European Update: Political Developments, Energy Partnerships, and Defense Decisions
Key Ideas
- Italy pushes to bring forward EU's ban on combustion engine vehicles review to first half of 2025.
- France sees political continuity with minor concessions to far-right, and a new health minister appointed.
- Germany's SPD wins in Brandenburg state elections against far-right AfD.
- Cyprus and Greece sign MOU for subsea high-voltage cable linking Europe to East Mediterranean.
The article provides a snapshot of political developments across Europe. In Rome, Italy aims to advance the EU's review of the 2035 ban on combustion engine vehicles to 2025. Meanwhile, in France, the newly-appointed government maintains continuity with minor shifts towards far-right policies. In Germany, the SPD triumphs in the Brandenburg state elections. A significant energy partnership is highlighted as Cyprus and Greece sign a memorandum of understanding for a subsea high-voltage cable connecting Europe to the East Mediterranean. Moreover, there are insights into diplomatic relations, with representatives from Spain and Catalonia meeting in Geneva to address political differences. In the Balkans, Bulgaria's GERB party threatens North Macedonia's ruling party with expulsion from the EPP, while Serbia decides to reintroduce compulsory military service. The agenda section outlines key events in the EU, including discussions on agriculture, fisheries, and foreign affairs by top EU officials at international forums.