Russian gas phaseout: Why going cold turkey is easier said than done
07 May EU Institutions
Russian gas phaseout: Why going cold turkey is easier said than done
The European Commission unveiled plans this week to cut off all imports of Russian natural gas by 2027, despite ongoing resistance from some member states.
EU risks over-reliance on Turkey for defence
05 May Foreign & Security Policy
EU risks over-reliance on Turkey for defence
Member states are striking more deals with Turkey's booming defence industry. That could jumpstart the EU's own — or create a strategic dependency.
Presidential rerun to test Romania’s democracy
02 May EU Institutions
Presidential rerun to test Romania’s democracy
In a tumultuous period that saw the first election annulled, a far-right candidate leads as Romanians try again to pick their president. Distrust in the political establishment spells trouble for the EU and NATO.
How Carney's win in Canada can be the EU's, too
30 Apr Foreign & Security Policy
How Carney's win in Canada can be the EU's, too
Canada’s new Liberal leader is good news for EU trade and diplomacy in the Trump era. However, a united front between the two will face plenty of challenges.
Europe’s quest for critical raw minerals gains new urgency
30 Apr Energy & Environment
Europe’s quest for critical raw minerals gains new urgency
Brussels is pushing to diversify critical raw material supplies beyond China, but a fragmented EU approach could stall progress. 
Estonian broadcast bill targets Russian propaganda, but raises questions over online content
28 Apr Foreign & Security Policy
Estonian broadcast bill targets Russian propaganda, but raises questions over online content
As the EU country debates a proposal that would expand its media regulator’s powers, questions loom over how well the rules would address digital propaganda in an age of war.
EU opinion divided over bid to seize frozen Russian assets
22 Apr EU Institutions
EU opinion divided over bid to seize frozen Russian assets
Interest income on Russian funds held in Belgium helps finance Ukraine’s war effort. Pressure is mounting for the EU to go further — testing legal limits, political unity and the bloc's financial credibility.
Meloni and Trump play nice at White House, but US-EU future still on thin ice
18 Apr Foreign & Security Policy
Meloni and Trump play nice at White House, but US-EU future still on thin ice
A meeting between the Italian prime minister and the US president reaffirmed their mutual admiration. But real progress on trade, Ukraine and defence remains elusive.
Brussels looks to Beijing with fresh eyes as it contends with Trump's tariffs
11 Apr EU Institutions
Brussels looks to Beijing with fresh eyes as it contends with Trump's tariffs
A raft of US tariffs on European goods has forced the EU to weigh closer economic ties with China — despite ongoing trade tensions.
As some Trump tariffs take effect, Meloni is caught in the middle
09 Apr EU Institutions
As some Trump tariffs take effect, Meloni is caught in the middle
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is walking a fine line, juggling ties with Washington while defending Italy’s economic interests.
Europe's universities lure US academics under fire from Trump, but face similar risks
08 Apr Culture & Arts
Europe's universities lure US academics under fire from Trump, but face similar risks
Wanted: US professors for European academia. Some in Trump's America may want to flee, but threats to academic freedom are growing in the EU, too.
As Trump rewrites the trade playbook, the EU holds fire — for now
04 Apr EU Institutions
As Trump rewrites the trade playbook, the EU holds fire — for now
Donald Trump’s decision to hit the EU with a 20% tariff has Brussels calibrating how to strike back without damaging its own industries.
Le Pen ruling reflects growing challenges to judicial independence 
03 Apr EU Institutions
Le Pen ruling reflects growing challenges to judicial independence 
Across Europe, right-wing politicians are clashing with courts over allegations of political bias. That bodes poorly for the rule of law.
EU credibility at stake as leaders fail to agree on military Ukraine aid
21 Mar EU Institutions
EU credibility at stake as leaders fail to agree on military Ukraine aid
The 27-member bloc is still far apart on a proposal to send extra military aid to Ukraine, as Trump continues to negotiate with Putin.
EU deportation plans raise legal and practical concerns
19 Mar EU Institutions
EU deportation plans raise legal and practical concerns
The European Commission has proposed third-country "return hubs” to fast-track deportations. Past efforts suggest it might not work.
How EU sanctions work – and the challenge of enforcing them
17 Mar Foreign & Security Policy
How EU sanctions work – and the challenge of enforcing them
Sanctions are a powerful diplomatic tool, but enforcement gaps and political divides often determine how successful they can be.
Portugal’s government collapse leaves opening for ultranationalist party
14 Mar EU Institutions
Portugal’s government collapse leaves opening for ultranationalist party
Three elections in three years is a bad look for Portugal’s democratic stability. As seen elsewhere in the EU, it’s stirring up anti-establishment sentiment.
US aid cuts leave EU member hopefuls in the lurch
13 Mar Foreign & Security Policy
US aid cuts leave EU member hopefuls in the lurch
The Trump administration's move against USAID undermines democratic reforms and civil society across eastern Europe. If the EU can't fill the gap, Russian influence likely will.
Bosnian Serb leader stays defiant, souring the separatist mood
07 Mar Foreign & Security Policy
Bosnian Serb leader stays defiant, souring the separatist mood
Bosnia and Herzegovina faces a major test of national unity as Republika Srpska leader Milorad Dodik rebukes central authorities. A verdict against him reveals the country’s deep divides.
Europe confronts a worst-case scenario it has long feared
05 Mar Foreign & Security Policy
Europe confronts a worst-case scenario it has long feared
Europe faces its biggest security crisis since the Cold War as Trump freezes military aid to Ukraine. Can European powers avoid repeating their past mistakes?
The EU's trade gamble: Appeasement or strategic play?
27 Feb EU Institutions
The EU's trade gamble: Appeasement or strategic play?
By prioritising conciliation over confrontation, Europe seems to be handing Trump the upper hand in negotiations over the president's planned tariffs. Experts say it’s the smartest thing the bloc could do right now.
The European Commission and its Clean Industrial Deal: What to know
26 Feb EU Institutions
The European Commission and its Clean Industrial Deal: What to know
The EU executive unveiled a host of measures on Wednesday to revive the bloc's industry, while recommitting to its climate goals.
Mafia or environmental group? Some EU states don't see a difference
26 Feb Energy & Environment
Mafia or environmental group? Some EU states don't see a difference
Several EU states are coming down hard on environmental groups like Last Generation. Lawyers and human rights groups say over-prosecution violates fundamental rights.
Cutting red tape or cutting corners? The EU 'simplification’ dilemma
20 Feb EU Institutions
Cutting red tape or cutting corners? The EU 'simplification’ dilemma
Brussels’ ‘unprecedented’ effort to make the EU more business-friendly hopes to do away with onerous regulation. It could also harm the foundation the single market is built on.