Europe’s new capital
Once again, the political week was driven not by Brussels, but by Washington and the latest salvos out of the White House. The big story of the week was Trump’s planned 25% tariffs on European cars, which European officials quickly condemned – but appeared powerless to do much about.
Turkey
Speaking of powerless, Europe has also been on sidelines of events in Turkey, where Erdoğan had his main rival for the presidency arrested, triggering massive protests across the country. For fear of offending the Turkish leader, Europe remained silent. We explored the realpolitik of Europe’s stance here.
Ukraine/Russia
There was also more chatter on the Ukraine front, the prospect for a ceasefire and what happens afterwards. Council President Costa called for Ukraine’s frozen assets in the EU, mostly parked in Belgium, to be tapped, a controversial idea that we explored in this analysis.
One of other big questions post-peace deal is whether and when to end Europe’s quasi embargo on Russian gas. Turns out it’s more quasi than real already, as we revealed in this piece.
Germany
With Germany’s Christian Democrats and Social Democrats in the thick of negotiations to build a coalition, we’ve seen a number of revealing leaks on their game-plan. We did a deep dive on a 600-page internal economy ministry document – a virtual secret diary – that offers rare insights into what the Germans are thinking about Europe.
We followed that up with another leak, this one of the draft European chapter of the coalition agreement, which makes it clear that chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz intends to take control of European policy himself.
Italy
Ever take a taxi in Rome? Before you get in another one, read this story by our correspondent on the ‘mafia-like’ taxi lobby that dominates the sector.
Slovakia
One of the most important stories in Europe over the past decade has been China’s encroachment into key sectors. Here, we take a close look at a Chinese EV-battery factory project in Slovakia, funded with more than €200 million in public money.
Thrown to the wolves
Europe’s debates over wolves has taken a new urgency as the canines are once again under serious threat, as we explain in this enlightening piece by Bárbara Machado.
On the media
We were the first to report on the latest machinations at Axel Springer, the parent of Politico and Bild. We followed up with a little analysis on what it all means for Europe’s biggest news publisher. | 