Macron puts French socialists in existential dilemma

Good morning from Paris,

Following the recent elections, the New Popular Front (NFP)—consisting of the French Socialist Party, the Greens, Communists, and far-left La France Insoumise (LFI)—became the largest force in the parliament but without a majority.

Fast-forward 52 days, France is still without a new prime minister or government, and no viable coalition is in sight.

Liberal President Emmanuel Macron has refused to enter coalition talks with LFI.

Now, French socialists face an existential dilemma: break ranks with the leftist coalition that got them elected and enter coalition talks with Macron, or stick to the left, which will likely prolong the country’s political stalemate.

The party is divided over the matter.

In Brussels, German social democrat MEP Udo Bullmann told Euractiv: “The Progressive Coalition saved democracy in France and across the EU […]. They are the natural instance to take the leadership. I cannot imagine Emmanuel Macron forming a reliable government without their support”.
Théo Bourgery-Gonse has the story.

As Brussels shifts away from intensive climate policymaking following the Green Deal, activists are turning to the courts to push for increased ambition in Europe’s fight against climate change. Donagh Cagney and Nathan Canas have more.

Moreover, as Europe grapples with a resurgence of border controls, an updated Schengen legal framework and political support from affected countries could halt what appears to be the gradual erosion of the free travel zone. Read the full story.

In the tech world, experts told Euractiv that the controversial California AI bill could inspire and enhance the EU’s AI regulation.

Last but not least, analysts estimate that China’s threats to impose retaliatory tariffs on EU dairy products in response to the EU’s provisional duties on Chinese EVs are unlikely to escalate into a broader trade conflict between Brussels and Beijing.

BERLIN

A right-wing extremist is poised to win Sunday’s local election in the German state of Thuringia, eying the deposition of prime minister amid growing dissatisfaction with the established parties. Read more.

German CDU suggests ‘national emergency’ to curb migration. German opposition leader Friedrich Merz urged the government to enforce the Dublin Regulation after meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday and suggested declaring a state of national emergency if the rules cannot be enforced. Read more.

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PARIS

Ukrainian MP thanks France following arrest of Telegram CEO Durov, ‘benefits everyone, except criminals’. Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, liberal Ukrainian MP (Holos, ALDE/Renew Europe) welcomed Pavel Durov’s detention as it disrupts the communication networks of the Russian leadership, and wishes that the Telegram CEO will “provide information about the terrorist activities of the Russian authorities,” in Ukraine. Read more.

MADRID

Spain’s right-wing Partido Popular, the far-right VOX and the far-right SALF, led by controversial agitator Alvise Pérez, want an “explosion of racism” in Spain like the one that took place in the UK in early August, the secretary general of the far-left Podemos party said on Tuesday. Read more.
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ROME

Italy to wait until last minute to officially announce EU Commissioner pick. The Italian government is expected to announce its pick for EU Commissioner on Friday, the deadline set by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Read more.

Meloni’s party mired in controversy over neo-fascist donations. A controversy erupted over the weekend after an investigation by Repubblica and Domani revealed that a foundation linked to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party had donated €30,000 to buy a property symbolic of neo-fascism. Read more.

LONDON

Starmer eyes defence deal in Germany to help reset ties with Europe. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will discuss a landmark economic and defence accord with German leaders on Wednesday, hoping to use a visit to pursue a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to reset relations with the rest of Europe. Read more.

STOCKHOLM

Sweden to raise fossil fuel reduction targets to level with EU climate goals. Sweden will increase the proportion of biofuels blended with fossil fuels to meet the EU’s 2030 climate targets, the government announced on Tuesday, reversing its previous policy. Read more.

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BALTICS

Commission proposes clampdown on fishing in the Baltic Sea, compliance with EU rules. The European Commission proposed restrictive quotas in the Baltic Sea for all species except for herring while also calling for stricter application of EU fishing rules, on Monday. Read more.

WARSAW

Poland to increase defence spending plans in 2025 – media reports. Poland will spend 4.7% of its GDP on defence in 2025, up 0.6 percentage points from this year’s spending plans, according to plans for the new budget seen by Polish media. Read more.

SOFIA

Bulgaria’s largest party, GERB (EPP), has nominated former Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva as its EU Commissioner candidate, who is almost certain to be officially appointed by the caretaker government of Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, a former MP from the party. Read more.

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BUCHAREST

Romanian PM rules out coalition with the far right after general elections. Romania’s Social Democrats (PSD) have firmly rejected the possibility of governing alongside the far-right AUR party, Prime Minister and PSD leader Marcel Ciolacu said after Social Democrat MEP Mihai Tudose suggested this could be considered after the upcoming national elections. Read more.

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[Edited by Sarantis Michalopoulos, Daniel Eck, Martina Monti, Alice Taylor]