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:
BRATISLAVA
After a second meeting with Robert Fico’s government, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reiterated Ukraine’s decision not to extend its transit agreement with Russia, which expires at the end of this year, and urged European countries to reduce their dependence on Russian gas. Read more.
NORDICS & BALTICS
STOCKHOLM
Swedish far-right leader embroiled in gang-related controversy. The leader of the far-right Sweden Democrats, Jimmie Akesson (SD, ECR), is now in hot water after a media investigation revealed that he allegedly knew the president of a motorcycle club with links to organised crime. Read more.
Sweden to contribute on ground, at sea and in the air to NATO defence, government said. Sweden will contribute forces to NATO on land, at sea, and in the air next year, the Swedish government announced at a press conference on Monday (7 October). Read more.
EUROPE’S SOUTH
MADRID
Spain rejects Israel’s accusations of alleged antisemitism following pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Spain is a country of tolerance where antisemitism has no place, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said on Monday (7 October), responding to Israel’s accusations following pro-Palesitinian demonstrations in Madrid on Sunday. Read more.
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LISBON
Portuguese banks urged to create bigger ‘cushions’ against credit losses. Banks in Portugal will have to strengthen their capital ‘cushions’ for credit losses, according to the public consultation launched on Monday by the Bank of Portugal, which will raise the countercyclical capital reserve to 0.75%.
Until now, the methodology for calculating the countercyclical capital buffer (calculated on the basis of each bank’s risk-weighted exposure to the private sector) has meant that it has regularly been set at 0%.
In a statement on Monday, the Bank of Portugal announced that it will change the methodology and that the countercyclical capital reserve will rise from the current 0% to 0.75% on 1 January 2026. In other words, that’s when banks will have to build up this capital ‘cushion’. (Irina Melo | Lusa.pt)
EASTERN EUROPE
WARSAW
Polish far-right MEP calls for Israel to be declared a terrorist state. To solve the conflict in Gaza, Israel must be declared a terrorist state, Polish far-right MEP Grzegorz Braun said during a debate in the European Parliament on Monday marking the first anniversary of the 7 October attacks. Read more.
NEWS FROM THE BALKANS
SOFIA
Bulgarian farmers to receive €100 million in state subsidies after protest threat. The Bulgarian government will give €100 million in state subsidies to local farmers who have threatened new protests over imports of Ukrainian agricultural products, the government announced on Monday. Read more.
AGENDA:
- EU: Economic and Financial Affairs Council convenes to discuss Recovery and Resilience Facility implementation, list of non-cooperative jurisdictions regarding taxation, climate finance, and more;
- Commission President Ursula von der Leyen chairs College of Commissioners meeting; Receives Chairs of European People’s Party, Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats and Renew Europe Groups Manfred Weber, Iratxe García-Pérez and Valérie Hayer, Co-Chairs of Greens/EFA Group Terry Reintke and Bas Eickhout;
- Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni meets with European Investment Bank President Nadia Calviño;
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Edited by Sarantis Michalopoulos, Daniel Eck, Alice Taylor, Sofia Mandilara]
Source: euractiv.com
