European Union

US President Donald Trump has announced punitive tariffs against eight European countries that oppose his plans for Greenland. The ten percent surcharges are to be introduced on 1 February and are to remain in effect until the Arctic island is acquired. The EU plans to reach a decision on countermeasures at a special summit to be held in the next few days. Commentators make their own recommendations for responses.

For the first time in 40 years, the Portuguese presidential election will go into a second round. On 8 February, the socialist candidate António José Seguro (31 percent) will face off against the right-wing populist André Ventura (23.5 percent). The candidate of the ruling conservative PSD party came in fifth in the first round of voting on Sunday. Portuguese media take stock.

US President Donald Trump welcomed Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado to the White House on Thursday to discuss the future of her country, Venezuela. At the end of the meeting, Machado presented the president with the Nobel Peace Prize medal she received last year, citing his commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people. Commentators are appalled.

Without modernizing district heating systems, Europe will not achieve its climate goals. PTEC emphasizes the need for technological neutrality, phased transition, continued use of cogeneration units, integration of RES, energy storage, and Power-to-Heat technologies to ensure system security.

European Parliament’s spokespersons will hold a last-minute briefing on the 19 - 22 January plenary session today at 16.30.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

European Parliament’s spokespersons will hold a last-minute briefing on the 19 - 22 January plenary session today at 16.30.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP