Dear readers,
Plenty to tuck into this week as our team chased stories about a plan to slash the European External Action Service, another to block children from social media, and what happens to the mansions of sanctioned oligarchs that fall into disrepair and upset the neighbors.
The so-called omnibus package, which the EU hopes will “simplify” regulation on business, including many of the rules that were part of the European Green Deal, marches on so the old plan could easily be scrapped by the new plan.
In case the politicians among you need inspiration on that front, I’d recommend this episode from our Westminster Insider podcast, first aired in March 2023 but full of timeless advice: How to U-turn and get away with it. Now there’s news you can use.
I’m off to Connemara on the west coast of Ireland today to blow away some cobwebs so our Head of News Christian Oliver will be in your inboxes next week.
Wishing you all a restful holiday when it comes,
Kate Day
**A message from the European Biodiesel Board: Fraudulent biodiesel imports are undermining Europe’s climate goals and hurting domestic producers. The EU must act swiftly to close verification loopholes and ensure a level playing field for sustainable biofuels. Find out more.(link to Q&A)**
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Europe’s diplomatic arm to slash foreign offices
Exclusive: The European External Action Service is poised to downsize some 10 foreign delegations and cut an estimated 100 local staffers amid budget cuts and a broader reshuffle. Read the story.
Belgium bugged Anderlecht football stadium to spy on Huawei MEP lobbying
Exclusive: Dramatic revelations shed fresh light on investigation into whether Chinese tech firm tried to buy influence in EU politics. Read the story.
18 hours in the making of a president: Inside Nicușor Dan’s election win
Romania’s new leader told POLITICO he will be more energetic pushing for his country’s interests in EU budget negotiations and what he will do to rebuild trust in a democracy. Read the story.
Russia sanctions emptied these London mansions. Now they’re falling apart.
Russian oligarchs bought beautiful houses in some of London’s most expensive postcodes. Subsequent sanctions mean the owners are unable to visit, sell or rent out their mansions, upsetting the locals with crumbling piles. Read the story.
Macron and Merz call to abolish EU law on ethical supply chains
Smart insight as leaders of Europe’s two most powerful countries ramp up the EU’s pro-business, anti-green push by calling for repeal of due diligence rule. Read the story.
Europe’s effort to block kids from social media gathers pace
A document obtained by POLITICO shows countries pushing for EU-wide controls to protect kids online. The story was welcomed by Ireland’s deputy prime minister. Read the story.
UK minister admits ‘regret’ over AI and copyright row
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said the government favoring an “opt-out” option so early had not been a good move. Read the story.
YOUR WEEKEND PLAYLIST
EU Confidential: Leo Varadkar on Donald Trump, and the EU’s Israel dilemma
The EU-Israel relationship is at a tipping point. This week on EU Confidential, host Sarah Wheaton breaks down how EU leaders are calling for scrutiny of a long-standing trade agreement between Brussels and Israel, as Gaza faces famine amid an ongoing Israeli military offensive.
Rym Momtaz, editor-in-chief of the Strategic Europe blog at Carnegie Europe and an expert on European and Middle Eastern politics, joins to explain what’s driving the shift — and whether it could lead to real consequences.
Later, former Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar drops into the studio to strategize on how to handle Trump 2.0, the rise of “identity politics” globally and the EU-U.K. rapprochement. Listen to the episode.
Westminster Insider: How to run your Cabinet: Lessons for Starmer
With tensions simmering in Keir Starmer’s top team over Labour’s approach to the economy, this week host Patrick Baker looks at what the PM might be able to learn about managing your ministers from past Cabinets and examines Starmer’s own leadership style. Listen to the episode.
DECLASSIFIED
Read this week’s Declassified column.
Caption competition
“ I promise you, Your Holiness, I won’t do to you what I did to your predecessor.“
Can you do better? Email us at [email protected] or get in touch on X @POLITICOEurope.
Last week, we gave you this photo:
Thanks for all the entries. Here’s the best from our postbag — there’s no prize except for the gift of laughter, which I think we can all agree is far more valuable than cash or booze.
“Do you think VdL’s WhatsApp messages to God are subject to transparency measures too?“
by Andrew Ephraim Hillman.
**A message from the European Biodiesel Board: As Europe prioritizes transport decarbonization, biofuels have emerged as a key sustainable solution. However, concerns are mounting over fraudulent imports, particularly from China and Southeast Asia, that undermine climate progress and fair competition. The European Biodiesel Board is urging swift action to strengthen the verification system and level the playing field for EU producers. EBB President Dickon Posnett emphasizes the need for on-site audits, harmonized reporting, and a comprehensive database to root out bad actors, while keeping the system workable for legitimate businesses. With the European Commission set to review the rules for biofuel verification, Posnett argues now is the critical moment to restore confidence, drive investment, and secure biodiesel’s vital role in Europe’s net-zero transport future. Find out more.(link to Q&A)**
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