Why the EU’s chaotic budget proposal doesn’t add up

US President Trump's tariff threats have tested the EU's trade policy capabilities, revealing both successes, like a political agreement with Indonesia, and failures in its approach to negotiations with the US. The EU's traditional methods are ineffective against Trump's unpredictable style, reflecting a deeper struggle within its institutional structure and reliance on the automotive industry. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: The article talks about how the EU is struggling to handle trade talks...

Germany is no longer the top destination for asylum seekers in the EU, mainly due to a sharp decline in Syrian applications following the end of Bashar al-Assad's regime, with Spain now leading in asylum claims. The EU Agency for Asylum reported a significant drop in overall claims, particularly from Syrians, prompting calls for stricter migration policies across Europe. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Germany is no longer the top place for people...

French premier François Bayrou is attempting to secure his government's survival by negotiating with the Socialist party to pass a €44bn fiscal package for 2026 amidst a political deadlock. With no parliamentary majority, Bayrou's proposals, including a spending freeze and cutting national holidays, have faced opposition, especially from Socialists who demand a fairer burden distribution. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: French Prime Minister François Bayrou is trying to make a deal with the...

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...