Euractiv.com

Germany's Scholz banks on continuity to replace Finance Minister Lindner and his allies

Host Evi Kiorri speaks to our Berlin-based reporter Nick Alipour to better understand the collapse of Germany'scoalition government and its implications for EU leaders.

“The discussion on competitiveness on Friday will happen very much against backdrop of the results of the US elections,” an EU diplomat said.

COP29 will be a defining moment, and to succeed, we need the support of all Parties, including the EU and its member states.

The Ukrainian leader told a news conference at the European Political Community summit in Budapest that he believed Trump wanted to end the war with Russia quickly, but that he had not discussed a plan with him.

When pressed by a questioner what he would do if Trump called to suggest a meeting, Putin said he was ready to resume contacts if a Trump administration wanted that, and was ready for discussions with Trump.

Europe’s electronic communications operators have an essential role to play in achieving the EU’s ambitions for digital leadership, industrial competitiveness – but the sector is also a driver for social inclusion and ecological transition.

The telecommunications sector needs substantial investment and regulatory reforms to meet the European Union’s digital and sustainability targets. Nicolas Guérin, President of the French Telecoms Federation (FFTélécoms), spoke with Euractiv’s Xhoi Zajmi.

“The fiscal rules are the same for all member states,” said the veteran Latvian politician, who was repeatedly asked how he would ensure "equal treatment" of EU countries under the new scheme.

Regional governments “know best what reforms and investments they need,” Serafin said, promising not to repeat mistakes of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF).

France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK are ramping forces to put up a united front amid transatlantic uncertainties and the incoming Republican administration.

Political games continue around the scope of the health portfolio, but sources tell Euractiv Várhelyi's eventual confirmation is likely.

Czech patients' organisations warn a new healthcare deal could affect access to innovative treatments. After reaching a funding agreement with the health ministry, general practitioners cancelled planned protests at the end of October. 

Much of Europe has been cross-eyed this week, trying to follow both the EU's and the US’s attempts to decide on their executive. 

“International commitments and decisions in the EU now require a German government capable of taking action,” says Christian Democrat Merz.

In most EU countries, be it in office or opposition, useful idiots scramble for their Trump moment.

Some EU policymakers in the room told Euractiv they were surprised about the disproportionate focus on the PR aspects of her file.

Von der Leyen has made contact with individual MEPs over Várhelyi's fate, in addition to dialing into a meeting with Parliament political leaders on Wednesday.

The EPP's 15 proposed amendments, obtained by Euractiv, may need support from the Parliament's right-wing to pass.

Big Meat and Dairy are working hard to derail climate action.