“The Hobbit” – A Hero’s Journey Begins

Ursula von der Leyen is meeting Donald Trump in Scotland to discuss trade as tariff deadlines approach, drawing insights from her recent summits with Japan and China. The article argues that the EU should not concede to US pressures, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Trump's negotiations and suggesting that both the US and EU have more to lose than appears. Want More Context? 🔎

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa conveyed to Chinese leader Xi Jinping that EU-China relations are at an "inflection point" due to trade imbalances and China's support for Russia amid the Ukraine war. Both sides emphasized the need for mutual solutions to longstanding issues as the summit marks 50 years of EU-China relations, overshadowed by tensions over trade and geopolitical concerns. Want More Context? 🔎

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...

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...