A study by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation finds that the cost of admitting the Western Balkan states to the European Union would be negligible for the Union’s budget. At the same time, accession would deliver a substantial economic boost to the six candidate countries.
By Stephan Israel
Nine European cities would like to host the new EU customs authority and have courted the favor of the European Parliament. Meanwhile, the Council and Parliament are still struggling to find a decision-making mechanism
By János Allenbach-Ammann
In an internal letter, the German Federal Cartel Office has warned the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy against consolidating market concentration by promoting new gas-fired power plants. The competition authority also commented on the controversial minimum bid size.
By Manuel Berkel
The market for stationary battery storage in the European Union grew by 45% in 2025. For the first time, large-scale storage systems accounted for a majority share of 55%, while the share of home storage systems fell to 36%.
By Manuel Berkel
The EU is tightening the participation rules for Chinese organizations in the Horizon Europe research framework program. Until now, it had only been cautious when it came to projects close to market.
By Anne Brüning
The EU and Vietnam are intensifying cooperation in critical areas. Diplomatic ties are set to be upgraded during a visit by European Council President António Costa.
By Leonardo Pape
Slovakia intends to take legal action against the EU ban on Russian gas imports before the European Court of Justice. The Council adopted the REPowerEU regulation by a majority on Monday.
By Redaktion Table
France’s minority government survived two motions of no confidence following a controversial budget procedure. The motions from the right-wing nationalists and the left failed to gain a majority in the National Assembly.
By Redaktion Table
As president, Bulgaria’s head of state Rumen Radev had accused his country’s political class of oligarchy. Now Radev hopes to become the elected head of government. But the opposition calls him a “servant of the Kremlin.”
By Frank Stier
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s stance against an independent European defense strategy has met with strong criticism. Politicians accuse him of relying too much on the US and devaluing European sovereignty.
By Stephan Israel
