At his first EU summit, the Chancellor sees a great willingness to "get the trade agreement off the ground now." Commission President von der Leyen also presents an idea for a new alternative to the WTO at the summit.
By Table.Briefings
The Commission is to present a roadmap by the fall showing how the European allies can finance the new NATO spending targets. The discussion on common debt was postponed for the time being at the EU summit.
By Stephan Israel
President Macron wants to put pressure on the EU Commission at the summit: It should not propose an ambitious climate target for 2040 next week as planned.
By Lukas Knigge
President Macron intends to put pressure on the EU Commission at the summit: It is not supposed to propose an ambitious 2040 climate target, as planned next week.
By Lukas Knigge
Chancellor Merz appears willing to bring more transparency to his European policy. For the first time, his office will provide a briefing on discussions held at an EU summit – something the Chancellor’s Office had previously always declined to do.
By Till Hoppe
The EU summit was actually supposed to focus on Europe's competitiveness. However, discussions about support for Ukraine and the White Paper on defense are likely to overshadow the meeting.
By Stephan Israel
A large majority of heads of state and government welcome the Commission's proposals to rearm Europe. Only Hungary opposed the support for Ukraine.
By Table.Briefings
"Good for Germany, and good for Europe": Ahead of today's special summit on Ukraine and EU defense, other member states welcome the planned special infrastructure fund and the planned increase in defense spending.
By Till Hoppe
At this year’s final EU summit, leaders upheld their existing stance on Ukraine. However, the tone has shifted: President Zelenskiy voiced unusually candid criticism, while discussions increasingly turned to potential peace talks under a future US President Trump.
By Eric Bonse
Zelenskiy came to Brussels to promote his "victory plan". However, the response from the heads of state and government was muted. The plan found no mention in the summit's conclusions. On the topic of migration, a further tightening of policies became apparent.
By Stephan Israel
