Regions/Cohesion
Lula calls on Macron to ‘open your heart’ on Mercosur
There’s bromance in the air, but tensions at the heart of the relationship between the two leaders.
Brussels asks EU countries to use less water
Brussels rebukes Romania and Austria for breaching EU spending rules
Bridge blasts in Russian regions near Ukraine ahead of planned peace talks
Countries face losing out on billions with EU set to reject Covid recovery fund extension
Artificial intelligence threatens to raid the water reserves of Europe’s driest regions
The EU’s water crisis by the numbers
Macron’s cabinet dressing down was ‘not a reprimand,’ minister says
Bruno Retailleau said he had not interpreted Macron’s discontent as a personal attack after the mishandled release of a report on the Muslim Brotherhood’s purported influence in France.
Putin continues to batter Ukraine with missiles as Trump calls him ‘CRAZY’
Russian strikes ramp up as Zelenskyy begs U.S. for more pressure on Moscow.
Hitler serves as a warning to today’s conservatives, EU’s Manfred Weber says
The European People’s Party chief tells POLITICO he is trying to strike a balance between relying on far-right support while blocking extremists from power.
Europe’s pharmaceutical industry is at a crossroads
As discussions on the General Pharmaceutical Legislation come to a head, Europe faces two choices: becoming a leader in innovative research, development and manufacturing, or losing its global standing.
EU to Africa: No more free cash
The European Commission wants to strengthen the link between foreign aid and domestic priorities like energy and migration.
Russia slams Ukraine with biggest drone attack of the war
Sunday’s assault came just days after talks in Turkey failed to make progress toward a ceasefire.
Romanian presidential front-runner accuses Macron of ‘dictatorial tendencies’
George Simion, leader of the right-wing AUR party, criticizes French president for interfering in Romania’s election.
Commission floats digital levy to repay post-Covid debt
The EU executive is also suggesting new customs duties and a traveler tax to help repay some €350 billion of common debt.
Unregulated arms: The unchecked catalyst of global instability
From civilian violence to industrial control, the arms industry has successfully evaded fit-for-purpose regulation and accountability. Now more than ever, a collaborative response is required to reverse its devastating impact.
UK orders its top diplomats to sell Brand Britain
Foreign Secretary David Lammy wants senior diplomats fanning out across the country to get ideas on being a global “salesforce for the U.K. economy.”
US popularity collapses worldwide in wake of Trump’s return
The world is more divided than ever, but there’s still something (nearly) everyone agrees on: The U.S. is unloved.
Zelenskyy says Kyiv will talk to Moscow only after Putin accepts ceasefire
Ukrainian president welcomed Russia’s indication of readiness for peace talks for the first time since 2022.
Poland went all in on chickens. Then came bird flu.
A deadly wave of avian influenza, industry-led policy and deepening ethical and biological risks are exposing flaws in the world’s most efficient meat machine.
Battle for next pope is about whether Rome is still the Church’s power base
As pre-conclave lobbying intensifies, top Vatican diplomat Pietro Parolin has become a point of convergence for cardinals looking to restore Vatican’s primacy.
France wants EU parcels levy to stem flood of cheap Chinese fast fashion imports
France fears U.S. President Donald Trump’s China tariffs will flood Europe with cheap goods via small parcels.
Building tomorrow’s workforce at the 2025 EU Social Forum
To build a competitive Europe and ensure no one is left behind, people must learn the right skills — which, in turn, will drive greater social cohesion, well-being and prosperity for all.
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK is about to face the hard part: Being in charge
The populist party could hold its first reins of power after Thursday’s local elections. So what will it actually do? POLITICO went on a mission to find out.
Why did the lights go out in Spain and Portugal?
And what does it mean for Europe, its power grids and its electricity?
Who are the favorites to succeed Pope Francis?
Will the Italians get the papacy back? Or is it time for the first African in the modern era? A conclave will gather in the weeks ahead to elect a new pontiff.
Putin violated his own Easter truce thousands of times, Zelenskyy says
Moscow said its forces were “strictly observing” the ceasefire and accused Ukraine of violating the pause in fighting.
Trump threatens to abandon Ukraine ceasefire talks
U.S. president will say “you’re fools, you’re horrible people” and walk away if Moscow or Kyiv don’t play ball.
Shootings, debt and political paralysis show Brussels is falling apart
Losing €4 million a day and without a government, Belgium’s capital is in desperate need of leadership.
‘Parkinson’s is a man-made disease’: How a chemical Europe can’t quit may be driving the disease
Europe’s flawed oversight of pesticides may be fueling a silent epidemic, warns Dutch neurologist Bas Bloem. His fight for reform pits him against industry, regulators — and time.
Trump pushes France to reassess trade alternatives — even the Mercosur deal?
“This is a wake-up call on trade agreements,” French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin tells POLITICO.