Has EU Reform Ended Before It Began?
Emmanuel Macron’s big idea for an EU constitutional convention may be watered down by Ursula von der Leyen into a sideshow that could then be ignored. The European Parliament, however, wants it to achieve real reform.
Show Me the Money
As national leaders debate the next long-term EU budget, climate and defense are proving the two most contentious issues.
A Question of Survival
The EU can no longer afford to conduct a foreign policy based on the lowest common denominator. It needs to adapt to new realities―and fast.
Von der Leyen’s Foreign Policy Bucket List
On external relations, the next European Commission needs to
think bigger than its predecessors.
Close-Up: Phil Hogan
Known as a tough negotiator, the EU’s future trade commissioner is used to being unpopular.
An EU Delayed
On November 1, the UK was supposed to have left the EU, and Ursula von der Leyen was supposed to start her job as Commission President. Neither will happen.
Weber’s Revenge
MEPs promised Emmanuel Macron they would take vengeance for his destruction of the Spitzenkandidat system. They’ve kept their word.
Europe’s Geo-Economic Commission
Ursula von der Leyen is pushing aside traditional foreign policy in order to focus on an area where the EU has more power: economics.
Trouble for Von Der Leyen’s Eastern Flank
The European Parliament has rejected the Hungarian and Romanian commissioner nominees, and the Polish nominee is in serious trouble.
Europe by Numbers: The Von der Leyen Budget
Although it was largely absent from the European election campaign, the negotiations over the next so-called Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)— the EU’s budget—will take …
The Price of Overcoming Unanimity
The European Union often fails to make its mark on global affairs due to internal divisions. Scrapping the unanimity requirement for European foreign policy positions could help—but it can’t come without burden-sharing.
Von der Leyen’s in and the Spitzenkandidat’s Dead
The German defence minister has squeaked through by just nine votes. But it is the EU institutions, and not Von der Leyen, who are to blame.
Von der Leyen Is in Trouble
The European Council’s pick is in serious doubt after MEPs left meetings with her this week unimpressed.
A German Paradox
For the first time in over 50 years, a German has been nominated as President of the European Commission. Yet Ursula von der Leyen’s loudest critics are back home.
“You Grow with the Job”
Germany’s defense minister on how to advance European security in turbulent times.
