Policy

Trump disinvites South Africa from 2026 G20 summit
The two nations have suffered a mired relationship as Trump continues to deplore South Africa for what he says is ongoing persecution of South Africa’s white farmers.

US demands peace deal before security guarantees for Ukraine

Britain’s leaked budget shows UK politics is still living hand-to-mouth

EU races to pass new law to combat online child abuse

Rutte rules out Russian veto on Ukraine joining NATO

Everything policy pros need to know about the UK budget

The racing driver and the rock star: Meet the Czech coalition’s 5 most divisive men
Markets give a cautious welcome to Reeves’ messy UK budget
Gilts breathe out as chancellor manages to plot a way to safer waters without income tax hike.
Russia must make concessions as part of any peace deal, says EU’s Kallas
The bloc’s foreign policy chief says the focus must be on what the aggressor, not the victim, should sacrifice.
Why Rachel Reeves was never going to raise taxes on banks
Bank lobbying over rumors Britain’s finance minister could hike their taxes in the budget was intense and ultimately successful.
UK ministers warned of ‘emerging risk’ to gas supply
Britain will hit a gas crisis if a long cold spell coincides with a loss of key infrastructure, advisers say.
De Wever invokes Hercules to celebrate Belgian budget deal
Belgium’s prime minister rejoices over the long-awaited budget deal, which he compared to a “Herculean task” in lengthy Greek analogy.
European Parliament backs 16+ age rule for social media
Call comes as several EU countries prepare to restrict social media for kids.
UK budget leaks early in ‘unprecedented’ blunder
Crucial Office for Budget Responsibility analysis on Rachel Reeves’ plans available online before the chancellor’s budget statement.
EU probes Shein over sale of child-like sex dolls and weapons
Illegal goods trigger European Commission investigation into the Chinese e-commerce platform.
EU conservatives vote with far right to weaken forest protections
It’s the second time the EPP has sided with far-right groups to weaken environmental rules this month.
Von der Leyen: ‘We now have a starting point’ on Ukraine peace deal
European Commission president says “I cannot see any scenario in which European taxpayers alone pay the bill.”
EU will speed up Ukraine’s €140B loan, vows von der Leyen
The financial scheme to aid Kyiv takes on new urgency as Russia and U.S. discuss conflict endgame.
Trump backs Witkoff after leak reveals he advised top Putin aide on Ukraine deal
“That’s a standard thing,” shrugs U.S. president.
5 reasons why Ukraine will keep fighting even if Trump walks
If the U.S. administration pulls American arms, fighting on would be difficult but not impossible for Ukraine.
ECB has new plan to boost Europe’s global influence
The attractiveness of alternative backstops is rising in a financial system that may be losing its anchor.
EU countries seek urgent plan B to fund Ukraine
Officials are looking at an EU bridging loan to help Kyiv stay afloat if they can’t agree on using Moscow’s frozen state assets in time.
‘It’s an abusive marriage’: EPP’s far-right flirtation leaves its centrist allies stuck
“They betray us, but we keep going back to them,” a Socialist lawmaker said.
As potential Ukraine deal looms, France and Britain map out boots-on-ground role
Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday announced a new joint task-force — with U.S. buy-in — aiming at “finalized security guarantees” if a peace deal lands.
EU strikes deal on protections for cats and dogs
While Europe’s politicians struggle to agree on much, they can still unite to protect puppies and kittens.
European Parliament hammers Commission over anti-Kremlin ‘Democracy Shield’
EU plan to fend off Russian interference lands with a thud.
EU spending review: Winners and losers
One fiscal bad boy has finally turned good; while a former paragon of stability gets a slap on the wrist from the Commission.
Milkshakes and lattes slapped with UK sugar tax, health secretary confirms
The threshold at which the soft drinks levy is imposed will also be lowered.
Donald Trump is a hurdle to peace in Ukraine, say Brits
Nearly half of those polled by More in Common think the U.S. president is hindering peace, compared to 21 percent who think he is providing a boost.
EU Parliament votes to sue Commission for killing patents bill
Lawmakers argue that the EU executive overstepped its powers by pulling a bill to regulate the licensing of telecoms patents.
Top EU court mandates same-sex marriage recognition across borders
The Luxembourg-based court said a decision by Polish authorities infringed on a same-sex couple’s freedom of movement.