Europe’s Green Spending Waiver Sparks A Fiscal Revolt

Brussels is trying to give governments more room to spend on green investments as energy prices bite again. But the Politico report shows the plan is already running into trouble from the very countries that usually defend climate action and fiscal discipline.

Europe’s Climate Flagship Hits The Factory Wall

Europe’s industrial giants are no longer politely asking Brussels for help. They are demanding a freeze on the EU’s flagship carbon-pricing system before it does more damage to the continent’s manufacturing base. The Politico report shows ArcelorMittal, ThyssenKrupp, Voestalpine and BASF warning that rising Emissions Trading System costs are hammering sectors already squeezed by high energy prices, weak demand and global competition.

France’s Enlargement U-Turn: Paris Still Cannot Sell It At Home

France is finally admitting that EU enlargement is a geopolitical necessity – but the Ifri/IPQ article shows how fragile that shift really is. Paris has moved a long way from its old habit of slowing the process, yet its new support remains cautious, conditional and politically exposed.

Europe’s Capital Markets Fix Has A Buyer Problem

Europe wants securitisation to unlock lending, spread risk and push more private money into the economy. But the CEPS commentary warns that Brussels may be staring at a basic market failure of its own making: it is still talking too much about banks and not enough about the investors who actually have to buy the risk

Europe’s Airpower Trap: Too Many Jets, Too Few Weapons

Europe’s air forces are chasing drones while the real shortage sits under their wings. The RUSI commentary argues that NATO’s European members do not first need a new fantasy fleet of uncrewed aircraft. They need missiles and bombs – quickly, in depth and in the right types.

Germany’s China Gamble: Berlin Risks Choosing The Wrong Giant

Germany is being warned that its China policy is drifting into danger. The National Interest commentary argues that Berlin is clinging to Beijing as a business lifeline just as the United States and several EU partners are hardening their line against Chinese trade abuses.