The Brussels Desk · IndependentBrussels desk

EU Politics

Elections, groups, leaders and the fights that decide the direction of the Union.

EU Politics· 1h ago

Data Dilemma: EU’s AI Infrastructure Plan Splits Capitals Over Cash

A push for state-backed data centres leaves member states weighing the cost of staying in the artificial intelligence race.

EU Politics· 2h ago

Dismantling the Diplomatic Machine

Plans to overhaul or break up the European External Action Service gather speed in Brussels.

EU Politics· 3h ago

Slovenian Parliament Strips Former PM Golob of Immunity Over Police Probe

Former interior minister claims ex-premier asked her to meddle in police staffing decisions.

EU Politics· 6h ago

Kallas Labels Leipzig Drone Attack 'State-Sponsored Terrorism' as EU Eyes Massive Sanctions Package

Brussels considers 1,600 new targets aimed directly at Russia's military-industrial complex.

EU Politics· 8h ago

Clear the Skies: Zelensky Warns Foreign Carriers Over Russian Airspace

As Ukrainian drone strikes escalate, non-aligned airlines are urged to steer clear of Russian territory.

EU Politics· 10h ago

Berlin Blames Moscow for Leipzig Drone Attack

Germany officially attributes airport sabotage to Russia, but Chancellor Merz keeps his personal pulpit in reserve.

EU Politics· 11h ago

Order Stranded in Ceuta as Post-Crossing Chaos Lingers

A month after thousands crossed into Spain's North African exclave, makeshift camps and clashes leave Madrid scrambling for a response.

EU Politics· 17h ago

Merkel Visits Bucharest for Talks on European Unity

Romania's president hosts the former chancellor to discuss strengthening the bloc's collective role.

EU Politics· 17h ago

Smash, Grab, and Muscle: Europol Warns Museum Heists Are Turning Violent

A new assessment from The Hague points to increasingly aggressive tactics in cultural property crime.

EU Politics· 18h ago

Overhead Economics: Parliament Pledges Fresh Look at Rooftop Power

A new inquiry from the European Parliament looks to the tiles for the bloc's energy future.

EU Politics· 18h ago

Berlin points finger at Moscow after drone strike on Ukrainian cargo plane

Germany orders the closure of Russia’s Bonn consulate after intelligence agencies trace a sabotage attempt in Leipzig back to the Kremlin.

EU Politics· 18h ago

Baltic backchannel: Lithuania highlights CIA Moscow trip aimed at defusing tensions

A public nod to high-level US-Russia intelligence contacts underscores Eastern Europe's watchful eye on Washington's diplomacy.

EU Politics· 21h ago

Money Talks, But Cash Still Walks: ECB Finds Physical Currency Dominates Merchant Acceptance

A report from Frankfurt confirms that notes and coins remain the euro area's most widely accepted way to pay.

EU Politics· 22h ago

France Puts a Price Tag on Ultra-Fast Fashion

Paris targets high-volume clothing giants with new pricing surcharges aimed at curbing environmental harm.

EU Politics· 22h ago

Frontex Sweep Nets 112 Arrests Along Western Balkans Route

A coordinated operation targets human trafficking networks operating along one of Europe’s main migration corridors.

EU Politics· 22h ago

Le Pen leads French presidential polls eight months out from vote

A new study by polling institute Cluster 17 shows the far-right leader dominating both first and second-round voting intentions.

EU Politics· 22h ago

Domestic Stumbles Send German Leaders Seeking Solace Abroad

As state election fallout looms in eastern Germany, Friedrich Merz and national political figures pivot to the international stage.

EU Politics· 22h ago

Washington Prepares $4 Million Fund for Right-Wing European Media

A modest sum by US standards signals a direct push to finance conservative outlets across the Atlantic.

EU Politics· 22h ago

Boom or Bust: Economists Pour Cold Water on the AfD’s Economic Gospel

Germany’s far-right party promises a golden age for Europe’s largest economy, but analysts warn its platform risks delivering the exact opposite.

EU Politics· 22h ago

Made in Poland: Warsaw Shifts Focus to Domestic Defence Production

As Poland expands its military forces, the government is steering strategic procurement toward home-grown industry.

EU Politics· 22h ago

Marine Le Pen’s Hijab Ban Proposal Triggers Backlash at Home and Within Her Party

The French far-right figurehead faces pushback from political rivals and internal unease over her controversial proposal.

EU Politics· 23h ago

Berlin Pins Drone Incursion on Moscow and Vows Retaliation

Germany takes a tougher stance against Russia following an unauthorized aerial intrusion near Leipzig.

EU Politics· 23h ago

Spain Turns to Brussels as Border Strain Reaches Ceuta

Madrid requests European assistance to process migrants following arrests in its North African enclave.

EU Politics· 23h ago

Cold Shoulder: Iceland’s Rejection Delivers Reality Check to EU Enlargement

A 'No' vote from Reykjavik leaves Brussels pondering the limits of its institutional attraction.

EU Politics· 23h ago

Neighbourly Visit: Ed Miliband to Join EU Foreign Ministers in Ireland

Britain’s top diplomat signals a renewed focus on European ties with an appearance across the Irish Sea.

EU Politics· 23h ago

Spain Calls on Brussels for Migrant Processing Support Following Ceuta Arrests

Madrid seeks European assistance in its North African enclave as local administrative capacity faces strain.

EU Politics· 23h ago

Spain Absolves Rabat Over Ceuta Border Breach

Madrid moves swiftly to protect diplomatic relations following an incident at its North African enclave.

EU Politics· 23h ago

Diplomatic Friction: European Powers Bristle at Russia's G20 Re-engagement

Friction resurfaces in global forums as Western attempts to isolate Moscow clash with multilateral realities.

EU Politics· 23h ago

Offshore Dreams: Why Europe’s Obsession with Migration ‘Return Hubs’ May Fall Short

Outsourcing deportations to third countries is the policy trend of the moment, but legal and logistical realities tell a soberer story.

EU Politics· 23h ago

Germany’s Battle Over Memory Reaches the Ballot Box

As the AfD targets gains in eastern state elections, its call for a 'positive' view of history collides with Germany's post-war identity.

EU Politics· 1d ago

Sánchez Clears Morocco Over Ceuta Surge, Citing Lack of Evidence

The Spanish prime minister pushes back against claims that Rabat orchestrated the recent influx into the North African enclave.

EU Politics· 1d ago

Icelandic Voters Say No to EU Accession Talks

Reykjavík turns its attention to alternative security partnerships after the electorate rejects renewed membership negotiations with Brussels.

EU Politics· 1d ago

Border checks stay on the Mediterranean: Italy prolongs Schengen pause with Spain

Passport-free travel takes another hit as Rome maintains internal controls inside Europe's borderless zone.

EU Politics· 1d ago

Missed Targets, As Usual: Over Half of EU States Blow Past Nature Restoration Deadline

National capitals struggle to turn Brussels' flagship green legislation into actual national plans on time.

EU Politics· 1d ago

Grey-Zone Flare-Up: Baltic States Sound Alarm on Escalating Hybrid Warfare

Littoral nations warn of intensifying covert threats, putting EU resilience and maritime security under fresh scrutiny.

EU Politics· 1d ago

Macron Asks Europe to Buy French Frigates Following Swedish Deal

Paris leverages a naval contract with Stockholm to renew its push for European defense preference.