The trilogue that lasted all weekend, and what it said to no one
Bridges were built, burned and re-bridged. The data centre clause remains stubbornly a wall.
By Katarzyna Wisniewska · Filed Monday, 31 August 2026 · Last updated 17:40 CET
What happened
Negotiators met from Friday evening to Sunday morning without reaching agreement, then issued a statement describing the talks as constructive.
Why it matters
"Constructive" is what you say when you have not agreed. Knowing that saves a lot of reading.
The Brussels angle
Weekend trilogues are a presidency signalling device: it shows capitals that the chair is willing to spend the weekend, which raises the cost of blocking.
What happens next
A further political trilogue is expected within a fortnight.
Correspondent, The Brussels Bubble · Bubble politics and manoeuvring
Katarzyna WisniewskaKatarzyna Wisniewska writes The Brussels Bubble: the rivalries, leaks, coalitions and diplomacy practised off the record in and around the institutions.
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