EU

Soaring energy prices and potential supply disruptions are forcing the European Union to balance climate goals with energy affordability. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen stated the bloc will uphold its green transition, urging nations to invest in renewables despite delayed coal phase-outs in Italy and Germany’s short-term reliance on fossil fuels.

Hungary has increasingly wielded its veto power within the EU to obstruct decisions on Ukraine aid, sanctions against Russia, and budget matters since 2022. This shift reflects a new strategy, as experts warn the potential for deadlock now threatens the EU’s decision-making efficacy amid geopolitical challenges.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU-INC initiative at the World Economic Forum, aimed at simplifying company formation across the EU. The proposal seeks to eliminate legal fragmentation, allowing startups to operate under a single online system by 2027.

Lawmakers at the European Parliament are struggling to agree on the design of the digital euro, jeopardising its legislative path. Rapporteur Fernando Navarrete proposed an offline “e-cash” model, while some factions back user accounts on the ECB ledger. S&D’s Nikos Papandreou emphasised the need for payment sovereignty amid geopolitical change.

Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski accused Elon Musk’s SpaceX of “making money on war crimes,” citing allegations of Russian forces using Starlink for drone operations in Ukraine. This follows evidence suggesting a significant increase in Russian drone attacks enabled by the technology.

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