The desk
Katarzyna Wisniewska
Correspondent, The Brussels Bubble · Bubble politics and manoeuvring
Katarzyna Wisniewska writes The Brussels Bubble: the rivalries, leaks, coalitions and diplomacy practised off the record in and around the institutions.
Recent reporting
30 articlesTractors vs. Tanks: Sinn Féin MEP Warns Against Shifting EU Cash to Defence
Kathleen Funchion calls on Dublin to defend farm subsidies and regional aid as Brussels debates security spending.
Merz Warns Europe to Prepare for 'Severe' Russian Hybrid Attacks
Germany's conservative leader raises the alarm over non-traditional threats, pushing EU capitals to face a grey-zone reality.
The Paris Push: ESMA Asks Brussels for Powers to Freeze Crypto and Block Fraud Sites
As the EU reviews its landmark crypto rulebook, the financial watchdog wants sharper enforcement tools against online scams.
Mind the Crypto Gap: ESMA Asks Brussels to Update Its Flagship Digital Asset Rules
The EU's financial supervisor wants the Markets in Crypto-Assets framework updated to catch fast-moving services that risk outpacing the law.
Eurozone Inflation Reaches 3.8% in Three-Year High
Consumer prices across the single-currency bloc surge to levels not seen in thirty-six months, putting fresh pressure on central bankers and household budgets.
EU Officials Discuss Border Agency Reinforcements Amid New Legal Challenge
A lawsuit over alleged abuses in Libya coincides with talks on expanding the bloc's border guard operations.
Testing the Waters: Dealmakers Push EU to Accept Big Corporate Mergers
Corporate bankers are testing whether Brussels is ready to soften its strict antitrust instincts in pursuit of continental industrial giants.
A Dip at the Pump as Brussels Eyes Emergency Oil Vaults Under Washington Pressure
The proposal to unbolt 50 million barrels of reserves sent diesel prices tumbling, exposing the delicate dance between American diplomatic pressure and Europe's strategic stockpiles.
France Urges EU Allies to Release 100 Million Barrels of Oil Under US Pressure
Paris proposes tapping strategic diesel and crude reserves to stabilize energy markets following a push from Washington.
Clean Seas, Less Red Tape: Roswall Begins Overhaul of EU Ocean Rules
The Commission wants to simplify the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, but balancing ocean protection with commercial interests is rarely plain sailing.
NATO Medic Urges EU to Speed Up Health Infrastructure Prep
A call at the Gastein Health Forum highlights the awkward dance between military readiness and civilian health policy in Europe.
EU Member States Seek Common Stance to Counter US Diesel Pressure
Capitals assemble in Brussels after five major European economies pledged solidarity over transatlantic fuel tensions.
Berlin’s Slump is Brussels’ Headache as Europe Contemplates Merz’s Weakness
Domestic political rivals in Germany may be celebrating the chancellor’s downturn, but EU diplomats are anxiously quietly gaming out what comes next.
Living in the Grey Zone: How Covert Attacks Put Europe's Infrastructure on the Line
As sabotage and cyberattacks escalate, European policy faces a murky conflict built to dodge conventional defence.
Frontex Demands Better Border Intelligence Following Ceuta Pressure
The EU border agency calls for stronger information-gathering powers after tension at Spain's North African enclave.
Central Banking Goes On-Chain: The ECB Tackles the Blockchain Frontier
Isabel Schnabel addresses how Frankfurt plans to maintain monetary control as financial markets move onto distributed ledgers.
KillSec Down: Europol Seizes Ransomware Infrastructure Led by Suspected Teenager
An international law enforcement operation takes out a major extortion site, exposing the youthful leadership behind digital blackmail.
The Door Key in Westminster: UK Reopens the EU Rejoining Debate
Prime Minister Andy Burnham reopens Britain’s most divisive topic, but Brussels remembers that returning to the bloc is no simple subscription renewal.
Under the Radar No More: Binance’s EU Licensing Exemptions Come Under Scrutiny
European regulators are looking closely at how the crypto exchange serves clients in the bloc without a full local licence.
Mind the Gap: Banking Watchdog Wants EU Crypto Rules Expanded to Cover Lending
Fresh off implementing its landmark MiCA framework, the European Banking Authority warns that lending and borrowing leave a dangerous regulatory blind spot.
Poland Moves to Build Europe’s First Counter-Disinformation Centre
Warsaw takes the lead on systematic responses to foreign information manipulation, establishing a dedicated national hub.
NATO Warns Europe to Brace for Rising Russian Hybrid Threats
The alliance calls on European capitals to harden infrastructure against covert sabotage and cyber interference short of open war.
China's Surge in Exports to EU Alarms Berlaymont Officials
The European Commission raises concerns as growing import volumes test Brussels' delicate trade balancing act.
European Capitals Hold Crisis Talks Over US Demands to Tap Diesel Stocks
Britain, France, and Germany pledge a coordinated response after Washington presses Europe to release emergency fuel reserves.
Fuel Reserves: EU Five Standing Firm Against US Diesel Demands
France and four allies meet with the European Commission to coordinate a unified response to Washington’s push for tapping strategic stocks.
Washington Threatens France and Germany with Diesel Export Ban Over Emergency Reserves
US tells Paris and Berlin to tap national stockpiles or face a cutoff of American fuel shipments.
Capital Offense: EU Member States Gather to Weigh Emergency Diesel Release
National diplomats convene for urgent talks on tapping strategic fuel reserves as supply concerns mount across the bloc.
Council Approves New Framework to Accelerate EU Return Procedures
Member states agree to tighten return rules for irregular migrants, setting up the next legislative showdown with the European Parliament.
Paris and Berlin Edge Toward Grand Bargain on EU Car Rules
When Europe’s two biggest industrial heavyweights start aligning on automotive regulation, the rest of the EU prepares for the eventual splash.
Unequal Reserves: EU Emergency Diesel Stocks Concentrated in Germany and France
Data reveals geographical imbalance in the bloc's strategic fuel buffers, raising operational questions for single-market energy resilience.