Europe

Politics & Institutions

Ursula von der Leyen is expected to address Luxembourg’s MEPs on the Commission’s priorities, as well as on the alliances that will enable these to be realised. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Ursula von der Leyen is expected to explain her choices and alliances

Ahead of the State of the Union address, Luxembourg’s MEPs have set out their expectations. Whether it is strengthening defence, safeguarding social and climate achievements, or scaling back Brussels’ ambitions: their priorities differ, as do their demands of Ursula von der Leyen.

Marc Fassone • 15.09.2026

Luxembourg’s top ranking is primarily due to the way the indicator is calculated: Eurostat relates the total volume of rail freight recorded in the country to its population. (Photo: CFL)

Luxembourg leads the way in rail freight per capita

Ioanna Schimizzi • 14.09.2026

In his first public speech, Fedil chairman Alex Schumann made it clear: Europe may not lack ambition, but, like a manufacturer, it must “deliver”. (Photo: Paperjam)

Alex Schumann (Fedil): “We have a problem with implementation”

Thierry Labro • 10.09.2026

The European Commission is facilitating government action in response to the crisis, but its plan does not set any construction targets nor does it guarantee the creation of any additional housing. (Photo: Paperjam/archive)

Affordable housing: a European framework, but no new build

Marc Fassone • 10.09.2026

Promoting European procurement. A long-standing principle enshrined in the new regulations presented by the European Commission. However, we will need to examine the delegated acts in detail to see what will actually happen once the negotiations are over. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Public procurement: Luxembourg and the “buy European” initiative

Thierry Labro • 10.09.2026

Short-term lettings, vacant properties, second homes: Brussels is proposing a common framework to enable local authorities to take action. However, any restrictions will need to be properly substantiated and accompanied by an increase in supply. (Photo: Marc Koehler Associates, 2025/NA/Commission européenne)

Holiday lettings, vacant properties… the EU sets out a framework

Ioanna Schimizzi • 09.09.2026

Despite financial efforts, the EU will struggle to meet its military preparedness targets by 2030, according to a report published on 3 September 2026 by the European Court of Auditors. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Europe’s rearmament is largely ineffective

Marc Fassone • 04.09.2026

Shell has more than doubled its quarterly profit to $9.84bn, the second-highest figure in its history. Its chemicals and products division saw its profit rise from $118m to $2.9bn over the course of a year. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Oil windfall profits: Luxembourg rules out its own tax

Thierry Labro • 24.08.2026

Of the five main manufacturing sectors, the food industry has recorded the strongest growth in volume, with a year-on-year increase of 3.8%. Its output is now 11.2% higher than in 2015. (Photo: Shutterstock)

European industrial output recovered in 2025

Ioanna Schimizzi • 24.08.2026

“Cross-border cooperation has once again shown its importance, said Interior Minister Léon Gloden. Photo: CGDIS

CGDIS robot sent to Saarland over possible wartime munitions

Mike Gordon • 19.08.2026

How to navigate the implementation of the AI Act, which came into force at the start of August. (Photo: Shutterstock)

AI Act: businesses and non-profit organisations – who has to report what?

Thierry Labro • 12.08.2026

Although the main requirements will not come into force until December 2027, manufacturers must start preparing as early as 11 September. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Cyber Resilience Act: who will need to report what from 11 September

Thierry Labro • 11.08.2026

Ignazio Angeloni, a former member of the Supervisory Board of the European Central Bank, proposes establishing a “home-country-blind” regime for groups that carry out, or aspire to carry out, substantial cross-border business within the euro area. Photo: Safe

Angeloni advocates a European status for major banks

Thierry Labro • 06.08.2026

“Russia must pay for the destruction it has caused. And we are using the proceeds from frozen Russian assets to ensure that this happens,” says the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Europe recovers 1.4 billion from frozen Russian assets

Thierry Labro • 05.08.2026

It will be all or nothing. The Federal Minister for Labour, Bärbel Bas, is trying to hold the various parts of the agreement together, despite criticism from senior CDU figures. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Early retirement: Germany's compromise begins to crack

Thierry Labro • 04.08.2026

The cost of solar photovoltaic power, meanwhile, has fallen by nearly 90% since 2010. Battery storage, which was still a niche technology at the time of COP21, has now reached a whole new scale. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Ten years on, what remains of the Paris Agreement…

Thierry Labro • 28.07.2026

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