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This edition proudly bears the banner of CODE.
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Now, on to the headlines gracing today’s edition of The Capitals:
in the land of Slovakia, business magnates urge the EU to adopt a bolder trade policy. The adversaries here are the galling unfair competition from non-European countries. There’s a sombre warning, suggesting state meddling and geopolitical strife could present a "lethal cocktail," potentially driving industry out of Europe by 2025. For more on this critical issue, do have a read here.
Western Europe has its share of news as well:
Reports indicate that Germany has opted against deploying the DSA crisis mechanism as elections loom near. A torrid week of debate and platform moderation stress tests seems to have sealed this decision. You may glean further details here.
Meanwhile, the French legislative sphere sees socialist lawmakers solidifying their support behind the government. With the National Assembly rejecting a no-confidence vote, the path is cleared for the 2025 budget bill’s adoption. Dive into this narrative here.
Across the Channel, one finds London’s prime steward, Keir Starmer, delving into the particulars of an EU-UK defence accord. Top of the list are innovation, military fluidity, safeguarding infrastructure, and fostering industrial partnerships. For the finer points, see here.
Turning our compass northward to the Nordics & Baltics:
The Swedish prosecutor’s office has confirmed that the recent cable breakup between Sweden and Latvia was but an accident, not sabotage. Investigate further details on this here.
In Oslo, the air is rife with talk of a ban. Norway sets its sights on Temu, seeking a clampdown within the European Economic Area over toxic product concerns on the platform. More on this topic can be found here.
Moving southward, news from Europe’s Southern hemisphere:
A disconcerting scenario unfolds in Italy, where only three of the 12,841 individuals Germany expects it to accept have been taken under Dublin rules. A bureaucratic quagmire, indeed. Readers may explore this thorny issue here.
Spain’s political landscape sees a shift as the Vox party gains momentum since the 2023 election. Meanwhile, the incumbent Socialist Party encounters its most calamitous results. Acquire insights on this phenomenon here.
Down in Lisbon, the Portuguese PM has taken a decisive swipe at Trump’s tariff threats. It seems one needs not be an economic genius to foresee that goods tariffs lead to price hikes. Views on this dramatic exchange can be gleaned here.
Athens finds itself on high alert as more than 500 tremors have ruffled the Aegean Sea. A phenomenon rare enough to baffle scientists and pique the interests of politicians concerned about ramifications on tourism. Further information is here.
Casting our gaze toward Eastern Europe:
In Poland, textile collection rules under new EU directives haven’t yet found favour, as locals find legal loopholes to dispose of textiles amidst mixed waste. A closer inspection can be read here.
A diplomatic kerfuffle emerges in Prague as Czech Senator Miroslava Němcová finds herself at odds with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev over a mendacious social post. Medvedev, not mincing words, has issued a rather unsavoury verbal barb. You can discover more here.
In the Balkans:
The nation of Bulgaria stands resolute, shunning President Trump’s edict for spiked military expenditure, having already exceeded its defence spending plan. Bulgaria’s steadfastness is further detailed here.
The Romanian president is set on standing his ground, defying calls for resignation amid a dispute over his standing at Cotroceni Palace. The intricacies of this political entanglement are available here.
Agenda of the Day:
- EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses the EU Ambassadors Conference 2025.
- Parliament President Roberta Metsola adds her voice to the EU Ambassadors Conference.
- High Representative Kaja Kallas partakes in dialogues with Congo, the UN, and the Council of Europe leaders.
- Henna Virkkunen graces the Project 2KNOW conference with a keynote speech.
- Apostolos Tzitzikostas unveils the European Maritime Transport Environmental Report’s second edition in Lisbon.
- Maros Šefčovič engages Uruguay’s ministers in discussions.
- Oliver Várhelyi meets with prominent cancer organisations, topping the day with a keynote at the Youth Policy Dialogue on World Cancer Day.
This erudite compilation was curated by Sarantis Michalopoulos, Daniel Eck, Vas Panagiotopoulos, and Sofia Mandilara. We trust you’ll find it engaging and richly informative.