20 years after the enlargement Big Bang: successful convergence in an era of division

Ursula von der Leyen's proposed €2tn budget for the EU (2028-2034) has faced significant internal dissent within the European Commission, highlighting her ultra-centralized decision-making style. Despite her concessions to address concerns, including new taxes and funding allocations, the chaotic negotiations raise fears about future discussions with EU member states, as many remain dissatisfied with the process. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Ursula von der Leyen's plan for a huge EU budget has caused...

Brussels plans to propose that fruit, vegetables, and milk for schools be locally sourced as part of a broader initiative to prioritize domestic production, reflecting a push to bolster the EU's industries. This proposal, which aligns with upcoming changes to agricultural funding, aims to support small producers and ensure food security while maintaining financial aid for farmers under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Brussels wants schools to buy...

The EU has selected Ediphy to create a consolidated tape for bonds, aiming to enhance market transparency and efficiency by capturing over 90% of trades in real-time. While this initiative promises to lower transaction costs and improve price discovery, it may complicate block trades for dealers due to increased transparency in a fragmented market. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: The EU is finally creating a system that will show all bond trades in...

America's trading partners have largely refrained from retaliating against Trump's tariff war, allowing him to collect nearly $50bn in extra customs revenues with minimal pushback, primarily from China and Canada. This reluctance stems from economic pragmatism, as countries prefer to negotiate rather than escalate tensions, fearing the repercussions on global supply chains and inflation. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Despite Donald Trump's tariffs on imports, most countries have not fought back, allowing the...

This article discusses the EU's upcoming proposal to overhaul its budget for 2028, aiming to consolidate programs and prioritize new areas like defense, amid pushback from traditional beneficiaries. Additionally, a report reveals that the EU risks losing over €1.2tn in economic gains without addressing its fragmented cloud policies, which hinder competitiveness in key sectors. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Brussels is working on new plans for how much money the European Union will...

Brussels is proposing political safeguards to secure France's support for the EU-Mercosur trade deal, which aims to create a market of 700 million consumers by merging the EU with South American nations. France's backing hinges on protections for its agricultural sector against competition from imported beef, chicken, and sugar, while resistance from Mercosur countries is anticipated if these safeguards alter the agreement's balance. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: The European Union is trying...