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.

“Security, Europe!”: Poland to assume rotating EU presidency from January

On January 1, 2025, Poland will take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. At a pivotal time of geopolitical uncertainty, Poland intends to build its six-month mandate around the concept of EU security from multiple dimensions.

Super Election Year 2024: Between foreign interference, first female presidents and a shift to the right

In a remarkable year for elections, nearly half of the world’s population has been called to the polls, including in eight out of the ten most populous countries. In Europe, the elections for the European Parliament took place in June and a number of national elections have been held across the continent.

European countries put Syrian asylum applications on hold after Assad’s fall

Following the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, several European countries suspended asylum decisions for Syrian citizens. How are the EU authorities reacting to this development, and will they decide to establish diplomatic relations with the group that says it is in charge now but is currently subject to EU sanctions?

Tackling tobacco use in the EU: Differences across countries, shared commitment to public health

Cigarettes, vapes and other tobacco products are damaging to peoples’ health across the globe. Smoking is among the leading causes for cancer and premature deaths in the European Union, claiming around 700.000 lives each year. The EU wants to combat the normalisation of tobacco use and create a smoke-free generation by 2040 but differences in tobacco rules across the bloc remain.

Protests in Georgia after country’s prime minister delays EU bid until 2028

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement that Georgia would not hold EU membership talks until 2028 sparked uproar – both within the country and among EU leaders.