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.
The European news you deserve to read. Welcome to The Capitals by Euractiv.
In today’s news from the Capitals:
WARSAW | PRAGUE
Polish President Andrzej Duda has come under fire for attending the 80th birthday party of controversial former Czech president Miloš Zeman, known for his pro-Russian views. Read more.
///
BERLIN
Berlin’s clean industry wish-list: Kick nuclear out of EU financing. Laying out key priorities for the EU’s upcoming Clean Industrial Deal, German Economy State Secretary Sven Giegold said on Monday (30 September) he wants the Commission to prioritise renewable energy, taking a tough line on nuclear power and France’s renewable targets. Read more.
///
PARIS
Trial of Le Pen and far-right allies over EU embezzlement enters its first day. The trial of far-right leader Marine Le Pen and 26 other senior members of the National Front, accused of using fake jobs to embezzle EU funds from the European Parliament, began in a packed courtroom on Monday, with a sea of cameras waiting for the far-right leader outside. Read more.
///
THE HAGUE
Five key issues that could define Rutte’s success as NATO boss. When Dutchman Mark Rutte takes over as NATO’s secretary general on Tuesday, his first five tasks may be obvious and unsurprising, but they will not be easy to navigate. Read more.
NORDICS & BALTICS
STOCKHOLM
Russia’s war in Ukraine ‘frames’ everything, says Sweden’s new army chief. Russia is the threat for which Sweden must dimension its defence said Sweden’s new Commander-in-Chief Michael Claesson said on Monday ahead of his entry in functions. Read more.
///
COPENHAGEN
EU top court to review Denmark’s ‘ghetto law’ for potential breach of anti-discrimination rules. The EU Court of Justice will hear arguments on whether the Danish law limiting the concentration of ethnic minorities in certain neighbourhoods violates EU anti-discrimination law. Read more.
///
VILNIUS
Lithuania pushes for ICC investigation of Belarusian Lukashenko. Lithuania has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate alleged crimes against humanity by the regime of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, including forced deportations, persecution of opposition supporters and inhumane treatment. Read more.
EUROPE’S SOUTH
ATHENS
EU prosecutor calls on Greece to change law protecting ministers. EU Prosecutor Laura Kövesi has called on Greek politicians to change a law that provides ministers with immunity, saying it goes against the European law and prevented an EU investigation over a deadly train accident that cost the lives of 57 people. Read more.
///
ROME
Italian government divided over Austrian election winner. As the official results from Austria’s general election have confirmed a win for Herbert Kickl’s far-right FPÖ party, the ruling coalition in Italy is divided over what to think of the victor. Read more.
///
MADRID
Spanish government blamed for deadly migrant tragedy in Canary Islands. The tragic death of nine migrants in the waters of the Canary Islands on Friday has prompted the far-left Podemos party to blame the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and its junior partner, Sumar, and to call on the EU not to build “walls” against immigration. Read more.
///
LISBON
Portugal’s ex-PM Costa will meet with Orbán. António Costa, Portugal’s former prime minister and future president of the European Council, will meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest on Tuesday, continuing a tour of EU capitals that began in Italy. Read more.
Immigrant residency applications in Portugal fall 80% since rule change. The number of applications for immigrant residency in Portugal has fallen by around 80%, Cabinet Minister António Leitão Amaro said on Monday, accusing the left of still not realising the mistake they have made. Read more.
EASTERN EUROPE
Pirates quits Czech government, triggering cabinet reshuffle and conservative shift. The Pirate Party’s exit from the Czech coalition government led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala has sparked a cabinet reshuffle and pushed the government further to the right. Read more.
NEWS FROM THE BALKANS
SOFIA
Bulgaria starts full review of its combat aviation. Bulgaria is to begin a long-awaited review of the readiness and training of its air force, which has seen several fatalities during combat exercises and demonstration flights in recent years. Read more.
AGENDA:
- EU: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers speech at 70th anniversary of CERN ceremony, in Geneva, Switzerland; Meets with President of Switzerland Viola Amherd;
- Commission Vice President Vĕra Jourová speaks via video conference at European Platform for Roma Inclusion Conference; Speaks at Warsaw Security forum, in Poland;
- Budget and Administration Commissioner Johannes Hahn meets, Governor of Reserve Bank of India Shaktikanta Das, in Mumbai, India;
- Jobs and Social Rights Commissioner Nicolas Schmit participates in “Berlin Global Dialogue : Building Common Ground” event, in Germany;
- International Partnerships Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen hosts Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia Sara Beysolow-Nyanti;
- Neighbourhood and Enlargement Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi attends 2024 Berlin Process: Foreign Affairs ministerial meeting;
***
[Edited by Sarantis Michalopoulos, Daniel Eck, Alice Taylor-Braçe, Sofia Mandilara]
Source: euractiv.com
