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
One in two Poles are in favour of taking in Ukrainian refugees, the lowest proportion since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of the war-torn country in 2022, the latest poll shows. Read more.
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PARIS
Barnier’s 2025 budget heads to Parliament after ministers’ nod. The French Council of Ministers on Thursday approved the draft 2025 Finance Law (PLF), which, if approved by deputies in the National Assembly, including an unprecedented €60 billion budgetary measure, with €40 billion in cuts and €20 billion in additional revenues. Read more.
France wants faster implementation of new EU migration rules, interior minister says. France’s new Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, on Thursday (10 October), joined Germany and Spain in expressing support for faster implementation of the EU’s new migration laws. Read more.
IRELAND & UK
DUBLIN
New Irish DSA dispute body has ties to Meta, but assures independence. A new out-of-court body certified by Irish authorities to settle disputes related to the Digital Services Act (DSA) has strong ties to Meta, but argues that it is and will remain independent. Read more.
EUROPE’S SOUTH
ROME
Italy strongly condemns Israeli strikes in Lebanon targeting Italian bases. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has strongly condemned Israel’s attacks on UNIFIL bases in Lebanon, two of which are Italian, adding that the attacks were not mistakes. Read more.
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MADRID
Canary Islands urge Spanish government, centre-right to reach deal on migrant crisis. Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo on Thursday urged Spain’s Socialist government and the main opposition Spanish People’s Party to reach an urgent agreement on the severe migration crisis affecting the remote region off West Africa. Read more.
Spain wants border agency Frontex to patrol African seas to curb migration. Spain’s Interior Minister on Thursday asked the European border agency Frontex to seek permission from African nations to patrol their waters in a bid to “save lives” on the perilous irregular migration route from the continent to the nearby Canary Islands archipelago. Read more.
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LISBON
Portuguese youth, companies promised tax relief in 2025 budget. The proposed budget for 2025 will respect the aim of reducing the tax burden on families, young people and companies, the Portuguese government said on Thursday. Read more.
EASTERN EUROPE
PRAGUE
Czech food producers warn EU legislation could push up food prices. Starting next year, food prices across the European Union may increase due to the bloc’s green regulations, the Czech Food Chamber has warned. Read more.
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BUDAPEST
European Parliament will vote on the immunity of Hungarian opposition lawmakers. Hungary’s chief prosecutor has requested that the European Parliament waive the immunity of centre-right party leader and MEP (Tisza/EPP) Péter Magyar over alleged phone theft during a night out in Budapest. Read more.
NEWS FROM THE BALKANS
SOFIA
Bulgarian authorities under fire for air pollution cover-up. Za Zemyata, one of Bulgaria’s largest environmental organisations, has accused the Bulgarian government and local authorities of hiding the true picture of air pollution in major cities. Read more.
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BUCHAREST
Bucharest accuses Russia of ‘desperately’ trying to alter Moldova’s EU path. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu responded on Thursday to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s accusations that Romania was trying to “annex” Moldova, saying Russia is “desperately” trying to change Moldova’s EU path. Read more.
AGENDA:
- EU: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen participates in Southern European Union countries (MED-9) Summit in Paphos, Cyprus;
- Commission Vice President Vĕra Jourová speaks at European cooperation network meeting on elections with a joint session with candidate countries;
- Vice President Maroš Šefčovič hosts Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, for the second EU-Norway hifh level dialogue on Fisheries and Ocean Governance;
- International Partnerships Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen attends International Partnerships Civil Society event;
- Equality Commissioner Helena Dalli delivers opening and closing remarks at G20 Conference on Women Empowerment, in Brasilia, Brazil;
- Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Commissioner Iliana Ivanova meets with Director-General of EUROSTAT Mariana Kotzeva, in Luxembourg;
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[Edited by Sarantis Michalopoulos, Daniel Eck, Alice Taylor-Braçe, Sofia Mandilara]
Source: euractiv.com
