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In today's news from The Capitals :
ROME
The recent suspension of U.S. tariffs on European industrial products has created a narrow but important diplomatic window that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is quickly trying to occupy as she prepares to meet President Donald Trump in Washington on April 17. Read more.
WESTERN EUROPE
BERLIN
Germany's coalition agreement is full of details, but silent on ministers. Germany's next government has a coalition pact, and now both parties only have to confirm key names for the top ministerial posts. Read more.
Berlin vows to cut electricity prices to boost industry, competitiveness. Germany's coalition partners have pledged to reduce the country's stagnant electricity prices – a move long demanded by industry and politicians concerned about the country's global competitiveness – through a combination of cuts to the electricity tax, network charges and fees, and electricity subsidies for energy-intensive industries. Read more.
Germany's obsession with “white gold” is getting more expensive. Labor costs, competition from its green twin and growing imports are driving up the price of Germany's favorite vegetable, threatening to turn the spring staple into a rich man's vegetable. Read more.
NORTHERN COUNTRIES AND THE BALTIC
COPENHAGEN
Denmark sounds alarm over security risks in new national threat report. Denmark faces its most severe risk landscape since World War II, according to the country's recently released National Risk Assessment 2025.
“The threat picture is the most serious we have seen in generations,” Civil Security Minister Torsten Schack Pedersen said at a press conference in Copenhagen.
While a direct military attack is unlikely, threats such as cyberattacks, sabotage and extreme weather are expected to increase. This week, municipalities and regions will receive instructions urging them to ensure food, water and medicine supplies for nursing homes and vulnerable citizens.
The report notes a shift in focus to hybrid threats, energy infrastructure and climate-related emergencies. With 3.6 million shelter spaces available across the country, local authorities are warned against decommissioning existing bunkers. However, the minister stopped short of promising legislative protection.
A full analysis of Denmark's civil preparedness infrastructure is expected to be completed by May.
(Charles Shumsky)
SOUTH OF EUROPE
LISBON
Portugal: Government's anti-tariff plan includes financing, insurance, internationalisation support. The Portuguese government has introduced four measures to quickly support export companies in the face of U.S. tariffs, including credit lines, credit insurance and expanded internationalisation support, it announced on Thursday.
At the end of the cabinet meeting, Economy Minister Pedro Reis announced the launch of the Reinforce programme, which will be allocated 10 billion euros, including the opening of credit lines totalling 8.6 billion euros through Banco Português do Fomento (BPF).
In this context, more than €5 billion will be allocated to reprogramming and strengthening the BPF Invest EU lines to support working capital and investments, while the BPF Invest Export PT line has already been established with an additional €3.5 billion.
According to a document provided by the government, this line will be able to provide guarantees for financing exporting companies, “with the possibility of converting the financing into a subsidy by assessing the effectiveness of the results.”
The credit insurance ceiling will also increase by €1.2 billion and will now cover not only developing countries but also “traditional markets”.
According to the government, there will be an “increase in the allocation of the Portuguese Export Credit Agency (ECA) for export credit insurance to find new markets and strengthen traditional markets,” as well as “the beginning of the integration of the Portuguese Export Credit Agency into Banco de Fomento” and “partial subsidization of export credit insurance premiums for new markets.”
The government also intends to expand projects to support internationalisation by strengthening “collective programmes” that allow companies to attend more trade fairs.
(Lucília Tiago, edited by Cristina Cardoso | Lusa.pt)
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ATHENS
Greek PM Mitsotakis wants EU-US trade deal with zero tariffs within 90 days. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hopes Europe will try to negotiate a “win-win” free trade deal with US President Donald Trump within the next three months. Read more.
EAST EUROPE
WARSAW
Fifteen years on, Poles remain divided over the downing of the presidential plane. As Poland marks the 15th anniversary of the Smolensk plane crash that claimed the life of President Lech Kaczynski, the tragedy remains the source of a deep national divide – between those who suspect foul play and those who reject such a radical theory. Read more.
NEWS FROM THE BALKANS
SOFIA
Sanctioned Bulgarian politician becomes key partner of Orban. Delyan Peevski, the leader of Bulgaria's MRF-New Beginning party, who is under US and UK sanctions for corruption, has become a key partner of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Bulgaria. Read more.
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BUCHAREST
Romanian PM calls on former adviser to drop out of presidential race after controversial remarks. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has called on his former honorary adviser Victor Ponta to drop out of the upcoming presidential elections in May after making controversial remarks. Read more.
AGENDAS:
- EU : Eurogroup meets to discuss global economic developments and prospects, upcoming meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund;
- The informal meeting of the ministers of economy and finance is expected to focus on expanding investment opportunities and financing European defence and security;
- EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas met with Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov;
- Commissioner Hansen receives the Executive Director of the European Landowners' Organisation (ELO), Thierry de l'Escaille;
- Speaker of the House Roberta Metsola receives a delegation from the US Congress.
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[Edited by Vas Panagiotopoulos, Charles Shumsky, Daniel Ek, Sofia Mandilar]
Source: Source
