European Union

Thursday, 8 May

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

In today’s edition of The Capitals, read about the Conclave, as cardinals get ready to pick the new Pope, Bulgaria hitting back at Putin’s claim that it is to blame for the Ukraine war, and so much more.

Ukraine is starting to consider a shift away from the US dollar, possibly linking its currency more closely to the euro, says central banker.

Bulgaria has reacted sharply to the Russian president’s statements in a documentary broadcast on the Russian state television Russia-1.

UK officials said the deal would likely include lower tariff quotas on steel and autos.

Economic growth in the middle-income countries of Europe and Central Asia has slowed since the early 2000s due to global challenges and insufficient structural reforms. Countries need to foster a dynamic private sector by attracting global technology, expertise, and capital, supporting young innovative companies, and investing in human capital.

The Commission has referred Poland to the EU Court of Justice over two breaches: missing a timeline for CO2-based road charges and failing to implement the Digital Services Act.

“We have the printing machines ... they have the technology," the European trade commissioner said.

The first budget could become a moment of truth for Merz. 

Even if Trump is serious, taxing films isn’t as straightforward as taxing cars or steel.

The Bulgarian intelligence agency warns that AMR, future epidemics, a shortage of medical personnel, and medicine scarcity could endanger national security.

A new chancellor in Berlin won't easily herald a breakthrough in Polish-German relations.

A new report has identified Ireland as having the lowest availability rate for new cancer medicines in Western Europe, significantly limiting treatment options for patients.

3,000 additional federal police officers are planned to support border controls, German media reported.

"Security of all people travelling through Lithuania, including leaders, is our highest priority, so we took this decision," Lithuania's president said.

Slovakia and Hungary can kick up a fuss but it won't be enough to hold up the divorce from Russian energy.

MEPs have come out against a recovery fund-style model, joining the EU's audit body in criticising the European Commission's plans.

The leaders endorsed 'technological neutrality' in a joint op-ed outling new Franco-German agreement on European energy policy.

After the shakiest of starts on Tuesday, Friedrich Merz looks to regroup with visits to Paris and Warsaw on Wednesday.

Géza Andreas von Geyr served as his country's ambassador to NATO for two years and brings extensive experience in diplomacy and defence.