iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 04/10/2026

The EU can’t pretend Friedrich Merz isn’t in trouble any longer. 🔗 vist.ly/5kxq7

Man in green suit carrying suitcase walking past houses with people inside.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 02/10/2026

European capitals are preparing for the prospect that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz could lose power. How might this shape the battle over the EU budget? Brussels Playbook has the answer. 👇

politico.eu

We need to talk about Friedrich

Presented by Amazon By GABRIEL GAVIN with SEBASTIAN STARCEVIC PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @NicholasVinocur @GabrielGavin | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser GO…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 30/09/2026

EXCLUSIVE: The EU and Canada will use a landmark summit next month to announce an expansive new partnership, ranging from breaking down digital trade barriers to joint support for Ukraine and investing in fighting wildfires.

politico.eu

EU and Canada to announce sweeping new partnership pact

From critical raw materials to fighting wildfires, a document obtained by POLITICO reveals a wide-ranging expansion in relations.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 30/09/2026

EXCLUSIVE: The EU will open its vast economy to countries waiting to join its ranks, provided they agree to stand with the bloc against hostile states and industrial rivals.

politico.eu

EU to offer single-market access to candidate countries

Economic benefits would be conditional and can be taken away if non-members backslide on democracy or share sensitive tech with unfriendly governments, the plan says.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 27/09/2026

The EU is developing proposals that would see the four countries closest to joining the bloc given a clear, step-by-step path toward membership — while the others languish behind.

politico.eu

EU is drawing up membership action plans for most promising candidates

For the first time, Brussels is considering setting target dates for Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania to complete key stages of accession talks.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 25/09/2026

Ursula von der Leyen is weighing new tools to protect Europe against sabotage and cyberattacks. But capitals that already have world-leading security and defense institutions are resistant to any overreach from the EU. More in Brussels Playbook 👇

politico.eu

The Berlaymont’s battle plans

Presented by Google By GABRIEL GAVIN with ZOYA SHEFTALOVICH PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @NicholasVinocur @GabrielGavin | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser GOOD…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 22/09/2026

Ottawa and Brussels will announce a comprehensive set of partnerships within the coming year, but the shape of the future relationship is still up for discussion, Canada’s ambassador to the EU said today.

politico.eu

EU and Canada to unveil new partnership, but it may not be ‘associate membership,’ says ambassador

“I’m not sure what you’re going to call it,” Jonathan Wilkinson told POLITICO, but it will be “a much deeper and closer relationship.”

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 14/09/2026

For the past six months, officials across Brussels have been feeding ideas into Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union speech. Its contents, however, will remain a closely guarded secret until Wednesday.

politico.eu

How to write a State of the Union speech

Big promises, special guests and social media influencers have become a routine part of the EU’s most high-profile address.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 14/09/2026

The EU is looking to pull Canada closer into its economic and security orbit as Donald Trump’s trade war forces Ottawa to seek allies beyond the U.S.

politico.eu

The ideas shaping von der Leyen’s pitch to Carney

From defense to critical raw materials, a new wave of EU-Canada agreements is on the horizon.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 11/09/2026

EU countries will today tell Ursula von der Leyen to use her State of the Union speech to commit to reviving the bloc’s economy and tackling immigration. The push comes as public discontent boosts far-right support in Europe. More in Brussels Playbook 👇

politico.eu

A long lunch with von der Leyen

Presented by Connect Europe By GABRIEL GAVIN with MAX GRIERA and GREGORIO SORGI PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @NicholasVinocur @GabrielGavin | Listen to Playbook and view …

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 09/09/2026

The number of people claiming asylum in EU countries has fallen sharply, new figures show, with some capitals recording historic lows as tough new rules come into effect.

politico.eu

Asylum applications plummet across EU as governments push for deportation hubs

“Europe’s new migration policy is delivering results,” said Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 04/09/2026

The prospect of the far right running a German state for the first time since 1945 will provide the clearest warning yet to EU governments about the urgency of striking a deal on the bloc’s next seven-year budget.

politico.eu

Germany’s far-right moment hastens EU’s push for €2T budget deal

With the AfD on course to win the Saxony-Anhalt state election, the need to secure an agreement on Brussels’ spending power is more pressing than ever.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 04/09/2026

EU countries will today tell the Commission to speed up work to make it easier for new members to join the bloc. The bruising referendum defeat in Iceland should be a wake-up call, Austria’s Europe Minister warns. Brussels Playbook has more 👇

politico.eu

The EU confronts its enlargement dilemma

Presented by AMD By GABRIEL GAVIN PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @NicholasVinocur @GabrielGavin | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser GOOD MORNING. This is Gabriel …

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 26/08/2026

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will join European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the most high-profile political moment in the EU’s calendar, amid a worsening rift between the U.S. and Ottawa.

politico.eu

Canada’s Carney to attend EU’s State of the Union

“In these challenging times, strengthening our relationships across the world is vital,” the European Commission told POLITICO.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 24/08/2026

The freak heat waves and raging wildfires could create an economic crisis for parts of Europe that depend on tourism, lawmakers warn. Can the EU do something about it? Brussels Playbook knows more 👇

politico.eu

After the heat, the crisis

POLITICO’s must-read briefing on what’s driving the day in Brussels, by Gerardo Fortuna, Nicholas Vinocur and Gabriel Gavin. By GABRIEL GAVIN Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @Nicho…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 13/08/2026

Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the Gaza peace plan proposed by Donald Trump, undercutting one of the arguments against EU sanctions on Israel. But fears remain that taking action could play into the country’s election campaign. Brussels Playbook has more 👇

politico.eu

The EU’s Middle East impasse

POLITICO’s must-read briefing on what’s driving the day in Brussels, by Gerardo Fortuna, Nicholas Vinocur and Gabriel Gavin. By GABRIEL GAVIN Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @Nicho…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 12/08/2026

Ursula von der Leyen is gearing up for a fight with EU capitals over plans to admit new members. She has just weeks to convince them she can manage the risks. More in Brussels Playbook 👇

politico.eu

Europe’s growing pains

POLITICO’s must-read briefing on what’s driving the day in Brussels, by Gerardo Fortuna, Nicholas Vinocur and Gabriel Gavin. By GABRIEL GAVIN Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @Nicho…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 11/08/2026

There’s growing urgency to wrap up negotiations on the EU’s biggest-ever seven-year budget before the talks can be derailed by national elections next year. António Costa is hitting the road to help get it done. Brussels Playbook has more 👇

politico.eu

Costa’s €2 trillion grand tour

POLITICO’s must-read briefing on what’s driving the day in Brussels, by Gerardo Fortuna, Nicholas Vinocur and Gabriel Gavin. By GABRIEL GAVIN Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @Nicho…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 10/08/2026

The European Commission wants to end a Spanish-Italian spat sparked by the Ceuta crisis that has left travelers from both countries facing airport lines at the peak of holiday season. What's being done to defuse the situation? Find out in Brussels Playbook 👇

politico.eu

Ending the border check battle

POLITICO’s must-read briefing on what’s driving the day in Brussels, by Gerardo Fortuna, Nicholas Vinocur and Gabriel Gavin. By GABRIEL GAVIN Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @Nicho…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 30/07/2026

In August, much of Brussels is shutting down. But a small group of European Commission officials is working through the summer to give Ursula von der Leyen enough to announce in her State of the Union speech in September. Brussels Playbook has more 👇

politico.eu

The EU’s summer homework

POLITICO’s must-read briefing on what’s driving the day in Brussels, by Gerardo Fortuna, Nicholas Vinocur and Gabriel Gavin. By GABRIEL GAVIN Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @Nicho…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 27/07/2026

Last week, Donald Trump threatened a “substantial” tariff on the EU after the bloc fined Google €890 million. Now senior MEPs are warning the transatlantic trade deal could implode if the U.S. president follows through. Brussels Playbook has more 👇

politico.eu

How Trump’s tariffs could tear up Turnberry

POLITICO’s must-read briefing on what’s driving the day in Brussels, by Gerardo Fortuna, Nicholas Vinocur and Gabriel Gavin. By GABRIEL GAVIN Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @Nicho…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 24/07/2026

EU officials, diplomats and politicians are setting off on holiday today. Left behind are a handful of commissioners, who’ll take turns running the Commission while everyone else hits the beach. Brussels Playbook knows who’ll be holding down the fort 👇

politico.eu

Last commissioner standing

Presented by Google By GABRIEL GAVIN PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @NicholasVinocur @GabrielGavin | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser GOOD MORNING — I’m Gabriel …

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 14/07/2026

The EU will today take the biggest step in recent years toward letting new countries join. But Hungary is still dragging its feet on opening all the negotiating clusters for Ukraine and Moldova. Brussels Playbook knows more 👇

politico.eu

Happy ‘Super Tuesday’

POLITICO’s must-read briefing on what’s driving the day in Brussels, by Gerardo Fortuna, Nicholas Vinocur and Gabriel Gavin. By GABRIEL GAVIN Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @Nicho…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 10/07/2026

Children and teenagers across the EU could be banned from using social media within the next few years under plans being drawn up in Brussels. Ursula von der Leyen will kick off the push next week. Brussels Playbook has more 👇

politico.eu

The drive to get kids off social media

Presented by OpenAI By GABRIEL GAVIN PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @NicholasVinocur @GabrielGavin | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser GOOD MORNING — I’m Gabriel …

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 08/07/2026

Top European leaders attending a NATO summit in Ankara were given engraved pistols and live ammunition by the host, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as a leaving gift.

politico.eu

Von der Leyen and Costa gifted guns by Erdoğan at NATO summit

Leaders were given luxury firearms by the Turkish president following the talks in Ankara.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 06/07/2026

When the motorcades carrying the EU’s presidents and prime ministers pull into Brussels for high-stakes negotiations every few months, it’s Pedro Lourtie’s job to make sure they leave with a deal.

politico.eu

How Pedro Lourtie became the EU’s dealmaker in chief

Council President António Costa’s chief of staff is in charge of building consensus between capitals. It’s a job that’s only getting harder.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 03/07/2026

EU leaders are meeting to discuss how quickly they can boost defense spending amid growing threats from hostile powers and increasing uncertainty over Donald Trump’s plans. But the clock is ticking to work out how to pay for it. More in Brussels Playbook:

politico.eu

Crunch time on defense spending

POLITICO’s must-read briefing on what’s driving the day in Brussels, by Gerardo Fortuna, Nicholas Vinocur and Gabriel Gavin. By GABRIEL GAVIN Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @Nicho…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 26/06/2026

The European Commission is drawing up plans to give EU candidate countries economic benefits before they join the bloc, as governments search for ways to speed up enlargement without lowering the bar for entry.

politico.eu

Inside the EU’s latest plan to keep would-be members close

The scheme would offer candidate countries EU perks before membership — without the political rights that doomed earlier proposals.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 26/06/2026

Ursula von der Leyen is heading to the South Caucasus to strengthen the EU’s ties with partners in the contested region — and to counter Russia’s attempts to regain its grip. Brussels Playbook has more👇

politico.eu

Von der Leyen goes east

POLITICO’s must-read briefing on what’s driving the day in Brussels, by Gerardo Fortuna, Nicholas Vinocur and Gabriel Gavin. By GABRIEL GAVIN Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @Nicho…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 19/06/2026

A group of EU leaders will use today’s summit in Brussels to launch an all-out revolt against the bloc’s planned €2 trillion budget, with looming national elections threatening to upend delicate negotiations. Brussels Playbook has more 👇 www.politico.eu/newsletter/b...

politico.eu

The battle of the budget

Presented by Meta By GABRIEL GAVIN PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @NicholasVinocur @GabrielGavin | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser GOOD MORNING. I’m G…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 15/06/2026

The EU is developing robust safeguards to ensure future member countries cannot backslide on reforms or use their veto power to obstruct the bloc after joining, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said.

politico.eu

EU developing rules to ‘bite hard’ if new members go rogue, says enlargement chief

The bloc must be ready to admit hardworking candidate countries — with safeguards in place to ensure they stay on track, Commissioner Marta Kos told POLITICO.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 08/06/2026

EXCLUSIVE: Hungary's anti-corruption watchdog wants top officials in the government of former Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán investigated over their involvement in an alleged scheme to defraud European taxpayers. 🔗 www.politico.eu/article/hung...

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 05/06/2026

EU leaders are seeking consensus on a plan to offer candidate countries some of the economic and political benefits of membership while they navigate the years-long process of joining the bloc.

politico.eu

EU inches toward ‘membership-lite’ plan for candidate countries

Europe must “keep its promises” to those that want to join, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal told POLITICO.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 05/06/2026

France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz will join a group of EU leaders at a summit today as capitals try to reach consensus on how far, and how fast, the bloc’s enlargement process should go.

politico.eu

Macron and Merz head to Montenegro as EU races to secure its next frontier

Candidate countries, including Ukraine, say the enlargement process needs to accelerate as enemies circle.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 01/06/2026

EU countries will be asked to support sanctions on Israeli politicians accused of breaching the rights of foreign activists detained as part of a flotilla that attempted to reach Gaza.

politico.eu

‘Extremist’ Israeli ministers face EU sanctions push

Czechia has vowed to veto new restrictions, setting the stage for a showdown at a summit later this month.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 29/05/2026

Ursula von der Leyen will ask top officials to back a major crackdown on subsidized Chinese imports. The move will set the stage for a clash with EU countries that still want to protect their ties with Beijing.

politico.eu

Von der Leyen gears up for fight over China trade ties

The European Commission president has long wanted to protect key industries against Beijing. But not everyone is on board.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 29/05/2026

Ursula von der Leyen wants to protect EU industries by making it harder for China to flood the European market. Her plan faces its first major test today. Brussels Playbook has more 👇

politico.eu

Who backs bashing Beijing?

POLITICO’s must-read briefing on what’s driving the day in Brussels, by Gerardo Fortuna, Nicholas Vinocur and Gabriel Gavin. By GABRIEL GAVIN Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @Nicho…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 26/05/2026

The wealthier EU countries that bankroll the bloc's spending are stepping up efforts to scale back Brussels' proposed €1.8 trillion long-term budget.

politico.eu

EU’s net payers prepare revolt as €1.8 trillion budget takes shape

Member countries are clashing over spending levels in the Commission’s proposal from 2028 to 2034.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 24/05/2026

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to Lithuania on Tuesday following a string of drone incursions that have seen citizens told to find safety in basements and bomb shelters.

politico.eu

Von der Leyen to head to Lithuania for drone crisis talks

The visit comes after the three Baltic nations sounded the alarm over airspace incursions.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 21/05/2026

The European Commission wants to capitalize on the crisis facing German industry to try to convince Berlin to give Brussels tougher powers to protect the economy from cheap Chinese imports.

politico.eu

EU bets Germany will back trade clampdown as ‘Chinese steamroller’ squeezes industry

Fears over flagging industries has created an opportunity for Brussels to get tough on Beijing, officials and diplomats say.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 21/05/2026

European Council President António Costa is on track to win reelection in six months. That could scupper European People’s Party chief Manfred Weber’s ambition to cement the center right’s control over the EU institutions. Brussels Playbook knows more 👇

politico.eu

Costa’s win could be Weber’s loss

POLITICO’s must-read briefing on what’s driving the day in Brussels, by Gerardo Fortuna, Nicholas Vinocur and Gabriel Gavin. By GABRIEL GAVIN Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @Nicho…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 15/05/2026

The EU will step up efforts to reduce its economic reliance on China and protect its industries from a glut of cheap imports, under new proposals drafted by Brussels that are due to be discussed by leaders next month.

politico.eu

EU Commission plans new squeeze on Chinese trade

The proposals will be put to European leaders at a summit next month, officials say.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 14/05/2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's plans for a major reset with the EU risk falling flat if he doesn't relax his negotiating “red lines.”

politico.eu

UK must drop ‘red lines’ for real EU reset, Brussels warns

“How revolutionary can it be?” one EU official asked, as PM Keir Starmer insists he won’t support economic integration.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 14/05/2026

U.K. PM Keir Starmer is pushing for a post-Brexit reset, promising to put Britain “at the heart of Europe.” But not everyone in the EU is convinced. Brussels Playbook has more 👇

politico.eu

Reset? What reset?

POLITICO’s must-read briefing on what’s driving the day in Brussels, by Gerardo Fortuna, Nicholas Vinocur and Gabriel Gavin. By GABRIEL GAVIN Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @Nicho…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 12/05/2026

The departure of Belén Martínez Carbonell, secretary-general of the European External Action Service, has sparked a search for a successor who can “rescue” the bloc’s foreign service.

politico.eu

EU foreign service’s ‘existential’ race for new top official

Belén Martínez Carbonell’s departure has intensified fears that the EU’s diplomatic arm is losing influence as geopolitical crises intensify.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 09/05/2026

Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar has today been sworn in, ending Viktor Orbán’s 16-year hold on power and raising hopes for a rapprochement with the EU.

politico.eu

EU hails ‘new chapter’ as Magyar sworn in as Hungary’s prime minister

“We are ready to work with the new Hungarian government,” said European Council President António Costa, as Viktor Orbán left office.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 08/05/2026

Countries that don't welcome European companies into their markets shouldn't expect access to EU goods and services contracts, the bloc's top industry official has warned.

politico.eu

Open your markets if you want EU cash, industry chief tells US and other trade partners

Stéphane Séjourné said support for a “European Preference” to protect the bloc’s industries is growing.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 08/05/2026

EXCLUSIVE: The EU will appoint a senior Finnish diplomat as its new ambassador to the U.K., as British PM Keir Starmer pushes for a new rapprochement with the bloc.

politico.eu

EU to appoint Jukka Salovaara as new ambassador to UK

The veteran Finnish diplomat will become Brussels’ envoy in London.

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 08/05/2026

A series of EU decisions on whether to include the U.S. in public procurement has largely been deadlocked, with some governments fearing retaliation if America is shut out. But now, the impasse may be coming to an end. Brussels Playbook has more 👇

politico.eu

Europe first … America last?

Presented by Google By GABRIEL GAVIN PRESENTED BY Send tips here | Follow us @gerardofortuna @NicholasVinocur @GabrielGavin | Listen to Playbook and view in your browser GOOD MORNING — this is…

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Reposted by Gabriel Gavin

POLITICO Europe @politico.eu · 05/05/2026

Belén Martínez Carbonell is to stand down as secretary general of the EEAS, according to eight diplomats and officials with knowledge of the plans.

politico.eu

Top EU diplomatic official to leave Brussels

Belén Martínez Carbonell will step down from the European External Action Service, diplomats and officials told POLITICO.

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