EU Cracks Down on Wasteful Consumerism with New Rules for Clothing and Furniture

Amid drone alerts, emergency shelters, and fighter jets over the Baltics, Europe’s security concerns have intensified at the GLOBSEC forum in Prague.
Reporting from Czechia for the Brussels Playbook Podcast, Zoya Sheftalovich and Nick Vinocur explore the increasing drone intrusions tied to Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. They discuss why Baltic leaders are raising alarms and how the situation

Centre right MEPs have added their voices to those demanding urgent reform of the United Nations (UN) Security Council.
They want limits on the use of veto powers, a stronger role of the UN General Assembly when the Security Council is “paralysed” and a “reassessment” of Russia’s permanent seat on the Security Council.
The call comes from members of the European People’s Party, EPP, the biggest

Sanctions come with declarations of resolve and consequence. The crucial question for any European sanctions analysis is whether they change behavior, merely signal disapproval, or impose costs in the wrong places.
For Europe, this question is now tangible. Sanctions are central to EU foreign policy, affecting Russia, Iran, Syria, Belarus, Myanmar, terrorist financing, cybercrime, and human right

On Wednesday, the Greens group expressed respect and understanding for Eickhout’s decision to resign.
“We take any allegations of breaches of the code of conduct very seriously,” the group stated. “A professional, open working environment for everyone is essential, and our group has acted accordingly. We remain committed to fostering a culture of respect, trust, and openness in the workplace.”
Th

The uncertainty surrounding Keir Starmer’s political future has reopened a debate Labour had tried hard to avoid: Britain’s long term relationship with the European Union. Starmer himself had already shifted considerably towards closer cooperation and dynamic alignment with the EU. Some potential future Labour leaders are now going further still, openly speculating on the possibility of rejoinin

By Iya Barateli, journalist, publicist, analyst
The Georgian Orthodox Church has appointed a new patriarch following the passing of Ilia II in March. Shio III, the vicar of the late patriarch, assumes the role without intending to shift the Church’s stance on foreign policy, such as the recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine’s autocephaly or the conflict between the Russian Ort

Across Europe, governments and EU institutions are expanding taxes and regulations aimed at shaping personal behaviour. Excise policy has quietly become one of the most active fronts in Europe’s broader debate about public health, state intervention and fiscal pressures.
Many of our life choices harm both ourselves and those around us. The role of the state should primarily be to minimise the la

Following reports from Reuters, Haaretz, and Libération, France Unbowed lawmaker François Piquemal, who made it to the Toulouse mayoral runoff but was defeated in the second round, has been identified as a target.
These allegations arise after Slovenian law enforcement earlier this year accused an Israeli private intelligence firm of aiding in leaking recordings intended to sway the Slovenian elec

Pope Leo XIV has initiated an internal working group focused on artificial intelligence, as announced by the Holy See on May 16. This formation aligns with the upcoming release of the Pope’s first encyclical, titled Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), signed on May 15 and set for public unveiling on May 25.
The Encyclical: A Symbolic Date
The Pope chose to sign his encyclical on the 135th

If the answer is “yes,” try not to miss a series of four “Bach ad Meridiem” concerts on Saturdays, June 13, 20, 27, and July 4, at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels city centre.
For the third consecutive year, the Ars in Cathedrali association presents this series of organ concerts dedicated exclusively to Johann Sebastian Bach.
From noon to 12.45pm, the German composer wil