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
Poland’s ruling coalition has expressed surprise at Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s announcement that he will temporarily suspend the right to seek asylum in Poland, with left-wing MPs calling on him not to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors. Read more.
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BERLIN
Germany’s Scholz banks on ‘Made in Germany bonus’ for national election. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats, whose popularity is currently at an all-time low ahead of the 2025 general election, propose introducing a ‘Made in Germany’ bonus to encourage foreign companies to produce in Germany. Read more.
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PARIS
French government to propose tougher immigration laws in 2025. The French government will propose a new immigration law in 2025 that will extend the period during which migrants in an irregular situation and deemed dangerous can be held in administrative detention, government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said on Sunday. Read more.
French politicians alarmed by sale of major consumer healthcare firm to US equity firm. French pharmaceutical and healthcare company Sanofi announced on Friday that it has entered negotiations with US-based private equity firm CD&R to sell its 50% controlling stake in Opella. Read more.
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BRUSSELS
Belgium one step closer to forming a government after municipal elections. While Belgium has struggled to form a government following the 9 June parliamentary elections, municipal elections on Sunday (13 October) put Bart de Wever, leader of the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA), in a strong position to be the next prime minister. Read more.
NORDICS & BALTICS
REYKJAVIK
Iceland’s government coalition collapses, PM calls for snap elections. Iceland’s Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson announced the dissolution of the current coalition government at an emergency press conference on Sunday, adding that elections would be held at the end of November. Read more.
EUROPE’S SOUTH
ROME
Albania’s Italy-run migrant centres will soon receive first arrivals. A migrant processing centre set up in Albania as part of an agreement between Italy and Albania will start operating next week, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi announced on Saturday. Read more.
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MADRID
Europe remains stuck in the challenge of immigrant integration, expert warns. Spain is experiencing an unprecedented demographic shift, with a historic increase in the number of immigrants, leading some sectors of the population to believe that their social rights are at risk, expert Carmen González told Euractiv.es in an interview. Read more.
EASTERN EUROPE
PRAGUE
Czech Skoda warns EU car emission targets will not be met, calls for policy rethink. EU car emission targets for 2025 are unattainable for the industry, Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto board member and vice-president of the Czech Industry Confederation, said on Sunday. Read more.
NEWS FROM THE BALKANS
SOFIA
EU prosecutors accuse mayor supported by ex-PM Borissov’s party. EPPO head Laura Kövesi has accused former Varna mayor Ivan Portnih of Borissov’s GERB of defrauding EU funds in connection with the reconstruction of a fishing port that never existed, in the first major EU prosecutor’s case against high-level corruption in Bulgaria. Read more.
AGENDA:
- EU: Foreign Affairs Council convenes to discuss situation in the Middle East, situation in Ukraine, and more;
- Environment Council agenda highlights include UN convention on climate change, global plastics treaty, EU chemicals strategy, and more;
- 21st meeting of the EU – Kazakhstan Cooperation Council expected to focus on political, economic and trade matters, international developments, and more;
- Commission President Ursula von der Leyen participates in Berlin Process Summit;
- High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell hosts United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy;
- International Partnerships Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen participates in the African Union-EU high level dialogue on Economic Integration and Trade, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;
- Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders participates in International Product Safety Week (IPSW);
- Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni receives American Enterprise Institute (AEI) President Robert Doar;
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[Edited by Sarantis Michalopoulos, Daniel Eck, Alice Taylor-Braçe, Sofia Mandilara]
Source: euractiv.com
