Editorial 18.09.24
The European front pages cover a variety of local domestic news and big international stories. Many papers within Europe report on the latest from the Middle East after nine people were killed, and thousands injured when Hezbollah members’ pagers exploded.
Some of the big European newspapers cover the latest from the EU as European Commissioner Von der Leyen has unveiled her new EU executive team that will help the bloc in facing challenges including wars in Gaza and Ukraine, migration, climate change, and economic competitiveness.
‘Barnier Seeks to Leave His Mark, Breaking With Macron’ says Le Monde. (FR)
Le Monde reports on the upcoming French budget. Michel Barnier, France’s Prime Minister, faces challenges with the upcoming national budget. The government is set to exceed legal deadlines for parliamentary examination, which could strain relations with parliament members. Economists urge cuts in public spending without stifling growth, and there’s a push for higher taxes on large inheritances to reduce the deficit.
‘Internal conflicts at chip production facility,’ leads Die Welt. (GE)
Die Welt reports Intel has stopped building its chip production facility in Magdeburg due to internal conflicts about government subsidies and rising costs. The original funding allocated for the factory is now a point of debate within Germany’s coalition government, leading to uncertainty about the project’s future.
‘Italy bet on Europe, Meloni choice pays off,’ says La Stampa. (IT)
La Stampa leads an analysis highlighting how Giorgia Meloni’s decision to align Italy with the European Union’s institutional framework has paid off. Italy is now seen as a key player in Europe after a period of tension between nationalist and Europeanist positions.
More EU News features on the front page with a report suggesting Ursula von der Leyen continues to hold a strong position in the European Commission, and Italy’s Raffaele Fitto has been rewarded with a vice-presidency. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sees this as a sign that Italy has regained influence in European politics, although there are concerns that the commission leans too conservative.
‘Von der Leyen presents a new European Commission,’ says El Pais. (SP)
El Pais also leads with the European Commission, writing the European Union is facing a crucial moment. “Ursula von der Leyen, has presented the structure of the new European Executive that will be responsible for facing the enormous challenges in a legislature very marked by economic security and industrial drive.” The article notes “Teresa Ribera, will have a very prominent role in the new team.”