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In today’s news from The Capitals:
BERLIN
The WerteUnion (Union of Values), a group of mainly members of the centre-right CDU (EPP), voted on Saturday to defect and create a new party as the battle for right-wing voters in Germany intensifies amid public anger over the rise of right-wing extremism. Read more.
The Franco-German legacy of Wolfgang Schäuble is fading. The death of veteran finance minister Wolfgang Schäuble marks the end of the post-war generation of Francophile German politicians and heralds rockier relations for the EU’s Franco-German “engine” as Berlin shifts its focus eastward. Read more.
EUROPE’S SOUTH
ROME
Erdogan promises Meloni to curb migrant flows. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was welcomed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Sunday, a meeting that appears to have laid the groundwork for an upcoming agreement between Italy and Turkey to curb the arrival of migrants from Libya. Read more.
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MADRID
Sánchez optimistic of regaining power against PP-Vox ahead of elections in Galicia. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was optimistic about regaining regional power in Galicia with a first round in 2024 against his Popular Party (PP/EPP) rivals scheduled for 18 February after his party PSOE lost in last year’s local elections. Read more.
EASTERN EUROPE
WARSAW
Reporters Without Borders: Tusk’s media reform was necessary. The controversial changes in the public media by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s government were necessary, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), who added that the government needs to be more transparent and predictable regarding its changes in the media landscape. Read more.
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PRAGUE
Babiš promotes anti-EU stance as party gains traction ahead of EU elections. About 35% of Czech voters would vote for the ANO party (Renew), according to a fresh poll by Median, while former Prime Minister and party Chairman Andrej Babiš becomes increasingly anti-EU. Read more.
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BRATISLAVA
Slovak law on highways threatens EU directives for nature protection, warn NGOs. Around 25 Slovak NGOs have initiated a collective amendment against the draft law on extraordinary measures for strategic investments and the construction of The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) in Slovakia, saying it goes against EU directives for nature protection. Read more.
NEWS FROM THE BALKANS
SOFIA
Bulgaria, Greece seeks funds from EU, NATO to build key roads. Bulgaria and Greece will seek funding from all possible international sources, including the EU and NATO, to improve transport connections between them, according to information provided to Euractiv Bulgaria by the government in Sofia. Read more.
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BUCHAREST
Romanian farmers say ‘no‘ to far-right politicisation of protests. Only around 20 individuals participated in Sunday’s protest at the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, organised by far-right senator Diana Șoșoacă, after farmers and transporters rejected participation, saying they refused to be represented by any party or policymaker. Read more.
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ZAGREB
Zagreb passes special law on Croatian language. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković’s government submitted the long-announced final version of the Law on the Croatian Language – in which the government is given the authority to protect and ensure the use of Croatian and promote the learning of the Croatian language abroad – to the parliamentary procedure. Read more.
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PRISTINA
Serbia unhappy over Kosovo enforcing euro-only currency policy, EU seeks answers. Kosovo will only accept the euro within its borders, a decision that has sparked fears of renewed flare-ups with Serbia as Serbs in the north of the country insist on using Serbian dinars, while the EU called on both sides to avoid any further escalation. Read more.
AGENDA:
- EU: Foreign Affairs Council convenes to discuss Russian war against Ukraine, situation in Middle East, and more;
- Informal meeting of trade ministers expected to exchange views on Open Strategic Autonomy, prepare for 13th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, and more;
- Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas holds meetings with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Egypt Sameh Shoukry, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Israël Israël Katz;
- Vice President Maroš Šefčovič hosts representatives from European city and regional networks, namely ICLEI Europe, Eurocities, Energy Cities, CEMR, Climate Alliance and Fedarene;
- Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson meets with eSafety Commissioner of Australia Julie Inman Grant;
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[Edited by Sarantis Michalopoulos, Daniel Eck, Alice Taylor, Sofia Stuart Leeson, Sofia Mandilara]
Read more with Euractiv
Zagreb passes special law on Croatian languagePrime Minister Andrej Plenković’s government submitted the long-announced final version of the Law on the Croatian Language – in which the government is given the authority to protect and ensure the use of Croatian and promote the learning of the Croatian language abroad – to the parliamentary procedure.
Source: euractiv.com
