European Union

In today’s edition of The Capitals, read about Ursula von der Leyen’s €2 trillion budget power grab going down like a bucket of cold sick across Europe, Giorgia Meloni’s government hitting 1,000 days in office, and Europe’s alphabet soup.

One in four Czechs also believe the EU has the power to overturn national election results

The Commission's proposed seven-year budget sparked mass confusion on Wednesday - including among many EU officials

The first German-British friendship treaty revives an old European axis – one of many among a growing alphabet soup of subgroups.

Paris trims its EU bill after behind-the-scenes push, handing Bayrou a win, easing pressure on his austerity drive and spoiling Le Pen’s narrative.

Discontent rises as Meloni government hits rare milestone, with poll showing 62% disapproval and cracks in coalition popularity.

Madrid renews migration pact with Mauritania, eyeing tighter controls, deeper security ties amid rising regional instability, and intensifying business, trade and investment relations.

Czechia blasts Slovakia for omitting Russian link in school bomb threat case, accusing Bratislava of framing Ukraine while burying key intel.

The survival of environmental NGOs is also at risk, as core funding becomes uncertain under the proposed new structure.

The Commission failed to land final numbers, six commissioners rebelled, and Parliament briefings were repeatedly delayed or cancelled throughout the day.

Farmers warn of deep cuts and a dismantled CAP as the EU unveils its next long-term budget.

The Commission has defended ring-fencing income support, but funding for rural areas will largely depend on the member states

Statement of the leaders of EPP, S&D, Renew and Greens/EFA groups on continuing support for a revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world.

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Statement of the leaders of EPP, S&D, Renew and Greens/EFA groups on continuing support for a revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world.

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The pharmaceutical industry is expected to cover 57% of the additional €466 million expected for the 2026 budget, through a reinforced clawback mechanism and budgetary guarantees.

The Commission's proposed budget would be both the biggest and most complex in EU history

The proposal represents a fivefold increase in funding for defence and space compared to the current budget cycle.

MEPs are sounding the alarm on the Commission’s proposed long-term budget and warn that the 1.26% spending ceiling will force cuts to flagship programmes while debt repayments loom.
Committee on Budgets

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

MEPs are sounding the alarm on the Commission’s proposed long-term budget and warn that the 1.26% spending ceiling will force cuts to flagship programmes while debt repayments loom.
Committee on Budgets

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Former EU Brexit negotiator seeks return to frontline politics, entering race for French parliamentary seat.