European Union

In today’s edition of The Capitals, read about Brussels' gentle approach to the US, the new trade deal with Ukraine, and the Italy-Albania migration protocol facing recent major roadblocks.

Ultra-fast fashion is radically reshaping Europe’s textile market - but at what cost? Flooding the market with very cheap, low-quality clothes fuels environmental damage and threatens local industries, such as manufacturing, retail, collection, sorting and recycling. Is convenience worth collapsing Europe’s circular economy?

This comes as the Parliament and other EU member states move to ‘defend’ traditional meat names.

Merz’s key ally and Germany's second-in-command, Lars Klingbeil, is struggling to unite his Social Democrats behind his pragmatist course, spelling trouble for the chancellor.

Pitched as a lifeline for public media, the reform aims to merge France’s fragmented landscape into a single, centralised structure.

Italy’s controversial deal to process asylum seekers in Albania may violate constitutional and EU law, according to the country’s top court – a non-binding opinion that could fuel legal challenges.

Orlen has formally severed all ties with Russian oil, ending a 12-year contract and marking a symbolic shift in regional energy security three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

A visible rise in the dynamics needed to yield a plant-based diet for Europeans is giving hope to activists that an EU action plan can produce long-term policy fruit.    

Ireland is tackling the growing problem of sexually transmitted infections now faced by most of Europe. Prevention and inclusiveness are at the centre of the new strategy, with an enhanced pharmacy role.

Maroš Šefčovič says he will do his “utmost” to reach a deal with US counterparts during talks in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday.

Until Europe’s leaders learn to leave their local feuds at the door, Brussels will not be able to deliver results at the pace the current world demands.

MISSION REPORT following the ad hoc delegation to Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates from 14 to 16 April 2025
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The deal includes safeguard clauses allowing trade restrictions if EU markets – or even individual member states – face disruptions.

The European Commission framed the data as a “powerful” mandate just days before publishing its 2040 climate goal proposal.

Members met with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Speaker of the Parliament Igor Grosu, several government members, including Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popșoi, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration of Moldova Cristina Gherasimov, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian and Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Development and Digitalization Dumitru Alaiba, as well as parliamentarians and representatives of civil society and think tanks.
The AFET delegation reaffirmed support for the ongoing reforms of the Moldovan government that aim to bring the country closer to the EU and highlighted the opportunities to achieve economic growth and a tangible improvement in people's livelihoods through the implementation of the Reform and Growth Plan for Moldova.
Mission report
Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

"You can't change geography – Turkey will always be a neighbour state to the Republic of Cyprus," the Cypriot president said.

“You grow it or you mine it”, as the saying goes. Simple as it may sound, it highlights a fundamental reality of our life – nearly all critical resources come either from earth below or the soil above. As potato and apple farmers in the EU, we stand proudly on the side of growing.

Europe’s startup scene is dynamic, ambitious and growing – but when it comes to shaping the rules that govern it, the continent’s most innovative voices remain sidelined.

Greece is pushing ahead with a transitional compensation scheme for innovation, while also focusing on developing data infrastructure.

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP