Euractiv.com

Underneath a veneer of unity lies a heavily-divided Europe, with once-leading figures facing grave crises at home, and populism forces on the rise.

European politicians' reactions to the return of Donald Trump range from friendly to flattering.

"Macron holds an advantage as one of the few European leaders with personal ties to Donald Trump, which could work in his favour," Gésine Weber, a US-Europe relations specialist at King’s College London, told Euractiv.

Ahead of an informal summit in Budapest on Friday (8 November), European leaders congratulated Donald Trump despite their concerns about reduced support for Ukraine.

Trump made many promises before securing his second term as the president of the United States.

"Increased competition with the US may turn out to be a good thing for Europe," said Andreas Schwab (EPP, Germany).  

The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and new economic and trade ties can help strengthen relations between Belgrade and Prishtina.

In response to pointed questions from MEPs, Albuquerque emphasised she has “always been committed to loyally serving the public interest" - and will remain so.

"The COVID pandemic taught us hard lessons about the limits of our readiness. Not one country can tackle a global health emergency alone," Lahbib told the MEPs .

Lahbib, who had previously been singled out as a potential weak point in the new commission line-up, faced tough questions on her Crimea trip and visa scandal.

"His written responses to MEPs were full of 'shoulds' and 'musts.' We do not need another reminder,” says Hannah Neumann, a Green MEP.

Hungary will host the European Political Community (EPC) summit on Thursday (7 October), followed by an informal EU leaders' meeting on Friday.

The Austrian managed to secure the backing of socialist MEPs, despite that group's opposition to President von der Leyen's migration agenda.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will not attend the COP29 climate summit because of political developments in Brussels, a Commission spokesperson said.

In today's edition of the Capitals, find out more about Poland's PiS highlighting Tusk's behaviour with Trump as president, Borissov saying he is ready to sacrifice the premiership, and so much more.

USR representatives criticised the hearing as a “farce” organised just days before the European Parliament hearings.

The choices made now will shape the European landscape for generations to come. However, not making choices will have an even greater impact.

Bulgaria could be heading for its 8th general election in three years by February 2025.

Are we finally seeing the light of a thriving EU economy at the end of the tunnel? With all the attention on the Letta and the Draghi reports, the next Commission's political guidelines, the EU Presidencies' priorities and drumming conclusions of the European Council, competitiveness is the word on everybody's mouth.

"It would have been good if there had also been such a gesture with Ukraine,” he added.