Key Stories

The war in Ukraine, economic challenges, climate change – many issues move Europe on a daily basis. Twice a week, we publish an article focussing on one leading topic of that week. Our articles feature a wide range of issues and voices from all over Europe, brought to you by the participating agencies of the European Newsroom. With this format, we aim to provide context surrounding each week’s topic and give you a better understanding of different European perspectives. The articles are based on the participating agencies’ EU coverage.
Showdown in Strasbourg exposed strained EU-Hungary relations once more 

Showdown in Strasbourg exposed strained EU-Hungary relations once more 

Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán addressed the European Parliament this week, outlining his country’s priorities for its presidency of the EU Council. Met with overwhelming criticism, he argued that political shifts in EU member states indicate that the bloc’s climate might sooner or later shift in his favour.

NATO chief Rutte wants EU to remain “unique and essential partner” amid rocky times

NATO chief Rutte wants EU to remain “unique and essential partner” amid rocky times

Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has become the new Secretary General of NATO. With Russia’s war against Ukraine raging on and Donald Trump’s possible return to the US White House, Rutte faces a tough balancing act between the military alliance’s 32 members and other international partners such as the European Union.

European car industry in crisis: Falling sales and competition from China

European car industry in crisis: Falling sales and competition from China

Slowing the production of cars with internal combustion engines down and at the same time drive the production of cars with electric engines forward – these are the goals set by the European Union and its member states. Despite subsidies for EVs introduced in some countries, sales of electric cars are crashing and the European car market is plunging into crisis.

Tough stances on migration, new border checks: Schengen, are you OK?

Tough stances on migration, new border checks: Schengen, are you OK?

With Germany ramping up border controls earlier this month and other EU countries contemplating stricter migration rules, the Schengen zone of free movement – and no internal border checks – seems to be crumbling. 

EU chief reaffirms support for Ukraine amid energy supply fears ahead of winter

EU chief reaffirms support for Ukraine amid energy supply fears ahead of winter

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen embarked on her eighth trip to Kyiv since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ahead of winter, she presented a proposal for the EU’s share of a G7 loan, as well as fresh money for the country’s energy security.

European schools crack down on mobile phone use over health concerns

European schools crack down on mobile phone use over health concerns

Many schools across Europe are introducing bans or restrictions on the use of mobile phones amid concerns about their impact on young people’s mental health. While there are no EU-wide rules to tackle the issue, in July EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen also sounded the alarm and vowed to take action.

EU post pandemic recovery fund too slow in reaching member states, auditors find

EU post pandemic recovery fund too slow in reaching member states, auditors find

The European Court of Auditors on Monday released a new report evaluating the performance of the bloc’s major post COVID-19 recovery fund, intended to support member states’ economies to build back better. The verdict: Funds don’t reach countries fast enough, putting its objectives and goals at risk.