A group of former European leaders urges EU leaders to support a robust Global Europe budget, emphasizing that external investments bolster Europe's security, economic competitiveness, and resilience against global shocks.
As the 10th anniversary of Brexit approaches, Britain debates rejoining the EU, focusing on economic benefits and political feasibility. However, the discussion largely ignores the perspectives of other European nations and the EU's own priorities, such as Ukraine and global economic challenges. While some UK politicians advocate for rejoining, the EU has other candidates and a minority who may not welcome Britain back.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed the Chamber of Deputies regarding the upcoming European Council. Key topics included coordinated peace initiatives for Ukraine with the US and G7, a firm stance against Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz, and calls for a more efficient EU. Meloni also highlighted Italy's commitment to defense spending.
European Council President Antonio Costa urged speeding up the EU membership process for six Western Balkan countries, calling enlargement a key geopolitical investment. Leaders will discuss improving methodology at an upcoming summit, aiming to boost trust and avoid frustration, though Costa stressed it won't be easier.
The EU and Mexico signed an updated trade deal to boost economic ties and reduce dependence on the US and China. The agreement aims to expand EU influence in Latin America and includes new market access for agri-food, pharmaceuticals, and machinery.
Instead of obsessing over rules that have ceased to matter, we must consider giving Beijing a dose of its own medicine The US and Israel may have started the war in Iran, but – apart from the belligerents themselves – it is China and Europe that stand to lose the most from it. Yet while European leaders watch like rabbits caught in the headlights as energy prices shoot through the roof, China has responded to the crisis with remarkable equanimity. It is striking how self-confident Beijing is ahead of this week’s Trump-Xi summit.That’s because China is better prepared for what I call an age of “un-order”. This is not the same as disorder, where rules exist but are broken. Un-order is a world where the rules themselves have simply ceased to matter. While European governments have been obsessed with preserving order, China has been working out how to survive chaos.Mark Leonard is director of the European Council on Foreign Relations and author of Surviving Chaos: Geopolitics When the Rules Fail Continue reading...
"We are ready to work with the new Hungarian government," said European Council President António Costa, as Viktor Orbán left office.
Antonio Costa says there is the "potential" for the EU to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin
From talks on Ukraine and defense to clever kids and digs at Viktor Orbán, here's POLITICO's rundown of the latest European Council.
The European Union faces mounting criticism over its slow decision-making architecture as leaders and former officials call for fundamental reform of the European Council. Former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen warned that the EU's consensus-based system was not designed for permanent crisis mode, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen specifically criticized the unanimity requirement for foreign policy decisions. The bloc has repeatedly failed to make unified calls on critical issues including Ukraine funding, Russia sanctions, and responses to Middle East tensions.
Michel, the former president of the European Council, defended Ankara as a key ally, reviving his long-term feud with the head of the European Commission.
The European Council president wants to use a narrow window of opportunity to strike a deal by the end of 2026.
Former European Council President Charles Michel has accused European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of transforming EU governance into a 'super authoritarian' system, saying commissioners have been reduced to mere administrators. Michel, who worked alongside von der Leyen from 2019-2024, described his collaboration difficulties as unprecedented. His criticism adds to growing discontent among current and former EU officials, including foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reportedly describing von der Leyen as a 'dictator.'
