Meloni hardens migration rhetoric as far-right rival Vannacci gains ground
Italy's prime minister suspends Schengen with Spain and adopts tougher tone on borders to protect her right flank ahead of a possible spring election.
Monday, 17 August 2026Europe · Analysis
Independent · Brussels & Berlin
Person
Prime Minister of Italy, Italian Government
Italy's prime minister suspends Schengen with Spain and adopts tougher tone on borders to protect her right flank ahead of a possible spring election.
Around 50,000 Moroccan migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave in late July, leaving 88 dead and handing far-right parties across Europe a potent campaign issue ahead of a cluster of national votes in 2027.
A France 24 investigation examines pressure on courts, media and abortion access, while the government balances migration crackdowns with half a million new work visas for labour-hungry employers.
Social Democrats remain largest party but lose ground to left and right; Meloni suffers referendum defeat in Italy; Le Pen stalls in French cities; Golob survives Slovenia's closest vote.
Four years after vowing to end reliance on Russian gas, the EU finds itself dependent on US LNG and Norwegian pipeline gas, with prices surging 20 percent after the Strait of Hormuz closure.
Yannis Stournaras argues narrowed spreads and ECB consensus make common issuance essential for defence, green transition and innovation, but Friedrich Merz remains opposed.
Ukrainian president joins Copenhagen summit as European leaders endorse coordinated air defence network following Russian drone incursions across northern and eastern Europe.
Parliament approves legislation aligning with EU AI Act after year of debate, introducing criminal penalties for harmful AI-generated content and parental consent rules for children under 14.
European leaders joined Zelenskyy at the White House as Trump described a guarantee framework reliant on European troops backed by US air power, with formal details promised within ten days.
The agreement imposes a 15% tariff on most European goods including cars, below the 30% threatened but above the 10% baseline the EU sought, while Brussels commits to $750 billion in US energy purchases and $600 billion in additional investment.
From Germany to Austria, mainstream conservatives are adopting hardline immigration platforms to stem voter losses, but evidence shows the strategy only strengthens the radical right.
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