The Capitals brings you the latest news from across Europe, through on-the-ground reporting by Euractiv’s media network. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.
NOTE: This is the last edition of The Capitals for 2023. On behalf of the Euractiv team, we would like to thank you for your continuous support all these years in our efforts to bridge Europe’s capitals with Brussels politics. We wish you a wonderful 2024.
The European news you deserve to read. Welcome to The Capitals by EURACTIV.
In today’s news from the Capitals:
WARSAW
Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government’s actions towards the public media, which involved replacing the public broadcaster management and taking it off the air, is ‘anarchy’ and a ‘blatant’ infringement of the constitution, said President Andrzej Duda. Read more.
///
BERLIN
Germany to continue border controls until migratory pressure falls. The German government will keep border controls in place with its European neighbours so long as the number of refugees arriving stays high, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told RND on Thursday. Read more.
///
PARIS
Europe’s far-right wins big with Macron’s migration bill. Marine Le Pen’s support for French President Emmanuel Macron’s tough immigration bill on Tuesday signifies another victory for Europe’s far-right this year, just months ahead of critical EU elections. Read more.
Macron highlights France’s commitment to fight terrorism over Christmas dinner with troops. French President Emmanuel Macron is celebrating Christmas with French troops while ‘highlighting France’s enduring commitment to the fight against terrorism’ while visiting an airbase in Jordan on Thursday and Friday, according to the Élysée Palace. Read more.
EUROPE’S SOUTH
ROME
Rome rejects European Stability Mechanism, irritates Brussels. The ratification of the European Stability Mechanism treaty (ESM) was rejected by 184 votes, all from Fratelli d’Italia, Lega, and the 5 Stars Movement, a decision many in Brussels are calling ‘regretful’. Read more.
///
MADRID
EU lawmakers urge Madrid region chief to slash anti-LGBTIQ+ bill. The President of the Madrid region, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, was urged to backtrack on her plans to cut down trans rights and LGBTI protection in a letter that was sent to her by the EU Parliament LGBTI Intergroup, which represents 160 MEPs, on Wednesday. Read more.
Sánchez tells Catalan president self-determination referendum is off the table. Holding a self-determination referendum for Catalonia is completely off the table, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on Thursday after Catalan President Pere Aragonès reiterated his call for such a referendum. Read more.
///
LISBON
EU at crossroads regarding expansion says Portuguese ambassador to EU. The bloc is faced with the division of pushing ahead with enlargement while seeking to strengthen its strategic autonomy in a new geopolitical world, said Pedro Lourtie, Portuguese ambassador to the EU, during a Thursday debate on ‘the EU in a changing world’. Read more.
EASTERN EUROPE
PRAGUE
Ukrainians in Czechia could help in short-staffed health and social services. Ukrainian refugees who could work in the health sector and social services, two sectors facing long-standing labour shortage issues, are being sought out by the Czech Labour Ministry, Labour Minister Marian Jurečka (KDU-ČSL) said on Thursday. Read more.
NEWS FROM THE BALKANS
PRISTINA
While Greece does not recognise Kosovo’s independence, political, economic and cultural exchanges with Greece are more than with the majority of EU members that have recognised it, Deputy Prime Minister Besnik Bislimi told Euractiv in an interview, adding that Pristina is aware of what it will take for Athens to take the recognition step.
He also spoke on the rise of the right in the EU and US, stating Kosovo has no concerns as the country’s relations with its allies are stronger than politicians or changes brought about by elections. Read more.
///
SOFIA
EU Commission allocates €1.2 billion for transformation of coal regions in Bulgaria. The European Commission allocated €1.2 billion on Thursday for the transformation of Stara Zagora, Kyustendil, and Pernik in Bulgaria under the Just Transition Fund. Read more.
///
BUCHAREST
Romanian government approves offshore wind law for Black Sea power plants. On Thursday, the Romanian government approved a bill to make it easier to harness the Black Sea’s abundant offshore wind energy. Read more.
///
LJUBLJANA
Slovenian government averts clash with unions – for now. After months of tough talks, the Slovenian government and trade unions in the public sector have reached an agreement under which wages in the public sector will be adjusted to 80% of this year’s inflation rate next year, a deal that would temporarily avert a looming showdown with the country’s powerful unions. Read more.
***
[Edited by Sarantis Michalopoulos, Daniel Eck, Alice Taylor, Sofia Stuart Leeson]
Read more with Euractiv
Slovenian government averts clash with unions – for nowAfter months of tough talks, the Slovenian government and trade unions in the public sector have reached an agreement under which wages in the public sector will be adjusted to 80% of this year’s inflation rate next year, a deal that would temporarily avert a looming showdown with the country’s powerful unions.
Source: euractiv.com
