Former French leader Sarkozy claims ‘Europe needs Russia and Russia needs Europe’
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy held a controversial interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro where he criticised what he called the rhetoric in Europe…
From the capitals
Hot TopicLatest reporting and analysis on from the capitals.
Confusing comments by EU mission in Armenia shot at near Azerbaijan border
At around 12:20pm on August 15, the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) patrolling in the border region with Azerbaijan was fired upon.
Spain faces UK protest over Gibraltar waters ‘incursion’
The UK is to launch a formal protest with Madrid after Spanish customs officers “overstepped” their jurisdiction to board a locally-registered boat suffering…
Die Linke boss resigns amid infighting and dire poll results
Dietmar Bartsch, one of the two parliamentary co-leaders of the German Die Linke party, has announced he will resign before the end of September.
Spain: PP to offer Congress presidency to Basque nationalists
Spain’s centre-right Partido Popular (PP) is willing to offer the presidency of Congress to the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), observers say.
Five arrests as UK busts alleged Russia spy ring
Three Bulgarian nationals suspected of being part of a Russian spy ring have been arrested and charged in the UK following a major national security probe.
French Minister Darmanin eyes up 2027 presidential run
French President Emmanuel Macron is barely over a year into his second term but it appears many are already anticipating the end of his tenure.
EU green-tsar set to become Dutch PM, polling suggests
European Union Green Deal commissioner Frans Timmermans appears likely to become the next Prime Minister of the Netherlands, according to recent polling.
Blair, Royal, Timmermans: Is this the summer of the political walking dead?
They can look like Michael Jackson’s Moonwalking Dead in his Thriller video, and seem about as relevant.
Former PiS minister says Poland is unwittingly accelerating Euro-federalism
Jacek Czaputowicz, who served as foreign minister from 2018 to 2021 in Poland’s ruling Conservative PiS Government, has slammed its foreign policy arguing it…
Meloni government in talks to host Musk versus Zuckerberg cage-fight
Giorgia Meloni's Italian Government is reportedly in talks to host the forthcoming cage-fight between Twitter owner Elon Musk and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.
German President warns voters against supporting the AfD
Centre-left President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier has warned the country's citizens not to vote for the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, describing…
Germany’s Scholz vows to fight ‘enemies of democracy’ as ‘far right’ surges
In a clear reference to the AfD, Scholz warned that some parties are exploiting ordinary citizens’ fears, driving a wedge into society and trying to weaken the…
Focus moves to Spanish King as PP eyes minority government
Alberto Núñez Feijóo is gunning to become the King's pick for PM amid claims his centre-right Partido Popular has garnered enough support to form a minority government.
What the Pope gets right on Europe – and the EU’s mainstream media aren’t reporting
Pope Francis’s tenure has proven controversial: many criticise him for being too liberal and undermining traditional Catholic doctrine.
Centre-right has demolished ‘firewall’ with hard-right, says European Parliament Vice-President
Centre-right parties across Europe are themselves being drawn further to the Right and happily cooperate with parties that would have previously been considered…
Kosovo scales down tensions with Serb minority
Tensions seem to be easing further in Northern Kosovo;
Austria calls for cash use in stores to be made a ‘constitutional right’
The Austrian Government has announced plans to enshrine the right to use physical cash as part of the country’s constitution.
Macron attacks French opposition for not being ‘pro-EU enough’
French President Emmanuel Macron has lashed out at the French opposition, denouncing both the Left and the Right in the country as not being “pro-EU enough”.
Conservatives are ‘evil’, UK bank staff say in leaked messages
Leaked messages from a British online bank have shown staff members deriding Conservatives as being "evil", a report in the British press has claimed.
Spanish elections: Now Canary Islands MP says SHE is kingmaker
Another kingmaker has emerged in Spanish politics following last month's inconclusive elections: an MP from the Canary Islands.
Medvedev warns of ‘nuclear response’ if Ukrainian offensive succeeds
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on July 30 that Moscow “would have to use a nuclear weapon” if Ukraine’s apparent counteroffensive was successful.
French Government ‘folds’ to police demands
The French Government appears to have folded over demands from police unions in France.
Niger coup ‘no done deal’, France insists, even as support grows
The military coup in Niger has not yet succeeded, the French Government has insisted, while stating it is “illegitimate” and “deeply dangerous” for the region.
China’s push to expand BRICS membership falters
India and Brazil are pushing back against a Chinese bid to rapidly expand the BRICS group of emerging markets to grow its political clout and counter the US, officials…
Spain: Basques demand direct participation from Sánchez in premiership negotiations
The leader of the Spanish Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) Andoni Ortuzar has demanded the direct involvement of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in negotiations with…
Sacked French former minister’s new diplomatic role sparks outrage
The recently dismissed French Minister of Education Pap Ndiaye has landed himself a cushy job in high European circles, sparking outrage among the opposition.
North Korea rolls out red carpet for Russia’s defence minister
North Korea has welcomed Russia’s defence minister Sergei Shoigu, rolling out the red carpet for the senior official upon his arrival to the country's capital…
Niger soldiers claim military coup after President is detained
Soldiers in Niger claimed to have seized control of the West African nation after President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by the presidential guard.
Macron fighting to keep New Caledonia French
French President Emmanuel Macron is fighting to keep a small island territory seceding from France.