhelyi’s appointment postponed to November 13
European Parliament decision on Commissioner-designate Olivér Várhelyi delayed to Wednesday (13 November)
While awaiting Várhelyi’s responses, MEPs negotiate his portfolio
Political games continue around the scope of the health portfolio, but sources tell Euractiv Várhelyi’s eventual confirmation is likely.
Challenged during his hearing, Olivér Várhelyi struggles to convince MEPs
After a tough evening of questions from MEPs, Olivér Várhelyi will be hauled before the Parliament for a further hearing.
Socialists fear a lack of influence in von der Leyen’s Commission
Either more commissioner posts, more powerful portfolios, or ironclad commitments will be needed to cement Socialist support for von der Leyen’s Commission, key figures warn.
The new politics of the Parliament
More right-wing, less green — and less Franco-German power.
Roberta Metsola reelected European Parliament president
MEPs pick incumbent for another 2.5 years at the helm.
Time for Europe to deliver
Europe’s destiny must be to remain a beacon of peace, a thriving democracy where the rule of law is observed.
The 23 kookiest MEPs heading to the European Parliament
We made our own group of the most outlandish MEPs coming to the new European Parliament.
How von der Leyen could win the election and still lose her job
If she can’t win over the entire centrist coalition, the EU’s top executive will need the Greens or even the hard right. Both options are fraught.
Meloni’s star keeps shining; Schlein’s opposition party, PD, grabs top seat of EP’s S&D group
Unlike in other European countries like France, Austria, and Germany, where the sweeping gains of far-right parties shook the grounds of incumbent governments, Italy’s leader Giorgia Meloni remained comfortably in the driver’s seat – with Fratelli d’It…
Centre-left’s lead candidate in EU polls rules out working with extremists
Nicolas Schmit’s S&D group likely to come second in elections but he rejects any alliance with the far left or hard right
Qatargate victim speaks out over claims he was blocked from top human rights prize
Anti-slavery activist says he’s “shocked” by POLITICO’s revelations of allegedly corrupt influence over the EU’s Sakharov Prize.
How Eva met Francesco: The golden couple at the heart of Europe’s Qatargate scandal
The love story behind the biggest scandal to ever hit the European Parliament — and the cozy, transactional world in which it took place.
The mystery of the untouched lawmaker at the heart of Qatargate
Belgian police place Maria Arena at the heart of the corruption ring in the European Parliament — but have not questioned her.
Row between Fico’s Smer and European socialists deepens over pro-Russian stance
The Slovak social democrat party of Robert Fico appears to be edging towards the margins of the pan-European socialist family as the row over his party’s pro-Russian stance continues to escalate.