France, Belgium and Italy: School protests began in France in September, with students in Belgium and Italy also demanding better school conditions
Spain and Portugal: Protesters set up camps in Madrid, Lisbon and Porto to demand affordable housing
Germany and Denmark: German rallies called for better schools and opposed conscription, while Danish students protested proposed cuts to study grants
Serbia and Albania: Serbia’s student-backed list won a parliamentary majority on 25 October, while Albanian students protested over corruption and a lack of jobs
Sources: Reuters, Le Monde, Danish High School Students’ Association
Transparency Note: AI-assisted. Reviewed by the Briefing Team.
More Quick Briefs:
·European Governance·Middle East Relations·Britain·European Union·Ireland·Israel·Sanctions·Settlers·West Bank
·European Governance·Middle East Relations·Britain·European Union·Ireland·Israel·Sanctions·Settlers·West Bank
The EU and Sanctions on Violent Israeli Settlers ↗︎
Amid rising settler violence in the West Bank, the European Union has begun taking limited action against extremist Israeli settlers while internal divisions still constrain tougher measures.
Updates
→News: Israeli settler violence threatens Palestinian children’s access to education in the occupied West Bank (DIE ZEIT, The Guardian, UN OCHA)
→News: European Parliament trade committee chair Bernd Lange criticises the European Commission for invoking EU voting rules to avoid banning imports from Israeli settlements (EUObserver)
→Update (22.10.2026): News: Israeli settlers steal Palestinian olive harvests as attacks on farmers grow increasingly violent in the West Bank (Reuters)
→Update (18.10.2026): News: France urges Israel to arrest attackers of EU diplomats (POLITICO)
→Update (18.10.2026): News: European diplomats attacked by Israeli settlers in West Bank (BBC News)
→Update (15.10.2026): News: Israeli settlers injure Palestinians and US journalist during West Bank harvest attack (BBC News)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: EU funding raises concerns over Israeli firms developing surveillance technology (EUobserver)
→Update (11.10.2026): Commentary: EU leaders accused of remaining silent on Israel despite renewed attention to Gaza genocide allegations (EUobserver)
→Update 08.09.2026: Britain’s east Jerusalem consulate is downgraded (AP)
→Update (23.09.2026): News: Israeli bond sales halted across EU in de facto €2.2bn sanction (EUobserver)
→Update (14.09.2026): News: Israeli rights group B'Tselem accuses Israel of dismantling Palestinian existence in West Bank (RFI)
→Update (08.09.2026): Analysis: Britons back Israeli settlement trade ban by more than two to one (ECFR)
→Update (08.09.2026): News: Israel closes British consulate in East Jerusalem over settlement trade ban (Reuters)
→Update (08.09.2026): News: Eleven European countries and Canada sanction Israeli settlement products (Le Monde)
→Update (08.09.2026): News: France and Canada join UK sanctions on Israeli settlements (POLITICO)
→Update (08.09.2026): News: UK plans trade restrictions on West Bank settlements (BBC News)
→Update (30.08.2026): Interview: Irish MEP says trade is EU’s only leverage over Israel (EUobserver)
→Update (28.08.2026): Commentary: EU favours reforms over pressure on Israel (EUobserver)
→Update (July 09, 2026): EU pitches trade ban with Israeli settlements (Euractiv)
→Update (July 08, 2026): Ireland passes bill banning goods from Israeli settlements (Euractiv)
→Update (June 18, 2026): Israel cuts ‘all contact’ with Kaja Kallas over apartheid comments (Euractiv)
→Update (June 16, 2026): Kallas' plan to punish Israel rejected by the Commission (Euractiv)
→Update (June 15, 2026): Kallas said she will ask the European Commission to propose further restrictive measures on trade against illegal Israeli settlements (Euractiv)
→May 11, 2026:
→Sanctions reflect rising settlement violence and humanitarian crises in the Palestinian territories
→Hungary’s new government ended the veto blocking them
→Stronger trade sanctions were not agreed upon
→Critics say the measures remain limited despite rising West Bank violence
→Source: The Guardian
→Here is a commentary by ECFR on the topic
·National Politics·AfD·Firewall·Saxony-Anhalt·State Elections
·National Politics·AfD·Firewall·Saxony-Anhalt·State Elections
AfD Wins Historic State Victory ↗︎
The AfD has won a historic victory in Saxony-Anhalt, dramatically shifting the political balance in eastern Germany while falling short of the majority needed to govern alone.
Updates
→Interview: TU Braunschweig President Angela Ittel warns of AfD plans to dismantle university equality programmes and calls for a “science NATO” to protect academic freedom through solidarity between German states (DIE ZEIT)
→Update (07.10.2026): News: AfD’s Tobias Rausch elected Saxony-Anhalt parliament president with four additional votes beyond AfD and BSW, raising suspicions of CDU support and fuelling concerns over a possible split within the CDU parliamentary group (Tagesschau, Reuters)
→Update (06.10.2026): News: Germany’s governing SPD stages protest march to Berlin’s Bebelplatz, site of the 1933 Nazi book burnings, after AfD’s election victory in Saxony-Anhalt; Defence Minister Pistorius leads singing of national anthem (SPD)
→Update (06.10.2026): News: AfD seeks Saxony-Anhalt parliament presidency as BSW support could secure majority (Euronews)
→Update (10.09.2026): Commentary: Saxony-Anhalt election strengthens Russia and East German nostalgia (Euractiv)
→Update (10.09.2026): Commentary: AfD victory could amplify Euroscepticism in France (Le Monde)
→Update (09.09.2026): News: Merz goes on offensive against AfD after Saxony-Anhalt defeat (Euractiv)
→Update (09.09.2026): News: Merz calls AfD’s anti-migration policy “ethnic cleansing” (Reuters)
→Update (09.09.2026): Analysis: SPD rebels against Merz after far-right rout (POLITICO)
→Update (08.09.2026): Analysis: Merz’s political crisis threatens Germany’s leadership in Europe (ECFR)
→Update (08.09.2026): Analysis: AfD victory raises concerns in Poland over German military rearming (POLITICO)
→Update (08.09.2026): Analysis: Germany debates whether to ban the AfD (EUobserver)
→Update (08.09.2026): Analysis: Merz appears to have no plan against AfD (POLITICO)
→Update (07.09.2026): Interview: Roma rights defender warns AfD victory normalises hatred of minorities (EUobserver)
→Update (07.09.2026): Analysis: AfD explores paths to govern Saxony-Anhalt (Deutsche Welle)
→Update (07.09.2026): Commentary: AfD landslide reshapes German politics (La Vanguardia)
→Update (06.09.2026): Analysis: AfD victory sends a warning to Europe (Svenska Dagbladet)
→Update (06.09.2026): Commentary: AfD rule could put Germany’s economy to the test (Deutsche Welle)
→Update (06.09.2026): Analysis: Will AfD remain this radical after its victory? (Ilta-Sanomat)
→Update (06.09.2026): Analysis: AfD victory raises doubts over Merz as chancellor (DER SPIEGEL)
→Update (06.09.2026): Analysis: Saxony-Anhalt could end Germany’s firewall against AfD (G4Media)
→Update (06.09.2026): Commentary: AfD surge is a victory for Russia (The Telegraph)
→Quick Brief:
→The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won 43.8%, its strongest result in any German state election and more than double its 2021 share
→Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU fell to 17.2%, losing more than half its previous support after governing Saxony-Anhalt since 2002
→Despite its victory, the AfD secured 39 of 83 seats, three short of an absolute majority. Other established parties have ruled out governing with it
→The result puts Germany’s political “firewall” against cooperation with the AfD under new pressure, as the remaining parties face a difficult path to forming a government without it
→Sources: Euractiv, Reuters, ZDF
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
·Middle East Relations·Iran War·Middle East
·Middle East Relations·Iran War·Middle East
Middle East Weekly Update ↗︎
Iran–US tensions intensify as diplomatic efforts continue amid renewed strikes and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
→The US conducted limited strikes against Iranian targets on 2 and 6 November, while Tehran warned of a wider response to further attacks
→Tanker attacks, reported mine explosions, and vessel seizures have heightened maritime security concerns. The waterway remains a major obstacle to negotiations
→Iran has submitted a nuclear proposal through Qatar and intensified discussions with Russia and Gulf countries. Qatar continues to mediate between Washington and Tehran
→Türkiye's ratification of the trilateral defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signals closer defence coordination amid regional instability
→President Trump's announcement regarding the proposed termination of annual military assistance to Israel introduces uncertainty into the long-standing bilateral security relationship
→Sources:
→US strikes near the Strait of Hormuz –AP
→Trump announces plans to phase out financial assistance to Israel – Al Jazeera
→Iran responds to US midterm election results – Al Jazeera
→Türkiye ratifies joint defence agreement – Al Jazeera
→Iran submits nuclear proposal – Reuters
→Iranian diplomatic engagement with Russia –Al Jazeera
→US-Iran mediation efforts continue – Reuters
→Transparency Note: Prepared with AI assistance.
·Russia·Ukraine·War in Ukraine·Russia·Ukraine
·Russia·Ukraine·War in Ukraine·Russia·Ukraine
Russia – Ukraine Weekly Update ↗︎
Russian strikes intensify ahead of Abu Dhabi peace talks as Ukraine’s energy infrastructure comes under renewed pressure.
→Russian missile and drone attacks have intensified, damaging power plants, substations and transport infrastructure across Ukraine as winter approaches
→The bombing of a humanitarian aid distribution centre in Komyshuvakha resulted in significant civilian casualties, highlighting the continued risks to frontline communities
→Kyiv continued targeting Russian infrastructure, including oil-refining and logistics facilities, while Russian authorities reported extensive drone interceptions and casualties in border regions
→Türkiye has explored further engagement between Moscow and Kyiv, while Trump has expressed optimism about a possible agreement. US-brokered trilateral talks are scheduled in Abu Dhabi for 10–11 November
→Germany and other European partners have called for a meaningful role in negotiations, particularly regarding Ukraine’s future security guarantees and the wider European security framework
→Sources
→Russian attacks in Zaporizhzhia - Reuters
→Erdogan seeks talks with Putin - Reuters
→Russia-Ukraine strikes target critical infrastructure - Al Jazeera
→President Trump meets Russian Envoy - NBC News
→Russian attacks on Kyiv’s energy infrastructure - Reuters
→Transparency Note: Prepared with AI assistance.
·Inside Europe·Far-Right Ideology·Kraków·Poland·Police·Shooting·Six People Killed·Terrorism
·Inside Europe·Far-Right Ideology·Kraków·Poland·Police·Shooting·Six People Killed·Terrorism
Poland Investigates Deadly Kraków Shooting ↗︎
Polish prosecutors are investigating the 7 November shooting that killed six people in Kraków’s Main Market Square as a terrorist offence. The motive remains under investigation.
→The attack: A gunman drove into the square and opened fire, wounding 15 people in addition to those killed. Police shot and wounded the 24-year-old suspect
→Possible motive: Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said evidence pointed to the suspect’s interest in far-right ideology. As of 9 November, investigators had yet to question him because of his medical condition
→Wider investigation: Police found the bodies of the suspect’s parents and sister at the family home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski. Prosecutors are also investigating their deaths
→National mourning: Poland declared two days of national mourning on 8 and 9 November. A British man and an Austrian woman were among the six people killed in Kraków
→Sources: Polish Government, AP, The Guardian
→Transparency Note: AI-assisted. Reviewed by the Briefing Team.
·EU Enlargement·Geopolitics·Inside Europe·Western Balkans·Accession Treaty·EU membership·EU States·European Commission·European Parliament·European Union·Montenegro
·EU Enlargement·Geopolitics·Inside Europe·Western Balkans·Accession Treaty·EU membership·EU States·European Commission·European Parliament·European Union·Montenegro
Montenegro Advances in EU Accession Talks ↗︎
Montenegro and the EU provisionally closed two more negotiating chapters in Brussels on 6 November, leaving ten open as Montenegro aims to join the bloc in 2028.
→What changed: The two chapters cover the free movement of goods and rules on food safety, animal health and plant health
→Where talks stand: Montenegro has provisionally closed 23 of 33 chapters. The EU will continue to monitor how Montenegro applies its rules and can reopen chapters if needed
→What remains: The remaining chapters include key rule-of-law reforms. The European Commission says talks could conclude by the end of 2026 if Montenegro sustains reforms and EU member states agree
→Path to membership: The Commission’s roadmap points to June 2027 as a possible date for signing the accession treaty. The European Parliament must give its consent, and Montenegro and all EU member states must ratify the treaty before accession
→Sources: Council of the EU, Vijesti
·Economic Policy·Monetary Policy·Security & Defence·Budget·Council of the EU·EU Borrowing·European Commission·General Affairs Council·Multiannual Financial Framework
·Economic Policy·Monetary Policy·Security & Defence·Budget·Council of the EU·EU Borrowing·European Commission·General Affairs Council·Multiannual Financial Framework
Frugals vs. Friends of Cohesion: EU Budget Battle Intensifies ↗︎
Six fiscally conservative EU countries are demanding major cuts to Brussels’ proposed €2 trillion budget for 2028–2034, setting up a difficult fight over Europe’s future spending priorities. The 27 member states want to have a decision by the end of the year.
Updates
→Interview: EU’s real deadline for reaching an agreement on its next long-term budget comes into focus (Rapporteur)
→News: EU budget disputes stall key Brussels priorities, including AI chips, Arctic policy and agriculture (POLITICO)
→News: Finland warns that EU financial support for Ukraine must not depend on negotiations over the bloc’s long-term budget (Rapporteur)
→News: Firefighters from 19 countries protest proposed EU disaster response budget cuts in Brussels (EUObserver)
→Update (02.11.2026): News: European cultural organisations warn of severe consequences as proposed EU budget cuts threaten to reduce cultural funding by 30% (EUObserver)
→Update (30.10.2026): News: EU tobacco tax revenue forecasts fall sharply amid negotiations over the bloc’s next long-term budget (Rapporteur)
→Update (27.10.2026): Analysis: Ukraine’s €70 billion funding shortfall threatens to complicate negotiations over the EU’s next long-term budget (Euronews)
→Update (26.10.2026): News: Austria threatens to veto the EU budget (Rapporteur)
→Update (26.10.2026): News: EU foreign aid chief says little is changing in Africa despite development efforts (Rapporteur)
→Update (26.10.2026): News: Rising debt costs and fraud allegations increase pressure on the EU budget (Rapporteur)
→Update (23.10.2026): Interview: António Costa targets November agreement on EU budget (Rapporteur)
→Update (22.10.2026): News: MEPs seek €7 billion more for Erasmus despite opposition from budget-conscious EU governments (EUobserver)
→Update (21.10.2026): Analysis: Who will stand up for Global Europe? (PubAffairs Bruxelles)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: EU budget negotiations raise questions over costs and funding (Rapporteur)
→Update (19.10.2026): Analysis: EU faces a perfect political storm amid mounting challenges (POLITICO)
→Update (16.10.2026): Interview: Irish minister says EU budget deal still possible by Christmas (YouTube)
→Update (16.10.2026): Interview: Cyprus president proposes shortening EU budget to three or four years (POLITICO)
→Update (16.10.2026): News: Costa targets November EU budget showdown (POLITICO)
→Update (16.10.2026): News: Costa proposes new EU taxes to break budget deadlock (Rapporteur)
→Update (15.10.2026): Podcast: Europe faces a new battle over the EU budget (ECFR)
→Update (15.10.2026): News: 17 European leaders issue joint statement on EU cohesion funding (Italian Government)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: EU leaders consider deep budget cuts as joint borrowing expands (EUobserver)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: EU capitals weaken budget deal deadline (POLITICO)
→Update (13.10.2026): News: France sets EU budget red lines on tech taxes and Buy European (Rapporteur)
→Update (13.10.2026): Interview: Austrian EU Affairs Minister Claudia Bauer rejects artificial budget deadline (Rapporteur)
→Update (13.10.2026): News: Spain hosts Friends of Cohesion meeting on next EU budget (Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
→Update (12.10.2026): Opinion: Will MEPs challenge €141bn in EU budget cuts? (EUobserver)
→Update (11.10.2026): News: MEPs warn Irish EU budget plan risks historic failure as €141 billion in cuts spare agriculture and cohesion funds (EUobserver)
→Update (11.10.2026): News: European Commission warns that EU budget cuts could undermine funding for crisis response (POLITICO)
→Update (10.10.2026): EU's Irish presidency wants 8% cut to proposed 2028-2034 budget plan (Reuters)
→Update (08.10.2026): Opinion: Cut the EU budget and we all lose (EUobserver)
→Update (08.10.2026): News: EU countries brace for €100B-€200B smaller budget (Politico)
→Update (08.10.2026): Analysis: EU’s 2028-2034 budget proposal creates new conflicts over spending priorities and financial burden-sharing (SWP)
→Update (08.10.2026): News: EU auditors warn of major budget shortfall unless the EU introduces new sources of revenue (Rapporteur)
→Update (07.10.2026): News: Iran war shock expected to shrink next EU budget (Rapporteur)
→Update (06.10.2026): News: Von der Leyen rebukes EU budget frugals over demands for deeper spending cuts (Rapporteur)
→Update (29.09.2026): News: EU governments brace for €100 billion cut to long-term budget proposal (POLITICO)
→Update (29.09.2026): News: EU cuts funding for women’s rights groups amid wider budget reductions (EUobserver)
→Update (29.09.2026): News: MEPs back €47 billion in new Erasmus funding as frugal states seek EU budget cuts (EUobserver)
→Update (29.09.2026): Commentary: EU budget cuts risk hurting member states’ own regions (EUobserver)
→Update (29.09.2026): News: EU leaders battle over budget as Parliament prepares resistance (Rapporteur)
→Update (25.09.2026): News: 12 countries oppose French push for EU defence preference (Euractiv)
→Update (23.09.2026): News: EU governments consider cutting development aid by up to 40 percent (EUobserver)
→Update (23.09.2026): News: Greece proposes EU-wide telecoms levy to fund budget and high-tech investment (Euractiv)
→Update (22.09.2026): News: France opposes cuts to foreign aid in next EU budget (POLITICO)
→Update (22.09.2026): News: Results of the General Affairs Council (Irish EU Presidency)
→Update (22.09.2026): News: France opposes cuts to foreign aid in next EU budget (POLITICO)
→Update (22.09.2026): News: Germany rejects Costa’s push for new EU budget taxes (POLITICO)
→Update (22.09.2026): News: EU ministers meet in Brussels for General Affairs Council (Council of the EU)
→Update (21.09.2026): Analysis: EU budget could strengthen rule of law safeguards but member states may blunt reforms (CER)
→Update (21.09.2026): News: Costa says EU budget needs new taxes governments are not already raising (POLITICO)
→Update (18.09.2026): News: Germany and Spain go head-to-head in EU budget fight (POLITICO)
→Update (17.09.2026): News: MEPs deadlocked over CAP’s place in next EU budget (Euractiv)
→Update (15.09.2026): News: Metsola urges Europe’s political centre to hold against extremes (Euractiv)
→Update (14.09.2026): News: EU plans cuts to staff and salaries in next long-term budget (POLITICO)
→Update (14.09.2026): News: EU countries split over scale of long-term budget cuts (Euractiv)
→Update (09.09.2026): News: Germany calls for hundreds of billions in EU budget cuts (Reuters)
→Update (09.09.2026): News: Costa says new EU taxes would reduce national contributions (POLITICO)
→Update (08.09.2026): News: France backs business tax to fund EU budget (Euractiv)
→Update (07.09.2026): News: Le Pen backs tobacco retailers against EU tax hikes (Euractiv)
→Update (07.09.2026): News: Ireland secures EU tax deal on carbon imports and e-waste (POLITICO)
→Update (04.09.2026): News: Spain urges EU climate adaptation fund and binding targets (Reuters)
→Update (04.09.2026): Commentary: EU budget could loosen China’s grip on critical raw materials (Euronews)
→Update (03.09.2026): News: EU budget negotiators criticise frugal states over cuts (EUobserver)
→Update (03.09.2026): Interview: Lithuania says eastern flank needs must shape EU budget (Euractiv)
→Update (02.09.2026): News: Spain worried by EU budget debate (Euractiv)
→Update (02.09.2026): News: EU budget camps remain deadlocked (EUobserver)
→Update (31.08.2026): News: Ireland seeks to break EU budget deadlock (POLITICO)
→Update (27.08.2026): Europe’s defence promise meets budget reality (ECFR)
→Quick Brief:
→Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland and Sweden want cuts of several hundred billion euros
→The European Commission has proposed a nearly €2 trillion seven-year budget for 2028–2034
→The six still want priority spending on defence, competitiveness, migration and European sovereignty
→They reject new joint EU borrowing and demand cuts across spending areas as national budgets face consolidation
→Sources: Euractiv, Reuters, Council of the EU
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
·Climate Policy·Energy Policy·Environmental Policy·United Nations·Australia·Clean Electricity·COP31·Council of the EU·European Union·Fossil Fuels·UNEP
·Climate Policy·Energy Policy·Environmental Policy·United Nations·Australia·Clean Electricity·COP31·Council of the EU·European Union·Fossil Fuels·UNEP
Fossil Fuels and Climate Finance Top COP31 Agenda ↗︎
Governments meet in Antalya from 9 to 20 November to discuss how to move away from fossil fuels and close the funding gap for countries adapting to climate change.
Updates
→Analysis: Six key issues to watch at COP31 climate talks, including emissions reductions, climate finance and international cooperation (Rapporteur)
→News: Turkish villagers urge COP31 leaders to witness the environmental devastation caused by coal mining and energy production (Reuters)
→The summit: Turkey hosts COP31, while Australia leads the negotiations. Heads of state and government meet on 11 and 12 November
→Fossil fuels: Brazil’s outgoing COP presidency published a voluntary roadmap on 3 November. It calls for fossil fuel production and demand to fall as clean energy expands
→Adaptation finance: Developing countries received $28.2–31.7 billion in international public adaptation finance in 2024. The UN Environment Programme estimates they will need around $305 billion annually by 2035
→EU position: The EU will press governments to implement their national climate plans, accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels and expand the use of clean electricity
→Sources: Council of the EU, COP30 Presidency, UNEP, UNFCCC
→Transparency Note: AI-assisted. Reviewed by the Briefing Team.
·Inside Europe·Conservatives·Édouard Philippe·European Union·France·François Hollande·Jean-Luc Mélenchon·Marine Le Pen·Presidential Elections 2027·Raphaël Glucksmann·Socialists
·Inside Europe·Conservatives·Édouard Philippe·European Union·France·François Hollande·Jean-Luc Mélenchon·Marine Le Pen·Presidential Elections 2027·Raphaël Glucksmann·Socialists
France’s Spring 2027 Election: Can the Pro-EU Centre Recover? France Between Identity and Economic Politics. ↗︎
Glucksmann’s nomination boosts France’s centre-left, but moderate candidates remain divided as Le Pen and Mélenchon lead a recent presidential poll.
Updates
→Analysis: Jean-Luc Mélenchon mobilises his supporters for a potential presidential run-off against Marine Le Pen in France’s 2027 election (Rapporteur)
→Analysis: Jean-Luc Mélenchon urges young supporters to persuade their parents ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election (Rapporteur)
→Analysis: French President Emmanuel Macron explores ways to prevent a Marine Le Pen versus Jean-Luc Mélenchon run-off in the 2027 presidential election (Les Echos)
→News: Jean-Luc Mélenchon rejects Édouard Philippe’s invitation to debate immigration and integration ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election (AFP)
→Analysis: Le Pen seeks to attract wealthy conservative voters on the French Riviera ahead of the 2027 presidential election (Rapporteur)
→Update (30.10.2026): Analysis: Divisions among French centrists increase the likelihood of a Le Pen-Mélenchon presidential run-off (Reuters)
→Update (27.10.2026): Joint Statement: 44 French journalists’ associations condemn reported assaults on Mediapart and Politis reporters at the far-right National Rally’s congress in Orléans (Mediapart, Le Monde)
→Update (26.10.2026): News: French presidential candidate Édouard Philippe loses support in new opinion poll ahead of 2027 election (POLITICO)
→Update (25.10.2026): Analysis: France faces mounting political and economic challenges amid concerns over its role in Europe (POLITICO)
→Update (25.10.2026): News: Marine Le Pen’s presidential campaign messaging overshadowed by Rassemblement National’s confrontational approach (Rapporteur)
→Update (25.10.2026): News: Marine Le Pen launches 2027 presidential campaign, promising French national renewal and challenging EU authority (RFI)
→Update (24.10.2026): News: Jordan Bardella re-elected president of France’s Rassemblement National with 98.98% of the vote (LCP)
→Update (23.10.2026): Analysis: Mélenchon proposes cancelling France’s public debt, raising questions about historical precedents (Le Monde)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Mélenchon’s vision of a “New France” sparks identity clash with Le Pen (Rapporteur)
→Update (20.10.2026): Analysis: French riots expose political risks and opportunities ahead of 2027 presidential election (POLITICO)
→Update (14.10.2026): Polling: Mélenchon overtakes Philippe in French presidential poll (Public Sénat)
→Update (14.10.2026): News: Mélenchon courts France’s isolated voters (Rapporteur)
→Update (12.10.2026): Analysis: Édouard Philippe’s allies increasingly doubt his chances of defeating Marine Le Pen in France’s 2027 presidential election (POLITICO)
→Quick Brief:
→Raphaël Glucksmann, a pro-European MEP and Place Publique leader, won the centre-left primary on 11 October with 66%
→Édouard Philippe, prime minister from 2017 to 2020 and Horizons leader, seeks to unite centre-right and centrist voters
→François Hollande, Socialist president from 2012 to 2017, is considering another bid, potentially further splitting the centre-left
→An early-October poll puts far-right Le Pen at 35-37%, with radical-left Mélenchon reaching the runoff in every tested scenario. The race remains open
→Sources: Reuters, Le Monde, DLF - Europa heute
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
·National Politics·Russia·Security & Defence·Disposable Agents·Donaustahl·European Defense·Germany·Stefan Thumann·Ukraine
·National Politics·Russia·Security & Defence·Disposable Agents·Donaustahl·European Defense·Germany·Stefan Thumann·Ukraine
How Russia is using “Disposable Agents” against Europe ↗︎
Russia is using ‘Disposable Agents’ to weaken and threaten Europe.
Updates
→Analysis: Russia increasingly relies on low-level operatives to conduct hybrid warfare and sabotage operations across Europe (POLITICO)
→Update (16.09.2026): News: US charges five over alleged Russia-backed sabotage plots (DW)
→Update (14.09.2026): News: Cuban dance teacher allegedly directed EU sabotage attacks from Russia (DW)
→Quick Brief, 10 August:
→Stefan Thumann, CEO of defence company Donaustahl, was allegedly surveilled by suspected Russian operatives
→German intelligence reportedly treats the case internally as a suspected assassination plot
→Russia increasingly recruits so-called “disposable agents” online for espionage and sabotage, often using inexperienced individuals for relatively small payments. German authorities say this model makes operations harder to trace back to intelligence structures
→Donaustahl supplies military technology to Ukraine, placing the case within wider concerns over Russian hybrid operations targeting European support for Kyiv
→Sources: Die ZEIT, German Bundestag, Donaustahl
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
·Media and Journalism·Russia·War in Ukraine·“Foreign Agents”·“Undesirable Organisation”·Novaya Gazeta
·Media and Journalism·Russia·War in Ukraine·“Foreign Agents”·“Undesirable Organisation”·Novaya Gazeta
Novaya Gazeta Forced to Close on 9 November ↗︎
Russia’s Novaya Gazeta has announced its closure after mounting state pressure, further restricting independent journalism amid Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Updates
→News: Russia’s independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta shuts down its Moscow operations after 33 years amid mounting pressure from Russian authorities, while its European exile edition continues publishing (Reuters)
→Closure announced: The Moscow newsroom announced on 30 October that it will shut down its servers and leave its premises on 9 November
→State pressure: Editors say authorities blocked its website, revoked its licence, targeted journalists and cut off reader donations, leaving the outlet unable to operate
→Wartime censorship: Laws punishing reporting deemed to “discredit” Russia’s military have sharply restricted independent coverage of the war against Ukraine
→Exile publication continues: The separate Latvia-based Novaya Gazeta Europe will continue operating, although Russia has designated it an “undesirable organisation”
→Sources: Novaya Gazeta, Reuters, The Moscow Times
→Transparency Note: Prepared with AI assistance.
·Foreign Policy·Middle East Relations·Rule of Law·Security & Defence·Arab Israelis·Benjamin Netanyahu·Gadi Eisenkot·Israel·Naftali Bennett·Parliamentary Elections·Settler Violence·Yair Lapid
·Foreign Policy·Middle East Relations·Rule of Law·Security & Defence·Arab Israelis·Benjamin Netanyahu·Gadi Eisenkot·Israel·Naftali Bennett·Parliamentary Elections·Settler Violence·Yair Lapid
No Clear Winner in Israel Parliamentary Election: Arab Parties as Kingmakers for Coalition? ↗︎
Israel’s 27 October election tests Netanyahu’s leadership amid disputes over security, democratic freedoms, Arab political participation and growing international isolation.
Updates
→News: Israeli President Isaac Herzog selects opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot to form a new government, dealing a setback to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (The Guardian)
→News: Israeli President Isaac Herzog begins coalition talks as Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot compete to form a new government (AP)
→Update (29.10.2026): Report: Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank see little hope for change following Israel’s election (The Straits Times)
→Update (28.10.2026): Analysis: Record turnout among Arab voters could increase their political influence in Israel (Reuters)
→Update (28.10.2026): News: Netanyahu expected to escalate violence as EU sanctions discussions remain on hold pending formation of a new Israeli government (EUObserver)
→Update (28.10.2026): News: Netanyahu and Eisenkot both claim the lead after Israel’s inconclusive parliamentary election (Reuters)
→Update (28.10.2026): Analysis: Israel faces renewed political uncertainty as competing coalition scenarios emerge following its parliamentary election (POLITICO)
→Update (27.10.2026): News: Israel’s opposition holds a narrow lead over Netanyahu’s bloc in initial election projections (Rapporteur)
→Update (27.10.2026): Poll Tracker: Israeli public broadcaster Kan provides an overview of party polling ahead of the 2026 Knesset elections (Kan News)
→Update (26.10.2026): Commentary: Former Israeli peace group leader warns that West Bank annexation policies could continue even if Netanyahu loses power (EUObserver)
→Update (26.10.2026): Explainer: Reuters profiles the leading candidates ahead of Israel’s parliamentary election (Reuters)
→Update (25.10.2026): Analysis: Israel’s election could challenge Brussels and Washington even under a more centrist leader (EUObserver)
→Update (25.10.2026): News: Israel to close West Bank crossings on election day as security crackdown intensifies (BBC)
→Update (24.10.2026): News: Israel expands military operations across the occupied West Bank after two soldiers killed, displacing around 1,200 Palestinians in Hebron (Reuters)
→Update (23.10.2026): Interview: Beth Oppenheim, Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), argues that Netanyahu’s departure would not reverse Israel’s right-wing nationalist shift (EUObserver)
→Update (23.10.2026): News: Israeli forces begin demolishing Palestinian buildings in Hebron after two Israeli soldiers are shot dead (BBC News)
→Update (23.10.2026): Analysis: ECFR explores competing visions of Israel’s identity, security and political future (ECFR)
→Update (23.10.2026): Profile: Gadi Eisenkot offers security-focused alternative to Netanyahu ahead of Israeli elections (Reuters)
→Update (22.10.2026): Commentary: Israel’s security-driven shift challenges its liberal democracy ahead of elections (ECFR)
→Update (21.10.2026): Commentary: Netanyahu’s election campaign promotes fortress mentality amid Israel’s growing international isolation (Le Monde)
→Update (21.10.2026): Commentary: Can Israel break free of Netanyahu as Hungary did of Orbán? (EUobserver)
→Update (21.10.2026): News: Israelis abroad fly home to vote as opposition seeks to unseat Netanyahu (The Japan Times)
→Update (20.10.2026): News: Israel’s Ben-Gvir could gain electoral support as young voters turn to the far right (Reuters)
→Update (19.10.2026): Analysis: Deepfakes, bots and AI-driven disinformation raise concerns ahead of Israel’s elections (DW)
→Update (19.10.2026): Arab parties could hold balance of power in Israeli election as Ra’am fields Jewish candidate (Reuters)
→Quick Brief:
→Netanyahu faces former military chief Gadi Eisenkot’s centrist Yashar party and former premier Naftali Bennett’s Together list with Yair Lapid. Neither camp is assured a majority
→Leading contenders reject coalitions with Arab-led parties, despite their potentially decisive seats. This sidelines Arab Israelis and complicates government formation
→Settler violence exposes political differences: after settlers attacked European diplomats on 17 October, Eisenkot condemned “Jewish terror,” while Netanyahu’s office warned against premature conclusions
→War and fears over Israel’s democratic direction have driven some Israelis abroad. The election raises questions about security, civil liberties and international standing, though leadership change alone may not resolve them
→Sources: European Parliament Research Service, AP, Financial Times
→Transparency Note: Use of AI
