Poland’s Independence March Highlights Political Polarisation

President Karol Nawrocki joined Warsaw’s nationalist-organised Independence March on 11 November, while Prime Minister Donald Tusk marked the holiday separately in Szczecin and called for less political confrontation.

November 13, 2026

byTizian Stocker

Turnout and security: Warsaw officials estimated around 250,000 participants. The march passed without major incident under heightened security after the deadly Kraków shooting.

EU fault line: Organisers rallied against EU influence and mass immigration, portraying Tusk as a puppet of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Court dispute: Some marchers accused the government of taking over the Constitutional Tribunal. Tusk’s government blames Nawrocki for refusing to swear in several judges elected by parliament.

Political divide: The march brought together right-wing and far-right opposition figures ahead of the 2027 parliamentary elections. In Szczecin, Tusk invited Nawrocki for talks.

Sources: Notes from Poland, EUobserver, Notes from Poland – Constitutional Tribunal explainer

Transparency Note: AI-assisted. Reviewed by the Briefing Team.

13/11/26Climate PolicyEnergy PolicyEnvironmental PolicyUnited NationsAustraliaClean ElectricityCOP31Council of the EUEuropean UnionFossil FuelsUNEP

Fossil Fuels and Climate Finance Top COP31 Agenda: Electifrication Now! But Is It Clean?

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

News: COP31 highlights human rights and environmental concerns over critical mineral mining as demand grows for materials needed for the clean energy transition (AP)

News: UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns of accelerating climate change at COP31 and urges stronger global action on fossil fuels and climate justice (Reuters, United Nations)

Official Announcement: EU signs Global Geothermal Pledge at COP31, reaffirming its commitment to expanding geothermal energy as part of the clean energy transition (European Commission)

Official Announcement: EU and Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States reaffirm climate commitments at COP31, focusing on translating shared priorities into concrete action (Council of the EU)

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.

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13/11/26African RelationsHealth PolicyDemocratic Republic of CongoEbolaEpidemicUgandaWHO

Ebola Epidemic: DRC’s deadliest ever, Conflicts make situation worse

The World Health Organisation declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a global public health emergency.

Updates

New numbers, new infections (CDC)

Update (23.10.2026): News: Woman diagnosed with Ebola in Nigeria identified as wife of Swiss diplomat (BBC News)

Update (20.10.2026): News: Nigeria confirms first Ebola case amid regional outbreak (WHO)

Update (15.10.2026): Reportage: Bunia fights to protect families from DR Congo’s deadliest Ebola outbreak (RFI⁠)

Update (01.10.2026): News: Thousands flee Ebola-hit Congo camp, raising fears of wider disease spread (Reuters⁠)

Update (24.09.2026): News: WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak remains out of control amid health worker shortage (PBS NewsHour⁠)

Update (20.09.2026): News: Congo prioritizes Ebola health care workers for Ervebo vaccine effective against different virus strain (AP⁠)

Update (26.08.2023): Conflict drives DRC cholera outbreak (RFI)

Update (20.08.2026): Ebola vaccines allocated to Congo (WHO)

Update (13.08.2026): WHO chief warns of deadliest Ebola outbreak (BBC News)

Update (10.08.2026): Interview with expert: How missing international aid increasingly exacerbates the crisis (ZDFheute)

Update (05.08.2026): Expert speaks about potential future Ebola vaccine (FAZ)

Update (July 24, 2026): First person gets new experimental vaccine for Ebola (BBC)

Update (July 13, 2026): Ebola vaccine made in UK now ready for trials (BBC)

Update (July 09, 2026): Ebola rumours fuel attacks on health workers (BBC)

Update (July 03, 2026): Ebola treatments trial begins in DR Congo (BBC)

Update (June 15, 2026): Recovery of Ebola patients offers rare moments of joy (BBC)

Update (June 02, 2026): Protests against US Ebola quarantine centre plan in Kenya, two deaths (BBC)

Update (June 01, 2026): Three Ebola vaccines in development (BBC)

Update (May 31, 2026): How Ebola spreads and why it is so dangerous (BBC)

Update (May 31, 2026): Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned about Ebola in DRC: "Deeply alarming" situation (BBC)

Update (May 25, 2026): Many African countries want to cooperate to prevent the virus from further spreading (BBC); the EU and UNICEF mobilise over 100 metric tonnes of emergency supplies to DRC (UNICEF)

Update (May 24, 2026): African Centres for Disease Control warns of 10 other countries being at risk (BBC)

Update (May 22, 2026): Drastic missing information and education about the danger of Ebola within the population. Regional conflicts affect the situation. The population has high levels of mistrust of the government, corruption, and institutions like hospitals (BBC). WHO warned of very high national and regional spread, a potential epidemic and healthcare risks, but low global influence (BBC)

May 21, 2026:

WHO and the African Union declared a public health emergency over the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, which started in Eastern Congo (Ituri)

Bundibugyo Ebola is a rare Ebola strain with no approved specific vaccine or treatment yet; a vaccine could take 9 months

WHO reported approximately 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths, but the situation is highly fluid

Sources: WHO, BBC

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13/11/26Economic PolicyEducation PolicyEuropean GovernanceInside EuropeAffordable HousingCorruptionGen ZLack of JobsMilitary ServiceSchool ConditionsStudent ProtestsYouth Protests

Gen Z Takes to Europe’s Streets

Since early October, young people across Europe have mobilised over underfunded schools, unaffordable housing and corruption.

Updates

Analysis: Youth protests across Europe reflect growing frustration over declining living standards and the erosion of the postwar promise of a better future (EUObserver)

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.

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13/11/26European GovernanceForeign PolicyGeopoliticsInside EuropeSecurity & DefenceWar in UkraineAntónio CostaCeasefireCouncil of the EUDublin SummitEuropean Political Communitypeace talksRussiaUSA

Dublin Summits Expose Divisions Over Europe’s Role in Ukraine Peace Talks

EU leaders entered Friday’s informal summit in Dublin divided over who should represent Europe in US-brokered talks to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.

A seat at the table: After meeting US envoys in Dublin on Thursday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Europeans would join the next round of talks. Moscow had yet to confirm their participation.

Who speaks for Europe: Luxembourg backed European Council President António Costa, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended the existing format of France, Germany and the UK.

What’s at stake: At Thursday’s European Political Community summit, Costa called for a ceasefire and stressed Ukraine’s right to choose its own alliances.

Friday’s meeting: EU leaders put Europe’s role in the talks on the agenda. An agreement on who would represent Europe remained unconfirmed at publication.

Sources: European Council, Euronews, Le Monde

Transparency Note: AI-assisted. Reviewed by the Briefing Team.

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13/11/26Media and JournalismNational PoliticsCzechiaGovernmentMedia IndependencePress Freedom

Czech Government Faces Criticism Over Media Access

A leading Czech newspaper argues that the government's treatment of journalists reflects a broader deterioration in media freedom and democratic standards.

Updates

News: Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš faces growing protests over public media funding reforms, with critics warning of threats to editorial independence (Deutsche Welle)

News: European Commission vows to protect media freedom as Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s public broadcasting reform raises concerns among MEPs (EUObserver)

The commentary accuses the government of restricting media access through selective accreditation and pressure on journalists

It argues that recent practices go beyond the tactics typically associated with populist governments

Media organisations have warned that such measures could undermine press freedom and government accountability

The debate highlights growing concerns about democratic governance and media independence in an EU member state

Sources: Hospodářské noviny

Transparency Note: Use of AI

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13/11/26European GovernanceInside EuropeSecurity & DefenceAviation SecurityBorder SecurityCybersecurityDIsinformationHybrid ThreatsPolandSupermarket Refrigeration SystemsWeekly Briefing

European Security Faces Multiple Hybrid Threats

Aviation bomb threats, suspected cyberattacks and security concerns along NATO’s eastern border have exposed vulnerabilities across Europe, although no coordinated campaign has been established.

Updates

News: More than 3,700 Italian schools receive renewed bomb threats as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni seeks cross-party unity and opposition leaders demand stronger cybersecurity measures (Reuters)

News: Schools evacuated in the UK and across Europe following a wave of bomb threats, raising concerns over coordinated security disruptions (Metro)

News: At least 300 schools across Italy evacuated following emailed bomb threats (Reuters)

News: European Commission plans security talks after a wave of bomb hoaxes disrupted 20 airports and dozens of flights across Europe (EUObserver)

News: France blames Iran for cyberattacks targeting supermarket refrigeration systems (POLITICO)

News: Bomb threats accompanied by the warning “The clock is ticking” disrupt television broadcasters across Europe, raising concerns over coordinated intimidation (Reuters)

News: More European flights face bomb threats, raising concerns over aviation security (POLITICO)

Aviation Security: Bomb threats disrupted flights across Europe, prompting diversions and heightened security measures. The European Commission strengthened information-sharing, while investigations continue into possible coordination behind the incidents

Border Security: Poland reported suspicious movements near its border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region. Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned of possible provocations, but the intentions behind the activity remain unclear

Cybersecurity: Suspected cyberattacks disrupted supermarket refrigeration systems in several European countries, exposing vulnerabilities in civilian infrastructure. Russian involvement has been suggested but remains unconfirmed

Disinformation and Preparedness: Reports of Russian disinformation affecting NATO support in Montenegro and Albania highlight security challenges in the Western Balkans. Separately, European military exercises in Poland underline efforts to strengthen defence cooperation

Sources: Rapporteur, POLITICO Europe, Reuters, France 24, POLITICO Europe, POLITICO Europe, EUobserver

AI Transparency Note

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13/11/26National Politicsantisemitismfar-rightFranceJordan BarellaNational Rally

Bardella to File Defamation Complaint Over Anti-Semitism Claims

Far-right National Rally president Barella set to file a defamation complaint with the French outlet Mediapart over alleged antisemitic expressions.

Updates

News: French far-right leader Jordan Bardella files a forgery complaint over antisemitic messages attributed to him by Mediapart, denying authorship as Marine Le Pen defends him (AFP via TV5MONDE, Mediapart)

French far-right leader Jordan Bardella to file a defamation complaint against a media outlet's publication on his alleged anti-semitic views

The complaint is against the French Investigative Mediapart outlet which had released parts of Bardella's emails from a decade ago

The experts contain alleged antisemitic expressions which Bardella dismissed as false

His lawyer told Rapporteur he would file the defamation complaint with the Paris prosecutor’s office on October 4th

Source: Rapporteur

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12/11/26Inside EuropeJustice Policy and European LawRule of LawConstitutional CourtCourt of Justice of the European UnionDonald TuskEuropean UnionKarol NawrockiPISPolandTribunal

Poland’s Constitutional Court Crisis Escalates

Poland’s long-running dispute over judicial independence has escalated into a confrontation between Donald Tusk’s government and President Karol Nawrocki at the Constitutional Tribunal.

Updates

News: Polish President Karol Nawrocki sets a firm condition for meeting Prime Minister Donald Tusk amid tensions between the presidential palace and government (Wirtualna Polska)

News: Poland’s government signals openness to EU mediation in its escalating Constitutional Tribunal crisis, according to the justice minister (EUObserver)

News: Polish Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz proposes constitutional amendments to replace all Constitutional Tribunal judges, while parliamentary speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty doubts sufficient support can be secured (Polskie Radio)

Commentary: Donald Tusk’s efforts to reclaim Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal are justified, but his methods raise concerns about the rule of law (EUObserver)

News: Poland’s PiS files criminal complaint against eight Constitutional Tribunal judges as parliamentary leader Mariusz Błaszczak accuses them of acting as an organised criminal group (Polskie Radio)

News: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk proposes talks with President Karol Nawrocki to ease Constitutional Tribunal crisis (Euronews)

News: Eight Polish Constitutional Tribunal judges claim quorum and approve 2027 budget amid deepening leadership crisis (Notes from Poland)

Analysis: Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal crisis deepens political divisions ahead of the 2027 election (POLITICO)

News: Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal faces crucial test amid escalating political power struggle (Rapporteur)

Explainer: Poland’s political right turns Constitutional Tribunal dispute into an electoral battleground, drawing the EU into the conflict (EUObserver)

Analysis: Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal crisis raises questions about how to restore the court’s public legitimacy and trust in the rule of law (ECFR)

Update (02.11.2026): Explainer: Reuters examines the causes of Poland’s constitutional crisis and the political struggle over its highest court (Reuters)

Update (02.11.2026): News: European Commission backs Donald Tusk’s government amid Poland’s escalating Constitutional Tribunal crisis (Rapporteur)

Update (01.11.2026): News: Polish president holds crisis talks following dramatic confrontation at the Constitutional Tribunal (Le Monde)

Update (01.11.2026): Analysis: Poland’s Kaczyński stages constitutional court confrontation and raises prospect of Polexit as he launches his 2027 political comeback bid (EUObserver)

Leadership disputed: Judge Anna Korwin-Piotrowska announced the suspension of Tribunal president Bogdan Święczkowski on 30 October and assumed its leadership. The move’s legality is contested

Long-running conflict: The crisis began under PiS in 2015. Since replacing its government in December 2023, Tusk’s coalition has sought to reverse judicial changes criticised for politicising the courts

Political confrontation: Nawrocki, backed by PiS, calls the latest intervention a forcible takeover. Tusk says it restores the rule of law, following blocked appointments of parliament-elected judges

European stakes: In December 2025, the EU’s highest court found that appointment irregularities undermined the Tribunal’s independence and that its rulings breached fundamental EU-law principles

Sources: Euronews, Reuters, Court of Justice of the EU

Transparency Note: Prepared with AI assistance.

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12/11/26RussiaUkraineWar in Ukraineexchangepeace talksPOWsRussiaUkraineUkraine war

Negotiations Continue Since Russia and Ukraine Agreed to Exchange POWs

While the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia continue to have major differences, the countries have agreed on a major exchange of POWs.

Russia and Ukraine agree to a major prisoners exchange at peace talks in Abu Dhabi

US mediators reported that major differences remain in the agreement, including territory

The two countries are set to determine the number of exchanged POWs on November 12

If completed successfully, this will be the biggest humanitarian exchange since the beginning of the war

Source: AP News

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12/11/26European GovernanceIndo-PacificTechnology and Digital PolicyCouncil of the EUDigital Fairness ActEuropean CommissionEuropean ParliamentEuropean UnionOnline Manipulation

EU Proposes Digital Fairness Act to Curb Online Manipulation

The European Commission presented the Digital Fairness Act on 11 November, proposing EU-wide rules against manipulative design, hidden advertising and subscription traps.

App and website design: The proposal would ban fake low-stock warnings and let users switch off features that encourage compulsive spending.

Ads and subscriptions: Influencers would have to disclose paid promotions. The proposal would also restrict unfair personalised ads targeting minors and make subscriptions easier to cancel.

Cross-border enforcement: A separate proposal would let the Commission investigate major cross-border cases and impose fines of up to 6% of a company’s worldwide annual turnover.

What comes next: The European Parliament and Council will examine both proposals. Consumer law professor Christoph Busch says the Act could fill gaps in existing EU rules for online shops and gaming services.

Sources: European Commission, EUobserver

Transparency Note: AI-assisted. Reviewed by the Briefing Team.

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12/11/26Economic PolicyMonetary PolicySecurity & DefenceBudgetCouncil of the EUEU BorrowingEuropean CommissionGeneral Affairs CouncilMultiannual 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

Official Announcement: Council of the EU and European Parliament reach an agreement on the EU’s 2027 annual budget (Council of the EU)

News: European Council President António Costa plans to present a new compromise on the EU’s long-term budget within 10 days (Rapporteur)

News: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar clash over EU financial support for Ukraine and the bloc’s next long-term budget (Rapporteur)

Interview: Estonia rejects Germany’s calls for cuts to the EU’s next long-term budget (Rapporteur)

News: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warns that failure to agree on EU aid for Ukraine could block negotiations on the bloc’s next long-term budget (Euronews)

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

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12/11/26Inside EuropeBudgetMichal ŠimečkaParliamentary MajorityRobert FicoSlovakia

Fico Loses Reliable Majority in Slovakia

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s coalition can now count on only 75 of 150 MPs after another defection, prompting the opposition to call for early elections.

Updates

News: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico suffers parliamentary defeat over controversial criminal justice reform, prompting opposition calls for snap elections (AFP via 24 News HD)

News: Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico rules out early elections despite losing his parliamentary majority, blaming coalition partners SNS and Hlas (TASR)

Latest defection: On 3 November, MP Roman Malatinec left the Rural Party and joined a group led by former environment minister Tomáš Taraba. The coalition postponed parliamentary votes for a week

Coalition rift: Taraba returned to parliament after the Slovak National Party (SNS), a junior coalition partner, voted with the opposition to remove him in September. His group says it will assess bills individually

What’s next: Opposition leader Michal Šimečka called for a snap election. The loss of reliable backing does not automatically bring down the government. The next regular election is due in September 2027

European stakes: The split makes it harder for Fico’s government to pass its 2027 budget, a key test of whether the coalition can still govern without a dependable majority

Sources: Rapporteur, iROZHLAS, Reuters

Transparency Note: Prepared with AI assistance.

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