Author: staff

Unlike many of its European peers, Ireland’s coffers are filled to the brim. Economists warn that the state must save – but winning elections doesn’t come cheap. When Ireland’s political leaders locked horns in a TV debate earlier this week, economic pledges emerged front and centre.Today, the country will vote in a general election, called early by incumbent Taoiseach Simon Harris.The centre-right Fine Gael leader will be running against Michéal Martin of Fianna Fáil, as well as Mary Lou McDonald of Sinn Féin, for the top job. Unlike its European neighbours, Ireland is going to the polls in a strong financial…

The episode is a blow to Starmer, who has promised to restore trust in politics. He will be hoping that Haigh’s swift and dramatic exit will demonstrate to the public that Britain’s recently elected Labour government is serious about raising standards in public life. But the opposition Conservative Party has seized on the episode to attack Starmer. “Louise Haigh has done the right thing in resigning. It is clear she has failed to behave to the standards expected of an MP,” said a Conservative Party spokesperson in a statement. “In her resignation letter, she states that Keir Starmer was already…

Gormless global leaders. Masturbating zombies. Giant forest-dwelling brains. Here’s the strangest political satire you didn’t know you needed. The pride of Canada when it comes to experimental filmmaking, Guy Maddin, has teamed up once more with his regular collaborators Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson to deliver a wonderfully silly yet overstuffed satire you’ll have a hard time forgetting.Rumours follows a bunch of ludicrously inefficient world leaders who meet at a G7 summit somewhere in rural Germany. They’re there to draft a joint statement on an unspecified global crisis.There’s US President Edison Wolcott (Charles Dance), an obvious parody of Joe Biden, who mysteriously speaks in…

Romania’s presidential election delivered a TikTok-fueled political shock, with pro-Russia, far-right candidate Călin Georgescu winning the first round. His unexpected rise has stunned the establishment and raised serious questions about NATO, Ukraine, and Europe’s future. EU Confidential host Sarah Wheaton speaks with former NATO spokesperson and Romanian native Oana Lungescu to unpack what Georgescu’s victory means for European security, and how Trump’s return to the White House could fuel the far-right and Euroskeptic wave spreading across the continent. Later, POLITICO’s Max Griera breaks down the final vote on Ursula von der Leyen’s new European Commission and the backroom deals that made it…

The EU and China are expected to continue talks regarding the alternative solution to replace the EU’s newly imposed tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. China and the EU have been in talks, aiming to reach an alternative solution to replace the newly imposed import levies on China’s electric vehicles. However, no agreement has been reached yet, with negotiations expected to continue.On Thursday, the spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Commerce responded to a reporter at the press conference, stating that negotiations over setting a minimum price had made some progress following concerted efforts by both parties. China expressed hope that both…

Finanzminister Jörg Kukies spricht in dieser Extra-Episode über aktuelle Themen der Finanzpolitik, darunter die vorläufige Haushaltsführung, die Schuldenbremse und geplante Steuerreformen. Er gibt Einblicke in seine Rolle als Minister und reflektiert über seine Erfahrungen als Staatssekretär sowie die Zusammenarbeit mit der FDP-Führung. Während eines Spaziergangs im und um den Berliner Tiergarten herum, führt Gordon Repinski das Gespräch und beleuchtet auch prägende Momente aus Kukies’ Zeit als Regierungsberater, etwa in der Ukraine oder dem Niger. Kukies erklärt, wie er sich auf seine aktuellen Aufgaben konzentriert und ob er konkrete Pläne für die Zeit nach der Wahl hat. Das Berlin Playbook als…

As the House of Commons agonizes over legalizing assisted dying, host Sascha O’Sullivan looks back at previous votes of conscience to find out what happens when MPs don’t have the party whip guiding them. Alun Michael, one of the architects of Tony Blair’s ban on fox hunting, explains how it took years to get to the point of a vote in parliament, and how his personal safety — and that of his family — was put in jeopardy. Former Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone recalls the same sex marriage vote and the internal politics between the Lib Dems and Conservatives during…

Europe has long been at the forefront of innovation in renewable and low-carbon fuels. Today, it holds 60% of the world’s high-value patents in renewable fuels, demonstrating a leadership position that can be expanded with the right regulatory framework. Draghi’s report highlights this strategic advantage and calls for a revision to the EU’s carbon dioxide fleet emissions regulation with a technology-neutral lens. This change is essential to ensure that the potential of carbon-neutral fuels is fully recognized and integrated into Europe’s decarbonization strategy. A holistic EU strategy for transitioning liquid fuels, to decarbonize all transport sectors and support this process…

While those catchy videos were an unexpected vote-winner, Georgescu’s main campaign themes had a classic populist appeal: He cited traditional Christian values, vowed to stand up for people excluded economically, and said he would make Romania more self-sufficient in sectors such as food and energy.  Adrian Axinia, vice-president of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) and a member of the European Parliament, said those issues would come to the fore in the parliamentary election on Sunday. Georgescu was a member of AUR before standing as an independent.       “People seem to be going with the sovereigntist option, and…

What’s not? The space is a bit small, so there aren’t any indoor tables and everything is served as takeout. But there are a few seats outdoors, which are sure to make a lovely lunch and dinner spot in the warmer months. Vibe: Bright, colorful and sunny. The warm dangling lights, woodsy decor and exposed bricks immediately teleport you somewhere else, leaving cold and gray Brussels behind. Who’s picking up the check? A bowl will cost you about €15, but we recommend the menu for one person, which gives you three mezzes, a hot dish with meat, one pastry and…