Peace negotiations
Ukraine funding: EU permanently blocks Russian funds
With the help of an emergency clause, a large majority of EU states have decided to place a long-term block on Russian state bank funds. This increases the likelihood of the Ukraine reparation loan, which could strengthen the EU’s role in the peace negotiations.
By Stephan Israel, János Allenbach-Ammann and Wilhelmine Stenglin
Combustion engine off
Phasing out the combustion engine: Commission wants to continue to allow plug-in hybrids after 2035
The 2035 ban on combustion engines is beginning to falter. The Commission is expected to propose on Tuesday that CO₂ emissions from new cars only have to be reduced by 90% in 2035.
By Markus Grabitz
Environmental policy
Environmental omnibus: How the EU is grinding down environmental protection standards
With the eighth omnibus package, the Commission is laying its hands on environmental protection standards – on the same day that the European Environment Agency certifies that the EU is failing to meet its protection targets.
By Lukas Knigge
European sovereignty
How the European Union is gearing up for a hostile US partner
Following António Costa’s recent critique, it is Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius’ turn to blast the new US security strategy and the hostile tones coming from Washington. The Trump administration has declared war on the EU in pursuit of its strategic interests, he writes. Members states will discuss their stance towards the US at next week’s EU summit.
By Stephan Israel
Resilience
Europe’s hurdles on the way to a preparedness union strategy
The EU wants to be better prepared for crises and their cascading effects. That is why it is investing more than EUR 10 billion in establishing new structures and capacities. But not all countries are on board and different perceptions of threats remain a crucial factor.
By Lisa-Martina Klein
CDU/CSU
CDU/CSU group in the European Parliament: Niclas Herbst is the new leader
A decision came in the second round of voting: Niclas Herbst won with 15 votes versus 13 votes for Christine Schneider.
By Markus Grabitz
Peace negotiations
Ukraine: How the Europeans are trying to stand up to the USA
European heads of state and government are intensifying their efforts to take a more independent stance on Ukraine policy vis-à-vis the USA. The aim is to strengthen Ukraine’s position in peace negotiations and secure financial support.
By Stephan Israel
SMR
SMR: Federal office warns against weakening national safety requirements
In the run-up to the new EU strategy for SMR reactors, the federal office responsible for fuel transportation has warned against circumventing national safety standards. Large nuclear companies from the USA are pushing for international harmonization.
By Manuel Berkel
Europe.Table
Sustainability omnibus: Agreement reached in trilogue
The EU Commission, Council, and Parliament have agreed on the sustainability omnibus. The agreement on supply chain regulation and sustainability reporting aims to reduce bureaucracy and increase competitiveness at the expense of climate protection.
By Lukas Knigge
NGT
NGT trilogue agreement: What happens next
After lengthy negotiations, the reform of EU genetic engineering legislation has almost reached the finish line. However, approval in the EU Parliament and Council cannot be taken for granted. Meanwhile, reactions to the agreement vary widely.
By Julia Dahm
Europe (English)
Table of Contents - Edition 1090 from December 12th, 2025
- Phasing out the combustion engine: Commission wants to continue to allow plug-in hybrids after 2035
- Ukraine funding: EU permanently blocks Russian funds
- US strategy: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks clearly
- Customs reform: EU finance ministers favor ten percent duty on small parcels
- Ecofin: Finance ministers close to agreement on the digital euro
- : EU agrees mandatory FDI screening for sensitive sectors
- EV imports: EU and China resume negotiations on minimum prices
- Solar energy: The market for modules is shrinking
- MFF: Federal states insist on being involved
- Must Reads: US document allegedly aims to split the EU
- Time.Table: European Council meets to discuss Ukraine, finance and geo-economics
- Table.Documents: German chip factories receive subsidies
- Eurogroup: Pierrakakis from Greece takes over chairmanship
- Eurobarometer: Fewer citizens express confidence in the EU
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Redaktionsleitung Europe.Table
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