European Parliament finally devises plan to force lawmakers to actually turn up
Debate after debate, MEPs often speak to an empty chamber. A trial next week could change all that.
The Debate
How Saudi Arabia became the worldโs plastic cheerleader
The rich oil state has built a team of silver-tongued U.N. negotiators with a simple mandate: keep plastic production growing.
My place or yours? Zelenskyy and Fico canโt agree on venue to settle ugly gas feud
Ukraine’s leader took a personal jab at Robert Fico after the Slovakian PM threatened to cut Kyiv off from electricity exports.
Transatlantic trolling: What is Europe’s answer to Musk attacks?
Happy New Year. Welcome to a 2025 where we’ll do our darndest to sort the significant from what is little more than white noise. And yes, there is a shrill quality to this first Monday of the year. What is extraordinary is that it is largely coming fr…
What California can learn from the place that invented the initiative
Our California ballot-measure reporter heads to Switzerland on the 150th anniversary of its first federal referendum to see what a state mad about direct democracy can take away from the country that devised i
Trump spurs red tape bonfire for EU finance rules. Just donโt call it deregulation.
The vogue term is “competitiveness.”
Europeโs slow but โinevitableโ march to allow assisted dying
The U.K. is the latest country to move toward legalizing the controversial yet evermore popular practice.
โInsaneโ Magdeburg Christmas market attack turns up heat on Germanyโs politicians
Reports that suspect was a refugee from Saudi Arabia who hated Muslims raises complicated questions during German election campaign.
Audacity or desperation? Ukraine claims Moscow killing of Russian general
The killing in the heart of Moscow of Vladimir Putin’s general in charge of chemical weapons comes on the eve of the Russian president’s traditional marathon end-of-year press conference. Putin is so far yet to comment on his country’s precipitated dr…
European Central Bank cuts rates for fourth time this year
ECB lowers borrowing cost as inflation falls and economy remains weakThe European Central Bank cut interest rates for the fourth time this year and kept the door open to further easing in 2025 as growth takes a hit from political instability at home an…
Europeโs Syrians shaken by debate over repatriation to their war-ravaged homeland
For many Syrian refugees in Europe, joy at the fall of Assad has been tempered by immediate calls for them to go home.
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.
A Biotech Act for Europe [Promoted content]
Europe is at a crossroads as a global leader. And nowhere is that more evident than in the debate around the EU Biotech Act. The Biotech Act must unite urgency and ambition, and sit at the centre of the Commissionโs mandate.
US conservatives look to an unlikely ally in court battle over transgender rights: Europe
The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments Wednesday over Tennesseeโs law banning transition-related medical care for minors.
European countries give farmers more freedom to shoot wolves
The decision by Bern Convention members is a major win for the EU and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
UN plastic treaty talks end without a deal
It was a disappointing conclusion to a summit that many hoped would yield a landmark treaty to tackle a worsening global plastic pollution crisis.
Moment of truth for assisted dying in England and Wales as MPs hold key vote
PRESS REVIEWย โ Friday, November 29: The debate over assisted dying rages on in the UK ahead of a key vote in Westminster this Friday. In other news, the French government makes concessions to the far right in the hope of surviving a likely no-confiden…
What’s left of the German model? The Merkel years revisited
It’s hard to believe sheโs only been out of power for three years.ย While no one expects Angela Merkel’s supporters to rally behind calls to “make Germany great again”, the excitement surrounding the release of her memoirs highlights a sense of nostalg…
The violence in Amsterdam showed just how polarising โ and radicalising โ the Middle East conflict has been | Dave Rich
It should be possible to campaign for Palestinian freedom, condemn racist Israeli football fans and still show unequivocal solidarity with European JewsThe president of the United States does not normally tweet, as he did last week, about football fans…
What next for Ukraine? Trump’s return could redefine the war
Ukraine is at a crucial point in its existential fight against the full-scale Russian invasion launched by Vladimir Putin in February 2022. US president-elect Donald Trump is said to want to accelerate the timetable to a truce. Ukraine wants guarantee…
How racism and war spur soccer violence: Sports and politics don’t mix?
A football match in Paris is raising concerns over potential clashes between Jewish and Palestinian sympathisers. Security measures have been heightened following last week’s violence in Amsterdam, where Israeli supporters clashed with both local men …
COP29 climate talks open amid Trump’s vow to reverse US commitments
COP29 climate talks open in Azerbaijan amid concerns over newly re-elected Donald Trump’s pledge to reverse US carbon-cutting commitments. Delegates arrive in Baku as 2024 approaches record-breaking temperatures, intensifying the debate on climate fun…
Can Europeโs unity survive as its sense of crisis grows?
The EU needs investment to boost growth and competitiveness, but the debate over who pays has echoes of the financial crisis
Why Kamala Harris lost the election
Harris refused to make a clean break from the last four years.
Brusselsโ global infrastructure plan isnโt challenging Beijing โ itโs relying on it
EU-funded projects abroad are being built by Chinese companies.
The streets of Philadelphia brace for Americaโs most divisive election
Amid the Trump-Harris hostilities lies an oasis of calm โ an authentic Brussels bar selling real Belgian beer.ย
Business leaders are worried about JD Vance and the future of the GOP
Theyโve watched the party move away from them under Donald Trump. Theyโre worried his chosen successor could accelerate the shift.
EU-China staring match on EV duties will continue โ even after they take effect
China has been unwilling to acknowledge that it heavily subsidizes its industry.
Back to Russia’s orbit? Georgia’s EU bid on hold amid claims of ‘stolen’ elections
Could the nation that back in 2008 fought a war against Vladimir Putin be giving up on its EU dream?
Packed crowds outside Georgiaโs parliament to protest what the pro-Western president calls a stolen election. We will scrutinize Saturdayโs vote whic…
Azerbaijan, EU human rights feud escalates as COP29 looms
The host of next month’s U.N. climate talks is warning Western politicians and NGOs not to criticize its internal affairs.
Who won the day? Walz.
Walz won the day because he reminded voters why Harris picked him with his shots at Elon Musk.
The end of the British Empire
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III head to the Commonwealth summit to talk climate change and growth. Not all their friends will be there.
Ton of BRICS? Putin defies West with global summit
It’s been not too shabby a week so far for Russiaโs leader of 24 years, sandwiched between a Moldova referendum where the pro-EU camp underwhelmed and a crucial general election in fellow former Soviet state Georgia.ย
Germany arrests Libyan suspected of planning terror attack on Israeli embassy
Detention of Libyan man suspected of links to Islamic State threatens to further fan the debate over immigration.
โTheyโve forgotten their own recent historyโ: Why Israel wonโt move toward peace
Former U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker says what he most fears is Israeli overconfidence following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
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.
In Poland, vodka sold in fruity pouches resembling children’s purรฉes causes a scandal
A range of alcoholic products sold in packaging similar to popular children’s purรฉes has reignited the debate on alcohol sales restrictions.
โReally dangerousโ: Farmers hate results of von der Leyenโs reform dialogue
Lobby group Copa-Cogeca is hardening its position after backlash from angry members.
Why the UK governmentโs love-in with Taylor Swift is coming to an end
The music industry has cosied up to Britainโs new government. But relations could soon sour as ministers prepare to reform the rules protecting creative work from AI.
Liz Cheney: โWe did not have a peaceful transfer of power in 2021โ
She accused the Republicans who wonโt say otherwise for โcowardice.โ
UN aid workers feel forgotten and in peril as Gaza war drags on
โWeโre punished for doing our jobs,โ said one foreign doctor who volunteered in Gaza.
Ukraine, Putin… and Trump: What lies ahead after US elections?
Time is not on Volodymyr Zelenskiyโs side:
Ukraineโs president on a tour of five European cities in two days as he seeks the green light for longer range missile strikes inside Russia from NATO allies. In a week that has seen his side lose two key to…
Von der Leyen attacks Orbรกnโs support for Russia in fiery speech to European Parliament
Strong pushback from European Commission president comes one month before grilling of future commissioners
Viktor Orbรกn: Migration debate in Europeย is a โbloodbathโ
Hungarian prime minister faces off with the press before his debate with EU leaders and national opposition in European Parliament.
Romanian MEP slams โJEWS AND AMERICANSโ after ban from presidential race
The pro-Russia EU lawmaker was polling in fourth place on more than 13 percent ahead of this winter’s vote in Romania.
Walz downplays past false statements in rare interview
The Minnesota governor also attempted to make a stronger case for the Democratic ticket.
Biden says he is โconcernedโ about election being โpeacefulโ
โIโm concerned about what theyโre going to do,โ the president told reporters, referring to Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance.
Tomatoes lobbed at Swedenโs foreign minister during parliamentary debate
Garden-variety attack comes during a discussion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
How a law on truck movements divided the EU
The EU’s top court delivers a ruling on an exceptionally fierce legal fight this week.
Dead even: POLITICO snap poll shows stark division on Walz-Vance VP debate
The results reflect the countryโs hyper-polarized politics.
Vance did what Trump failed to do in the debate
Vance, unlike Trump, delivered a sharply focused critique of Kamala Harris.
It was a very Midwestern debate. And Vance won.
The Ohio senator has a reputation for knowing when to turn up the heat. The debate proved he can turn on the charm, too.
It was a very Midwestern debate. And Vance won.
The Ohio senator has a reputation for knowing when to turn up the heat. The debate proved he can turn on the charm, too.
The big VP debate takeaway: Neither candidate delivered the goods
Walz and Vance played defense for the presidential nominees.
Tony Blairโs tips for a Tory revival
Former Labour prime minister says Conservatives must unite and heed concern over immigration.
JD Vance won the VP debate โ but only on style
The Ohio senator has a reputation for knowing when to turn up the heat. The debate proved he can turn on the charm, too.
Trump vows to veto any federal abortion ban โ after previously refusing to commit
Former President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would veto a federal abortion ban after previously declining to say whether he would do so. โEveryone knows I would not support a federal abortion ban, under any circumstances, and would, in fact, veto it, because it is up to the states to decide based on the will [โฆ]
Trump vows to veto any federal abortion ban โ after previously refusing to commit
Former President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would veto a federal abortion ban after previously declining to say whether he would do so. โEveryone knows I would not support a federal abortion ban, under any circumstances, and would, in fact, veto it, because it is up to the states to decide based on the will [โฆ]
We watched Walzโs and Vanceโs previous debates. Expect a slugfest.
A review of the vice presidential contendersโ past debates suggests a fiery clash is likely.
Germany will work with Trump even after he spread โfake newsโ about us, minister says
Trump said earlier this month that German’s renewables drive had failed.
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.
Everything you need to know about the upcoming Vance-Walz VP debate
The pair is set to debate in New York City next week.
Top US senator scolds Republican โcult of personalityโ around Viktor Orbรกn
The Senate minority leader rebuked GOP leaders who have grown fond of the Hungarian leader despite the countryโs โdecade-long driftโ toward U.S. adversaries.
Dilemma in Ukraine over Telegram: the enemyโs messenger
The use of Telegram, a messenger created by Russians, by Ukranians was cause for concern even before its CEO’s arrest, but since then the debate in Ukraine over the enemy’s messenger has gained new momentum.
Can Ukraine convince? At United Nations, Zelensky talks up ‘victory plan’
Winter is coming. So are the US elections. So how about diplomacy? It is UN Week in New York and before heading to Washington, Ukraineโs presidentโs trying to rally support for what heโs branded as his โvictory planโ. How much support and how much lev…
Walz, Buttigieg step up debate prep in Minneapolis
Tim Walz faces off against JD Vance in the vice presidential debate Oct. 1 in New York.
Trump moans that Zelenskyy wants Harris to win US election
Ukrainian leader’s visit to a Pennsylvania munitions factory raises Republican candidate’s hackles.
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?
Kamala Harris got a debate bump โ but not enough to make her the favorite
Hereโs a close look at how the polls have shifted after Kamala Harrisโ debate with Donald Trump.
Trump says itโs โtoo lateโ after Harris agrees to Oct. 23 debate on CNN
The former presidentโs comments come after Harris goaded her opponent to accept another face-off.
Metaโs Nick Clegg tears into Rishi Sunakโs AI doomerism
The Meta exec and former deputy PM said Britain had โwasted a huge amount of timeโ focusing on the gloomy risks of artificial intelligence.
Germanyโs Scholz risks Bidenโs fate
If the chancellor’s SPD party loses a crucial regional election to the far right on Sunday, it could lead to his ouster from the top spot.
How Macron dodged political death โฆ for now
He threw his allies under the bus.
Trump and Vanceโs pet-eating claims pose dilemma for endangered House Republicans
Now, they canโt escape it with Trump, Vance and AI-generated memes keeping the myth alive.
Orbรกn cancels European Parliament speech due to flooding in Hungary
Hungarian leader’s address was set to be a dramatic moment in Strasbourg. Now it’s off.
Vance backtracks on whether Trump would veto national abortion ban
โIโve learned my lesson on speaking for the president before he and I have actually talked about an issue,โ Vance said.
Donald Trump says he hates Taylor Swift
In a post on Truth Social, Trump made it clear he will not be singing her praises.
Where Harris chooses to campaign tells an important story about her strategy
Johnstown, Wilkes-Barre and Pittsburgh: A POLITICO analysis of campaign stops tells a story about how the vice president thinks she can win.
Trump blasted in Canada for spreading Trudeau-Castro conspiracy theory
Two former Cabinet ministers are demanding an apology and retraction of a โvulgarโ book passage.
What Keir Starmerโs Advisers Told Democrats in Washington
Two advisers to the British Labour Party pushed Kamala Harris allies to focus squarely on immigration and the cost of living.
Sky’s the limit? Ukraine presses allies to allow long-range strikes
We have asked the question before: does Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine put superpowers on a collision course? With the revelation that Iran is supplying Russia with not just drones but ballistic missiles, allies strongly suggest that …
Trump got back on track with the border. Then he started talking about the dogs (and geese).
His Arizona rally comes two days after Vice President Kamala Harris derailed from the issue at the presidential debate.
Trump says he will not debate Harris again
Harrisโ campaign had challenged Trump to an additional debate immediately following their showdown earlier this week.
What Keir Starmerโs advisers told Democrats in Washington
Two advisers to the British Labour Party pushed Kamala Harris allies to focus squarely on immigration and the cost of living.
Fractured Consensus: Migration debate highlights EUโs internal struggles
The EU Migration Pact did not close the debate on Europe and its borders. This week, both in national and EU politics, it has been proven that migration remains as potent an issue as ever.
Europe saved its predators from the brink of extinction. So why is it killing thousands of bears, wolves and lynx?
With Sweden issuing permits to kill a fifth of its bears, and Romanian MPs voting to double its quota, and the debate over hunting season has become a political issueThe forest was unnaturally still when Soลa Chovanovรก Supekovรก first picked up the bear…
Trumpโs improv stood no chance against Harrisโ coached attacks
The vice president let Trump do the work of executing her strategy.
White House finalizing plans to expand where Ukraine can hit inside Russia
The talks have been closely held among a small group of officials inside the White House.
Donโt take Putinโs name in vain, Russia whines at Harris and Trump
Candidates traded jabs about the Russian president during U.S. presidential debate.
Trump ally Elon Musk slams Harris: โWe will never reach Mars if Kamala winsโ
The billionaire entrepreneur is firmly in the Republican camp for 2024.
Trump wins the debate โ for Harris
The vice president let Trump do the work of executing her strategy.
How Harris beat Trump at his own game
By out-attacking a notorious attack dog, the vice president scored a clear debate win and left voters with an impression of strength.
Europeโs media crowns Harris winner of debate against Trump
The Democratic candidate “cornered” her Republican challenger during a fiery clash, according to European media.
The world can now see Kamala Harris in its most powerful job
The Democratic presidential nominee navigated tough policy questions while fending off an aggressive Donald Trump.
Top Republican senator vents about Trumpโs debate performance: โA missed opportunityโ
He had some advice for the former president.
9 body language tells from the presidential debate
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris had a lot to say โ but their body language said even more.
CNN instant poll:ย Kamala Harris ran away with the debate
A survey of debate watchers showed a clear victor.
Trump v Harris: The debate that defined the US presidential race
Vice-president Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump met in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening (September 5th) for the first and most likely only confrontation between the two presidential nominees. How did candidates play their cards?
Harris won the debate โ and it wasnโt close
Our takeaways from the Harris-Trump debate.
Harris gets under Trumpโs skin, over and over
She taunted the crowd size of his rallies and got him on the defense over Project 2025.