Tuesday, 25 August 2026Europe
Independent · Brussels & Berlin
Politics · page 17 of 17
CDU leader's push for permanent Schengen controls and blanket entry denials would invoke emergency treaty powers despite falling asylum numbers, risking a chain reaction across European borders.
The February 23 vote follows the collapse of Olaf Scholz's traffic light government. Polls point to a CDU-led administration, but the shape of the next coalition depends on whether smaller parties clear the five percent threshold.
The Commission president's second term began with a rapid simplification agenda announced in Budapest, leaving her own staff, MEPs and national capitals scrambling to catch up.
The draft agenda reveals three omnibus simplification packages, a Clean Industrial Deal and migration returns overhaul, but omits promised automotive and maritime strategies.
Conservatives lead polls at 30 percent but AfD's 20 percent blocks simple majority, forcing CDU/CSU into complex negotiations with SPD or Greens as migration policy fractures traditional alliances.
A defunding drive led by the EPP and far-right blocs targets the LIFE programme's operating grants, which cover up to 70% of some groups' budgets. A plenary vote on the budgetary discharge is expected in May.
Hungary's Viktor Orban and Slovakia's Robert Fico face collapsing poll ratings, coalition fractures and mass protests, undermining the narrative that Trump's second term would strengthen Europe's nationalist leaders.
The EU's top diplomat says the bloc must demand concrete returns for its economic weight and stop being taken for granted, as Trump's trade threats accelerate a push into India, Latin America and Africa.
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.
About 14% of the adult population cannot vote on 23 February despite living, working and paying taxes in Germany. Recent citizenship reforms shortened waiting times but administrative delays and income requirements still exclude millions.
Leaked draft shows Commission prioritising simplification over decarbonisation as centre-right leaders demand delays to sustainability reporting and carbon border tax.
The billionaire's endorsement of far-right parties in Germany and Britain tests the EU's Digital Services Act and exposes transatlantic tensions over platform power.
Herbert Kickl's Freedom Party leads coalition talks after September election victory, threatening to add Vienna to a growing bloc of Moscow-friendly capitals that could paralyse unanimous EU decisions on Ukraine, migration and climate.
Foreign minister says Germany has lost its role as a driving force for European peace policy while a €3 billion package remains blocked by a dispute over constitutional borrowing limits.
Far-right National Rally and centre-left Socialists refuse to back far-left motion, leaving prime minister dependent on case-by-case support with no legislative majority.
The Wayenberg daycare has cycled through two private operators in recent years, with unions ignored and a new tender awarded to a company linked to the previous discredited provider.
Morgan McSweeney met EU counterparts in December while Downing Street prepares to hire a dedicated foreign affairs adviser and a senior negotiator for talks with Brussels, signalling a more structured approach to the reset.
Germany, France, UK and Norway condemn X owner's support for far-right AfD before February vote, as Scholz government dismisses influence on 84 million voters.
Ireland secured only six senior posts in the new European Commission, missing out on financial services, budget and economy portfolios it once dominated.
Chancellor's letter to von der Leyen demands regulatory rollback and subsidies, drawing accusations of plagiarising conservative platform weeks before February vote
The newsletter
Delivered to your inbox on the days we publish. No daily digest, no push notifications, no advertising.