European Council • Table.Briefings

RECORD DATE NOT STATED Aerial photos show the containers for import and export cargo are in order, and gantry cranes and trucks are busy working in the cargo yard of Ganzhou International Inland Port, Ganzhou City, east China s Jiangxi Province, 4 November, 2022. Busy transportation for foreign trade goods in Ganzhou PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA

May 25th, 2026

Trade defense: EU member states push for reform in informal paper

Brussels is still trying to figure its China strategy out. Shortly before an EU Council debate, several member states are pushing for tougher trade defense.

By Amelie Richter

Talk of the Town | Diplomacy

May 21st, 2026

Trip to China: Why Reiche’s schedule is so controversial

The EU plans to step up protective measures against Chinese exports. There may even be a risk of a trade war between the EU and Beijing. Conditions could hardly be more complicated for German Economics Minister Katharine Reiche as she embarks on her inaugural visit to China.

By Angela Köckritz

Talk of the Town | Diplomacy

May 20th, 2026

China trip: Why Reiche’s timing is so explosive

The EU is preparing to tighten protective measures against Chinese exports. Could that even lead to a trade war between Brussels and Beijing? For her inaugural visit to China, German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche could hardly face more complicated circumstances.

By Angela Köckritz

News | Tobacco tax

May 20th, 2026

Tobacco tax: Council Presidency presents new compromise

Ahead of today’s meeting of the Council working party on taxation, the Cyprus Presidency has put forward another compromise on tobacco taxation. Under the new proposal, rates for cigars and heated tobacco products would be further reduced.

By Markus Grabitz

Feature | European policy

May 20th, 2026

Slovenia: Why right-wing populist Janša could return to power

It is likely that the self-proclaimed Trump supporter will soon become head of a minority government. In spite of this, concerns in Brussels are not running too high.

By Frank Stier and Stephan Israel

Auch das Dampfen in Außenbereichen wollte die Resolution unterbinden.

News | Tobacco tax

May 18th, 2026

Tobacco tax: Sweden criticizes tax rates for tobacco pouches

Council negotiations on tobacco taxes are entering the final stretch. Indexation remains the most contentious issue, while two opposing camps have emerged over tax rates.

By Markus Grabitz

News | MFR

May 15th, 2026

MFF: Merz criticizes Commission proposal

In his laudatory speech for Mario Draghi at the Charlemagne Prize award ceremony, Friedrich Merz expressed fundamental criticism of the Commission’s proposal for the MFF. Negotiations on the MFF for 2028–2034 will begin shortly.

By Markus Grabitz

Talk of the Town | Automotive

May 11th, 2026

Clean corporate vehicles: Parliament rapporteurs call for stricter standards

Parliament’s rapporteurs want member states to phase out subsidies for fossil fuel-powered company cars by 2028, according to their unpublished report.

By Markus Grabitz

News | Tobacco tax

May 11th, 2026

Tobacco tax: Council presidency makes further cuts

The Cyprus Council Presidency has put forward a new compromise on tobacco taxes, offering concessions to critics on most tax rates and transition periods for member states

By Markus Grabitz

Talk of the Town | European Parliament

May 4th, 2026

Midterm elections in the European Parliament: How Metsola could secure a third term

The European Parliament president is usually replaced halfway through the legislative term. The European Council president and hundreds of other parliamentary posts must also be confirmed.

By Markus Grabitz