Bayrou stakes French premiership on wooing Socialists on budget

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...

Ursula von der Leyen proposed a €2tn EU budget, a 64% increase, facing skepticism and pushback from member states over its feasibility and costs, with critics labeling the financial plan as "voodoo maths." Meanwhile, Poland condemned a Russian drone attack on a Polish-owned factory in Ukraine, highlighting ongoing security concerns amid the war's impact on the region. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Ursula von der Leyen proposed a big new budget for 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...