How to watch the commissioner hearings like a pro – POLITICO

Reaching a two-thirds majority could be complicated: In many committees, reaching two-thirds will require votes in favor from Greens, Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the liberals of Renew Europe, the center-right European People’s Party (EPP) and the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR). If the lawmakers cannot reach a two-thirds majority to approve or reject a […]

How to speak von der Leyen – POLITICO

Spoiler alert: There was more to von der Leyen’s announcement than met the, er, ear. Here’s our handy guide to what the Commission chief actually meant — and the bits she didn’t say out loud. Don’t say: Green.Do say: Clean. Don’t say: Stovepipes.Do say: Holistic clusters.  Don’t say: Kids.Do say: Intergenerational fairness. Don’t say: Commissioner I made a deal with.Do say: Executive vice […]

How to watch the EU election like a Pro – POLITICO

Estonia holds its official election day, even though voting started on June 3. It elects seven MEPs. Polling stations open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Estonia prides itself on its electronic voting: people can cast a ballot from their computer at home. Finland votes from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. It elects 15 members. […]

How to ‘Trump proof’ the transatlantic relationship? – POLITICO

“It’s been very successful,” said Daniel Mullaney, the former top U.S. negotiator on trade issues with Europe, of the TTC. “We’ve had high-level attention, including at the presidential levels, on all of these issues. That’s kept the momentum going.” The question now is what happens if Trump wins back the White House in November. Even […]

Western allies split over how to make Putin pay  – POLITICO

It’s a plan that U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration is backing heavily but so far Europe’s most powerful governments in Paris, Berlin and Rome are unconvinced. Washington policymakers are piling pressure on their allies to ditch their hang-ups over what would be an unprecedented step fraught with legal, ethical and political difficulties. “It’s never been […]